Sunday, December 4, 2011

Surprise Party - Day 2

I got home from Arizona just after midnight this morning and  have had a busy day today.  It's always good to come home, even with the cold and the snow.

Yesterday afternoon Mickey and I went back to the Surprise Party - what a great way to finish up our stay in Arizona.  This little city sure knows how to plan community events.

As promised, there were elephants and camels and ponies and much, much more for the enjoyment of young and old alike.

These female Asian elephants were lovely gentle animals

They had interesting markings on their trunks and heads, and looked very feminine and sweet with their flowered wreaths.

As you can see, Tai has a Hollywood career doing commercials and movies, including Larger Than Life with Bill Murray


They seemed to enjoy performing, bowing and posing while carrying children on their backs.

It looks like she has freckles


One of the miniature Shetland ponies for the kids to ride on

And the camels gave kids a ride - not my favorite animal

The lower jaw seems to move in a totally unhinged manner

Mickey was embarassed to learn that this 'statue' was alive when she told me to pose with it/him

This super tall couple juggled their way around the park

This beautiful cockatiel sat on his post watching the crowds while his friends, the macaws slept the day away just beside him
 And then there was the antique car show - always a hit with the men and boys.



I loved this darling little 1959 Nash convertible.  It looks like a car a teenage girl in those days would have loved to drive to the beach.

I took this picture for my grandson Max who loves the transformers, particularly Bumblebee, who was modelled after this car...too cool!

And this was the style of car that was new when I was born - a 1948 Chevrolet, I think.

After spending a lovely time at the party, Mickey and I headed back to the house to get ready to head to the airport and our flight home in the dark.   I had a lovely two weeks down there, first with Lloyd and then with Mickey.  I'm looking forward to doing it again.

14 comments:

TARYTERRE said...

What a time you had. That was some party, Surprise threw. All the photos took me there. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit and I didn't have to pack or unpack. LOL Looks like alot of fun.

Granny Annie said...

It looks like a great affair. For some reason the elephants spark my affection and I want to turn them all loose. They are such majestic creatures.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

It looks as though the circus came to town there. I loved all the pictures! What a great way to end your visit. No doubt you are looking forward to your next trip.

just call me jo said...

We MUST go to the "Surprise" Surprise Party some day. Right in our own back yard and we've never gone. Glad you let me see it vicariously. But home is wonderful, too. Though I might be confused if I had two homes. Have a great holiday.

Mickey said...

I fell in love with those beautiful elephants and their wonderful sweet personalities! I love your photo 'it looks like she has freckles'. I have a couple pics that I cherish too. My dil, who is an artist, thought she would like to reproduce their markings & colouring! Aren't their flowers pretty?

Magpie said...

It looks like a fun time was had by all. I like the freckled elephant too! And you have to watch out for camels...they spit. Yuck! I'm glad you're both home safely and ready to snuggle in and enjoy your families for the holidays. I love your header picture!

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous party - brilliant to have elephants and camels!

Bev said...

Looks like so much fun!!
Welcome back!

Laeli said...

I live in a family of "car guys". They make fun of me for liking Nash convertibles. Boo to them! I'm happy I'm not alone any more:)

Southhamsdarling said...

What a wonderful party. I loved all the animals, especially the elephants! Expect it is now good to be home again, but I bet you're feeling the change in temperatures. No going in the swimming pool now!!

Belle said...

What a great festival! Lots to do and see for everyone. I think that is so funny about your wife being surprised at the statue. That happened to me in Las Veagas.

Haf Dozen Reasons....... said...

What a fun day out and away!!

I may have said this before...you sure do know how to have fun!! :)

JQ said...

Who told you that was a cockatiel. It's a cockatoo. Big diff.

Shoutforfood said...

that is fun. so many cars around.. i would love to be the driver.