Things I've Learned About Phoenix!

I had a true desert moment today. I was driving along and looked ahead at what seemed to be a lake of water in the middle of the road... of course it was a desert mirage, and once I arrived at "the spot" it all disappeared!

Phoenix is a great city! It's the 5th largest city in the U.S. Yes, it's a desert. Yes, it's hot (although we haven't really gotten to REAL hot yet). Yes, it's also a city. Yes, it's growing.

We are still learning about cactuses, scorpions, and desert-life, but we are adapting pretty well. Here are a few things I've learned in the 3 months we've been here...

- As a family, we consume just over a bottle of sunscreen per month.
- Last week, we were in the pool everyday (pools are a blessing!).
- Always carry chap stick with you. We apply 3 times (or more) daily.
-  A cooler in the back of your car is a common thing.
- We always have drinking water with us, wherever we go.
- It takes about 20 minutes to get just about anywhere.
- We love the parks here! Splash pads, fun equipment, shaded canopies, you get it.
- We get excited on the rare occasion that it rains! Although, monsoon season is approaching...
- A 75 degree day is a much appreciated "break" from the heat.
- We love our little RV park community. The staff are great, and there are finally some kids here now that the snowbirds have left.
- A black light will allow you to see the scorpions "glow" in the dark. It's so cool!
- Driving is messy. Busy. We know when not to get on the 101 or I-17.
- There actually is grass in some of the nicer areas, but most of what we see is "fake" grass.
- RV living is nice. It's simple. It's hard at times, but we are mostly enjoying it.
- Houses go "off" the market just about as soon as they go "on".
- AZ schools are very much in need of reform. #redfored
- AZ was voted the most pro-life state. The Phoenix House of Prayer has been praying for more reform from the government, for pregnant mamas, and for God to show us how we can take action. There's much more work to be done to end abortion, but now is the time to speak up and stand up.
- There are no (or little to no) mosquitos. (Hallelujah!)
- You can be in a nice neighborhood and drive a few blocks in any direction and suddenly be in a not-so-nice neighborhood, and vise-versa, even in Scottsdale! ;)
- In the first 2 months of living here, we met up with 7 Michigan families right here in AZ!

Thanks for reading. For fun facts on Phoenix, go here: https://www.visitphoenix.com/media/media-kit/fun-facts/

Tori