Spring Break Review

For Spring Break this year we headed down to the Phoenix, Arizona area.  I haven't been there since a quick trip for a wedding back in 1995 (or 96?)  And Brian went for a quick trip to watch his team (the Utes) in the Fiesta Bowl in 2005.  The weather was even hotter than I expected, since it's only April!  90's most days, topping out at 100 on Easter Sunday.  Perfect for swimming, but it's good we didn't go in the Summertime -- I wouldn't have left the hotel room.

On the way down to Phoenix we went to the Grand Canyon.  I have never been, and it was awesome.  It really is incredible to see it in person -- the vastness and the colors are breathtaking.  The boys liked it too.  Andrew enjoyed taking several pictures of the canyon on his 3DS.  Eric did much of a "Junior Ranger" activity booklet.  And Tanner enjoyed running around and jumping off rocks.  We took a .4 mile hike into the canyon, which was fun to do, even if it was pretty short!  Tanner still randomly cracks up and shouts "Donkey Poop!" a couple times a day.  (We saw some from the Mules that go down the trail.)

The boys wanted to swim every day.  The place had a great pool, and also had a splash pad and a kiddie pool which Tanner loved.

As mentioned in my last post, we went to an outdoor barbeque featuring some amateur bull riding.  I had high hopes, but was a little disappointed -- lots of waiting for a few seconds of bull riding.  But the boys enjoyed the show most of the time.  

One morning we went to the Railroad Park.  It had a miniature train that went around the park, a carousel, and a few playgrounds.  Also, a train museum where you walked through a train car.  It was interesting and the boys enjoyed the playgrounds.  The train car is a "Pullman" -- so even though it's spelled differently, I had to take a picture of my Poelman standing beside it.

We also spent an hour or so in Old Scottsdale -- it is much like other tourist towns like Park City, Jackson, etc -- with stores and restaurants and art.  Probably better suited for those who like to shop (rather than little boys who just want to buy candy.)  But here they are in front of a giant head statue.

One favorite part of the vacation was visiting some old friends.  Brian has a friend, Phillip, who he has been friends with since Jr. High.  I've always been impressed because Phillip calls Brian on his birthday every year.  Who is that thoughtful after 20 years of not living in the same town?  Not many.  Anyway, it was nice to meet him, his wife and their 3 girls.

After that we went over to my friends' house -- Amy was my roommate in college.  It was her wedding I went to in Mesa back in 1996.  And now, NINE children later -- Amy and Matt are as cute as ever.  The boys had a great time -- despite the fact that the youngest 7 kids are girls. :)  And here is a picture of Amy and her daughter.  Such a great family.

On Easter we found a chapel near the Mesa Temple to attend church.  Afterward we went over to the Mesa Temple to enjoy the beautiful flowers and watch some fun family films in the Visitors Center.  It was a good way to focus more on the Savior and the hope his Resurrection can bring to all of us.

So that's it!  We survived a long one-day drive home and are back in school and routine.  Hope you all had a great Spring Break too -- and Happy Easter!