It Wouldn't be a Trip to AZ Without...

A trip to visit Grammie at the Storehouse: Ben's mom's calling is a service missionary working at the Bishop's storehouse in Mesa. We were able to visit her for a few minutes. This is only a small portion of the service she gives to those around her day in and day out. 
(Ben had a week off in March and while we live only 8 hours from the fam in AZ we seized the opportunity to visit while we can!)

 A Trip to the Science Center: Okay, so we've never been to the science center before, but it has become a bit of a tradition to go to the kids' museum or dinosaur museum. This time it was the science museum.

 We had fun with this brain activity game, the person who was more relaxed was able to move the ball towards the other person, Ben's mom was determined to win and finally did (but not against Ben) :)

 Naomi was brave enough for the bed of nails!

A St. Patty's Day Treasure Hunt: We were in AZ last year for Brad and Jessi's wedding and we were able to stay the week which included St. Patrick's day. So this was the kids' second year at Grammie's for a St. Patty's day hunt, I don't know how we'll keep up next year!

A trip to Freestone Park: We tell the kids we are just going to feed the ducks, but they know better. They know that Grammie likes to spoil them a little and none of us mind! They got to go on the jet ski ride.

 and of course, the train:

 AND the carousel!

 AND we got to feed the ducks, but they weren't too hungry. We're so glad Nellie could come with us!

Stories with Grandad: Grandad is so fun with the kids and is always willing to read them a book, sometimes he makes up the words or tries to trick the kids with false facts. It's always entertaining for anyone in the room.

Time in the sand wearing dress ups: Ben's parents have made a grandchild wonderland in their backyard including 4 tons of sand.

 Our kids spend SO much time outside in AZ, especially when they have adoring and adorable aunts to play with them. Here is Aunt Noelle building a palace with the kids.

 Ben's sisters are so good to play with our kids and as a result our kids ADORE their aunts SO, so, SO, so SO SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much! Can you blame them?!!! Nellie with the girls on the trampoline.

 A long drive home: Since we know we most likely will not be making the drive from AZ to Cedar City again anytime in the near future, we decided to be a little adventurous and take a look at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. We've always passed it before, but always been too tired of driving and too ready to get home to stop. This time we stopped.

It was pretty cold and our coats were packed, so the girls headed out in their bathrobes and Will in a blanket. It was pretty, but we only stayed for about 10 minutes. We were ready to go home!

Thank you for such a wonderful week in AZ!