Arizona

Today (Wednesday, March 13) Danny, Jonas, Jeff and I flew to Arizona to enjoy a beautiful spring weekend in the desert. I have always flown to AZ for part of their Spring Break to attend a Spring Training game with my dad. Most years it is already in the 90s and pretty toasty by the time I get there, but this year it was only in the 70s and the desert was in full bloom. I was so excited to show Jeff and Danny the beauty of the desert in Spring and some places from my childhood. On Wednesday, we didn't arrive until around dinner time and simply spent the evening with family. The next day, Nichole, Kate, Jeff, Danny, Jonas and I took a drive to Payson...Arizona! My grandparents owned a cabin in a small little town just north of Payson. At one point, my family even owned some land adjacent to that cabin. Growing up, I spent many summer weekends up there. I remember rope swings, forts, Easter egg hunts, hiking, going to the local market, and lots of laughs. Those were the mountains I grew up with. Those were some of my fondest childhood memories. I wanted to share that with Jeff and the boys. It probably wasn't the most exciting day since there were a good 3 hours spent in the car (going to and from), but it meant a lot to me. We first drove straight to the cabin. A lot has changed over the years, but the memories haven't. I relished sharing stories about the fun adventures we would have there. We let the kids get out and stretch their legs. They scrambled up and down a little gully, and we even found a fun swing.

We then headed back into Payson, all while I was pointing out other little antique stores, ice cream shops, etc. that held memories for me. We stopped for lunch at a little hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant where Nichole and I shared the largest burrito I've ever seen!

Before driving back home, we drove up on the rim to get a better view of the beauty of this part of Arizona (and to find some more snow for Kate). Arizona will always be my state. That evening, we celebrated National "Pi" Day (because why not celebrate a day dedicated to pie) with pizza pie and my favorite, Arizona Orange Pie!

Friday (15th) Dad and I went to our annual Spring Training game. This was a tradition my grandpa started with my dad that we now carry on. No one else really cares to go, but I enjoy this special time with my dad. We arrive early, grab some hot dogs, scope out all the baseball fanatics, listen to the National Anthem, then enjoy the game. This game, the veterans in the crowd were asked to stand and be recognized as well. I know that means a lot to Dad. I am grateful for our little tradition.

While we were at the game, Danny got to go to an indoor game/play place, Main Event, while Jeff and Jonas went to my parents' house. Jonas played with Gma at the park and Jeff finished some work around the house. It has just been nice to not be regimented by busy schedules and obligations. We have enjoyed time outside in the sun, drinking in the intoxicating elixir of the orange blossoms, and soaking up the warm rays of the sun. Danny was also crazy enough to jump in the pool! It is still a little too chilly to do that...even in Arizona. Jonas wanted his swimsuit on, but never really got in.

Saturday (16th) was our last day in Arizona. This time, we decided to see more of the beauty of the Arizona desert by hiking Hieroglyphics Springs Trail. This is one of my favorite hikes. It is easy enough for little kids, but beautiful enough to keep adults in awe. Plus, at the end of the trail are little pools of water connected by a cascading spring. The weather was perfect and the desert was in bloom! There were bright spots of orange, yellow and purple flowers dotting the unusually green desert. The towering saguaro cacti provided a picture-perfect backdrop. Danny enjoyed the water at the end of the trail, but Jonas wasn't a fan. Jeff even tried to slide down the little stream with him, but he wasn't having it. We ate a picnic lunch and played in the water before heading back down to enjoy a last dinner with my parents and Michael.

Sunday (17th) came to quickly, but Lucky the Leprechaun didn't forget us! Yup...it was St. Patrick's Day and Jonas (and Danny and Kate) woke up to a fun treasure hunt leading him to some green/rainbow goodies. Lucky even remembered Dallin and Amber in Utah. We flew home in the morning and were even able to enjoy a St. Patrick's themed dinner as a family that night. I'm grateful for the chance I got to have Danny and Jeff (because Jonas is usually with me) come to AZ with me. I love sharing my state with them; but more importantly, I love spending time with my amazing family!