Trip to the Desert Botanical Garden

Ann expressed an interest in seeing plants that were native to the desert, so we took them to the Desert Botanical Garden this morning. She took a lot of pictures and discovered that there was one plant that looked familiar - the aloe vera plant (in Thailand it is called "alligator tail"). The weather was perfect, especially when we sat in the shade under a ramada with a city view. Unfortunately, the view was a bit hazy from the dust that accompanied the wind. Diane cooked Thai for dinner (they had seconds!), and we continued our Yahtzee competition once Natasha was asleep. Grammy was the big winner in tonight's round.
On Friday I took Brian and Ann to Pei Wei for lunch. After Brian read the menu to Ann, she decided on a meal called "Thai Dynamite" which promised to be a spicy dish. Once the dish arrived and Ann had her first bite, she told us that it tasted like nothing she has ever eaten in Thailand! So, if you are looking for authentic Thai cooking, don't be fooled by the word "Thai" in Pei Wei's menu!! That night, two of Brian's friends since kindergarten came over to see Brian and meet Ann and Natasha. The timing of their visit was perfect as Jim and I were going to a wedding. Ann cooked a Thai dinner, and Brian was happy to have the chance to visit with them. Brian, Ann, and Natasha were sound asleep by the time we got home.