Completed - FINALLY! - Spring Break Part 3

So, I had good intentions of getting right back on here and finishing up our Spring Break adventures - but got a bit sidetracked with life and stuff. Here are some pics to finally finish our trip - I know you've all been waiting on pins and needles. Our family with a rare sight for us - a Saguaro CACTUS - seriously, you Arizonans, may not make fun of us. Come on up and we'll show you 200+ foot pines and cedars in OUR backyard... This day we had gone on a hike in a "National Forest" - this made the kids laugh - wondering where the actual TREES were in this forest! And they whined most of the time cause of the "heat" - it was a whopping 80 degrees! I said, "Oh, you people know nothing." Then again, we're wearing shorts and feeling all summery when the temps hit 60 degrees at home. (That's my brother, Jake in the baseball cap, up front, with Aaron.)

Carly, Amy, Brianna, Aaron, Kenzie and Uncle Jake: That evening, March 31st, we attended the Easter Pageant at the Arizona Temple. This is one of the main things I wanted my family to experience while in Arizona. I have many fond memories of serving, giving tours at the Visitors Center and gardens and of the pageant. Gorgeous day and wonderful time!

Seats filling up before Easter Pageant - we were fortunate to have a friend of a friend of my sister, Becca's, save us seats in the front row so Brianna and Kenzie could see as much as possible:

While we waited for the pageant to start, Paul walked around with some of the kids and took pics. Love this one of the Temple at sunset:

Kenzie, Brianna, Amy and Carly cozying up while waiting for start time:

A few shots from the pageant. Christ healing a leper:

Entire cast at the end before Jesus ascends:

Final moments:It was SOOO much greater than I remembered from 20 years ago and I'm SOOO grateful my family and I were able to enjoy this together.

The following pictures are of family members who live in Arizona. Had a number of fun visits with them while we were there. This is Nathan, Katie's oldest: Kenzie, Aaron and Carly in the hot tub - Is Aaron enjoying this or feeling tortured?

Claire, Katie's youngest:

Lincoln, Jake's oldest:

Amy, Jake and Katie:

Amena (Jake's youngest) - absolutely chewable!:

Amy and Jake - I just like this picture:

A very pretty Katie:

Riley, Katie's middle (look JUST like Katie did!) She likes making this pose with her head cocked to the side every time a camera's aimed at her. So funny:

Mom, Amy and Katie:

Paul seeing how much of a beard he can grow on vacation:

It wasn't all just family - I did manage a couple visits with friends amongst everythng else I/we did. I went to lunch with Colette and Gayle at Cheesecake Factory (LOVE Jamaican Black Pepper Shrimp there) one day (sad I didn't get a pic taken with the three of us), then Gayle and her family came to visit one evening. It was great getting to know her family more. Sure wish I lived close to ALL I love and hold dear! Here is a pic of myself and Gayle. She looks great - I coulda used a little makeup or something - I'm looking a bit pasty!:

Great visit to Arizona and one that probably won't be repeated by my WHOLE family for a very long time. Thanks to all who hosted and played with us! MANY great memories were made - I have the pictures to prove it! Now everything that's been going on SINCE we got home coming up...