Uncle Phil's Birthday and Scottsdale

On Friday afternoon, we spent some time touring Scottsdale prior to dinner with Nicolle, Jeff, and Parker (Paige's former co-worker and her family).  As we drove around in our Saturn Vue, we noticed all the high end cars in this part of town.  This area seems to have more of the higher priced stores, houses, and cars. This is VERY different from the poverty we saw in Loiusiana.  We saw where Taliesen is located and plan to view that Frank Lloyd Wright house in detail when we can take Paula with us.  We stopped at a grocery store called AJ's - wow!  This grocery store had a sushi bar, a humidor with wine tasting, and many unique already prepared items.  We met for dinner at Flo's which is an Oriental restaurant and had a very nice visit with Nicolle and family.  It was so good to see them!

Today was Uncle Phil's 80th birthday.  We planned a "surprise" party but knew that he probably wouldn't be too surprised as he could see the shopping and running we were doing the past couple of days.  It was a perfect day for an outdoor party - sunny and in the mid 70's.  There were about 30 guests and tons of food.  I tested my new convection oven by making a Chocolate Eclair Ring and it turned out great.  Everyone brought food and helped out.

Here are some of the pictures:

This is a picture of Uncle Phil and Elsie with friends Gene and Shirley who have a condo in Scottsdale and also live in Alaska.

Uncle Phil's cake was nearly a fire hazard!

Uncle Phil with his beautiful new birthday hat.

While we were enjoying the birthday party here in Phoenix, our good friend KJ was enjoying her 50th birthday party in Minnesota.  We wished we could have been there to congratulate her but will have to celebrate when KJ and Rob come to visit us here in March.  Happy Birthday KJ!!