AZ trip in Janurary Part 1

 Back in January we drove down to AZ to visit my family and to see my brother Scott get married.  It was such a fun trip.  I love going to AZ in the winter time.  It's a great break from the snow and cold temperatures.  We were loving the 70 degree weather.  So nice!  We left after Rob got home from work on a Wednesday and drove to St. George.  We stopped at a hotel that was so new that the pool wasn't even opened yet.  The kids were kinda disappointed about that because the two reasons they love staying at hotels are 1. The TV, and 2. Swimming at the pool.  Oh well.  We left early the next morning and made it to AZ in good time.  The kids did amazing in the car.  It's the first time we have driven half way and taken a break in the middle, and I loved it!  It made the trip seem so much faster.

We got to grandma and grandpa's house and made ourselves at home. (the kids started exploring and pulling all the toys out immediately.) We got ourselves settled and bathed because early the next morning we had to be at the temple for Scott's wedding.

 Heading out of Utah.  It was pretty much rush hour, but we didn't get slowed down too much.

 And we got to see this beautiful sunset.

 The kids found our room.  The funny thing was that the hotel was brand new.  There were hardly any cars in the parking lot so we know they weren't even close to full.  They decided to put our family right next to another family that obviously had kids, but they all were up partying and making TONS of noise until like 11 or so.  We were all in bed trying to get to sleep, but it was impossible.  Finally they quieted down.  You'd think if the hotel was practically empty, they would space us out a bit, but no.  Oh well.

 Finley snuggled with us in bed for a bit before we put her in the pack and play.

 Welcome to AZ!!

 Grandma has the best toys!  The Sesame Street record player is always a favorite!

 Here we are at the Gilrbert Temple.

 The kids got to wait outside with my cousin Shannon while we went in to the ceremony.  I think they were pretty well behaved.  That was the report anyway.

 Finley just loved being with grandma and grandpa.  

 Cheese!  Trying to keep the kids entertained while we waited for Scott and Christie to come out of the temple.

 

 They both looked great.  

 After the pictures were taken, we all just hung out and then headed over to a yummy pizza place for lunch and dessert.  Finley was in a really good mood surprisingly.  (she hadn't taken a nap)

 Full of smiles!

 Then we went and hung out at Scott's place where we all just rested and relaxed for a while.  Finley had fallen asleep about 2 seconds after we put her in her carseat and then woke up when we got to Scott's house about 7 minutes later.  Then of course she was up and ready to play.  Silly goose.

That night, we went to a reception and had fun socializing and seeing my cousins and other family.  The next morning, we went on a hike that is right by the Phoenix temple.  We had done the hike before but it's a good one for kids.  So we went again.  The kids all did great.  Sadie and Zac led the way the entire time with grandma.

 Ready to hike.

 

 Made it to the top!

 Emery got a surprise when she lifted this rock.  A scorpion.  It scared her so bad that she cried for a long while after that.  She was finally able to shake it off and continue on down the mountain.  

 Rob was carrying Finley on the way down and the girl in the blue sweatshirt asked if she could take a picture because his shirt said "shoulder angel goes here" and Finley's head was popping out right where the arrow was.  She thought it was funny.  Rob asked her if she knew of Studio C.  She didn't.  She just thought the shirt was funny with Finley's head sticking out like that.  ha ha.

 I stuck with Riley on the way down.  She was getting a bit tired, but we made it as long as we stopped and took a few pictures.

 See the temple in the background??

 We made it to the bottom!  

I'll continue with part 2 soon...