{more love} I heart Tucson

One of the highlights of our vacation in August was visiting Tucson.  I served my mission there 10 years ago and although I didn't have a chance to visit anyone or drive around too much, I really enjoyed being in this great city that I learned to love so deeply.  Driving down random streets brought back so many memories and emotions; I tried to savor each minute.  I had returned once before when Rob and I were newlyweds, and this time it was really neat to show my children where I served my mission.  The heat, the cacti, the U of A campus and the awesome lightening show were all the same. Even though my life had changed, this city I love hadn't--and I really needed that. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ was solidified as I walked (and walked and walked and walked) the street of Tucson.  That is something in my life that will never change--and for that I am grateful. I am grateful the Lord knows what I need and gives me experiences to prepare me for the joys and challenges ahead. 

In honor of this beautiful city I scrapped this LO for our vacation album:

And this one I did for Speed Scrap last night, it is of The Reno.  This train is located at Old Tucson Studios and has appeared in over 100 movies. Read more here

{more joy} Back in UT!

We are back!  Last week we went on a family vacation to (very) sunny ARIZONA where it was only 108 degrees :)  Now we are back and getting ready for Lulu to start Kindergarten next week & then for Buddy to start preschool the week after that.  We have had and will continue to have a fun-filled August.

For those who are interested, here is a recap of our vacation:

Saturday we drove four hours to St. George to play and visit with Brandon, Shaylah & Breah.  Lulu & Buddy had fun at the splash park with Breah while Squiggle stayed and had a nap in Breah's crib--what a nice, sharing, cousin.

Sunday night (about 10PM) we started our LONG drive to AZ where we met Grandma and Grandpa--aren't they adorable?  We were very thankful to G&G for letting go on this vacation with them and stay in a fabulous condo with great swimming pools.

We also got reacquainted with our cousins and had fun playing with them.

On Wednesday we drove down to Tucson and visited the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum & Old Tucson Studios.  Very fun, but very hot.

Thursday we headed back to Phoenix and had fun swimming and relaxing some more.  Saturday we visited the Chinese Cultural Center, then headed Brenda & Trevor's reception.  We attended in our nice dress clothes, but changed into PJ's for the long ride home back to UT.

So, we had a great time overall.  We got to see family members we don't see too much, play with Grandma & Grandpa A LOT, swim, and the best part--be together!