A Trip Back Home

On Saturday, December 27th we set out for our Christmas trip to AZ for a visit home. We arrived in the early evening and Brady wanted to surprise President Brimhall first. So we drove to his house. He first wasn't home, but as we were driving out of the neighborhood, he was driving in. We followed him back to his house and when we parked, Brady jumped out and President Brimhall jumped out and they gave each other a good long hug and had a nice visit.

This isn't a great picture because my flash didn't go off, but I couldn't leave it out.

We then went to the McCain's where we would be staying for the week. It was so great to see our dear friends. The next day we were able to attend our old ward Emerald Bay, and see all of our friends. It was emotional and a perfect Sunday. Sitting on our normal bench, Brad said it felt like we had never left. It was a special treat to have Sister McArthur teach Relief Society. She is my favorite teacher and one of my favorite people of all time. After church we met my Mom and Kelly at On the Border restaurant. She wanted to take us out to dinner and since everyone had been missing mexican food Brady suggested On the Border. Yum! It was fun visiting and seeing Kelly and baby Kristine too. She is adorable and has just a great personality. After dinner we went to Mom's house so she could open her Christmas present. I made her a memory DVD of our trip back to New York over the summer. For her birthday I made her a memory book of the trip. She cried and loved them both. This was taken later in the week when we visited Mom again. Kasey was at his friend Dallin's house so that's why he's not in the photo.

We then left and went to the Temple to see Carla and her sisters sing. It was great to be back at the AZ Temple which we love so much. The lights were beautiful.

During our stay Brady was able to stay the night with his friend Taylor Whatcott for one night and then spend the rest of his week with Alex Helvig. He was also able to spend time with Kim Otis and Jacob P. It was too bad that the Handy's were in Utah the same time we were in AZ. He also visited with Ben who was one of his leaders from Priests Quorum. I haven't seen Brady this happy since we left AZ in August.

Brinkley stayed with the Allen's (Kyle, Stacy, Jenna, etc...) they were so sweet and treated her to such a good time. She also stayed with Amber Olds and was able to hang out with her big group of friends. They had a great time at the New Year's Eve dance.

Amber's Parents

Kasey hung out with Jemesa and Onais Snuka and their family. I wish I had a picture of them. Kolby and Braxley were also able to come over later and Sister Snuka took all the kids to Golfland. That was a real treat. When I picked the kids up they didn't want to come home and begged me to come back later. The Snuka's are a wonderful family and we just love their kids. Jemesa and Kasey will be long time friends. The rest of the week Kasey stayed with his buddy Dallin Beaty. One day Kolby and Braxley were able to join Kasey, Dallin and Lacey at Bounce U. It was fun visiting with Pam too. Brad and I went to Guedo's for dinner with Pam and Rob. It's was Brad's Birthday and it was a treat. Yummy! We love Guedo's and now the Beaty's do too!Pam is the sweetest and a great friend! The week was full of the kids visiting their friends and us (Mom & Dad) being able to spend time visiting with the Otis', Beaty's, LaCilento's and neighbors. They are all great friends. The LaCilento's treated the kids to Diamondback Baseball Caps. That made their day!

Mark and Carla always served the most delicious breakfast and dinners. I felt bad when I was working in the morning and they were cooking breakfast. I did feel spoiled and we appreicate them so much for their hospitality in caring for us. I don't even have a picture of them! Another picture we don't have is of Stephanie Meadows. She's a great friend and Kolby adores her. She was the Primary President in our ward and Kolby always had a special connection with her. Her daughter even became Kolby's Primary teacher and he loved Sister Peay as well. Julie Peay is Ben's wife, who was one of Brady's YM leaders, as I said above. Kolby kept saying when we were going to AZ that Sister Meadows was going to be so excited to see him, and that he would hug her, and she would hug him and never let him go. He has a great self-esteem and knows who loves him!

The weather and the week was perfect. The kids were so happy to be there and the drive was not bad at all. Here's Brady and Brinkley sleeping. The kids were great!

We look forward to visiting again this year. I love the idea of going there went there is snow here and enjoying the perfect 70 degree weather! Thank you to everyone who made this trip so special for our whole family. We all have the greatest friends!