Saturday, April 21, 2018

Sisters Trip 2018 (Scottsdale)

After thinking that we weren't going to be able to put together a sisters trip this year because of conflicting schedules, we were able to throw one together in just a few weeks.  And not only did we put it together, we had eight of the nine sisters able to go.  Janis has never been on a sisters trip because of work and school but this year she was able to swing it.  

Scottdale was chosen this year because of the need for WARMER weather.  And warmer weather we got!!  It was in the 80's the few days that we were there!  Loved that!!

We left on Monday April 2nd and had a short 1 1/2 hour flight to Phoenix.  After arriving to Phoenix and collecting our bags we had a bit of a nightmare situation with getting our rental car.  HUGE lines and it took us TWO HOURS to get our car and get out of there.  Not fun.... and we were all hungry at that point so as we got into Scottsdale we stopped at Olive Garden and had a wonderful Italian meal.  Our server was really friendly with all of us "older" women and he made our dining experience really fun!


Darla was able to procure a home for us in Scottsdalefor a pretty good price.  It was an older home with four bedrooms.  The living area needed to be bigger for our big group.  There wasn't even enough places for us all to fit so we had to bring in some kitchen chairs.  It DID have a pool in the backyard (which was too cold to use) and a jacuzzi on the patio (which we DID use:)  This home served us well for the few days that we were there:)



On Tuesday we drove out to the west to Superstition Mountain and Goldfield Ghost Town.  We thought we might go through the Superstition Mountain Museum but discovered that it was mostly about geology so we bypassed that but some of the girls enjoyed buying some fun western themed trinkets in the gift shop.  
We enjoyed walking around the grounds and taking pictures in the old west setting.








Next, we drove the few more miles to Goldfield Ghost Town.  We were hoping to get some lunch at the restaurant there (cause we were all really hungry) but discovered the restaurant was a saloon and some of us didn't want to eat in a bar atmosphere so we walked over to a little outdoor grill area and ordered some food from there.  Actually, it turned out really fun because we got to eat outside on a patio and just really enjoyed everyone's company:)


Afterward, most everyone got a some ice cream.  The waffle cones were being made fresh and they smelled sooooo good!  Karen got her favorite.... black walnut:)


Darla, Karen and I took the gold mine tour.  I really liked it.  It was so informational and I learned a lot.  I was in awe of the working conditions that the miners had to go through.  
What a hard life they had!


We also got to take a little train tour around the town.  It was kind of cheesy but still a fun thing to do.  We made a memory:)


Kathy and I waited til just before leaving to get our ice cream.  We were holding out but the smell of those waffle cones was just too tempting!


The next morning (Wednesday) a few of us wanted to go to the Gilbert Temple.  I had never been in that particular temple and I wanted to get in.  (what with my temple goal this year and all:)  The Gilbert Temple does not rent clothing and some of our party did not bring their temple clothes so not all of us went.  DeeAnn actually did not bring her clothes but took her chances that they would have some there for her to use and they did:)

The Gilbert Temple is really beautiful!  I mean really. beautiful.  It has a very similar floor plan of the Payson Temple (stained glass and all) and I've already mentioned my feelings about THAT temple on my blog.  We went through a session with some family names that Janis had searched out and brought along.  It was a wonderful experience:)


I had to get a picture of this waterfall on the south?? side of the temple.  The grounds were gorgeous!!

After the temple we returned home to find that the sisters had provided us with sandwich material for lunch.  I enjoyed mine out on the back patio in the peace and quiet and warmth of the day!  After spending some time getting some sun around the pool we decided to go into old town Scottsdale and do some shopping.  

I found a little shop and decided to buy some fudge to take home to Rick but discovered that my wallet was missing.  You know that feeling:(  Not good.  I had all of my money and credit cards and id in my wallet.  I knew I had to go back to the house to see if I could find it there.  Kathy was so nice.  She would not let me go on my own.  She insisted to come with me even though we had a short time to do our shopping.  Luckily, as we were searching the bedroom she spotted it on the bed.  Such a relief!


That evening we met Robert and Mary and their kids, Ashley, Kelsey, and Cameron at a Mexican restaurant in Old Town.  It was Robert's birthday and he gave up his birthday night where he could have done anything he wanted and he chose to come celebrate with his aunts.  Wasn't that sweet!  We sure enjoyed time spent with all of them.  They are such a cute family.



The next day was our leaving day.  This was a relatively short trip for us and truly I would have loved to stay at least one more day but these girls have some busy schedules!  (Mostly temple assignments that they had to be back home for.)  DeeAnn made sure that we all had a cowgirl hat to take home with us (and take a picture in).  Janis is not in this picture because she was taking it!


Before catching our flight we stopped at the Mesa Temple (where they DO rent clothing) to attend a session.  This is one of the most interesting floor plans in a temple that I have seen.  Very different.  I love the look of the outside of it.  Just really nice.  It is one of the oldest temples around and is getting a new makeover in the near future.  Of course, the important stuff is what goes on inside.  I enjoyed being with all of the sisters and doing temple names that Kathy had researched.  

Temple work is glorious!



This ends our 2018 Sisters Trip review.  It was a good few days spending time with some of the most wonderful women I know:)

Friday, April 6, 2018

2018 Easter Egg Hunt

March 31, 2018

We had our annual night time Easter egg hunt after the Priesthood session of General conference.  Each year I think we will get by without it and then a few days before Easter Rick says, "hey, we need to plan the Easter egg hunt!"  Of course, I just say, "ok, honey" and start to get things planned and ready.  Kathy and I prepared all of the eggs, and this year we had the opportunity of hiding them as well because the guys were at Priesthood Meeting.  

In the end I am always happy that we did it because everyone seems to have a good time.  Sarah came out on top this year finding BOTH prize eggs.  Whether it was cash, prizes or good ole' candy everyone found a little bit of something:)  











Tending the Boman Kiddos

For Brach's 30th birthday this year, Kendra planned a trip to Austin, Texas for just the two of them.  While Brach's birthday is on the 8th of March they couldn't get away until the 20th when Brach had his spring break.  

We had the great fun of tending Rafe and Scout while they were away.  Brach and Kendra left on a Tuesday and returned on Saturday.  That meant we had four full days with them!

The first thing that is fun with watching the kids is fixing Scout's hair with a "Rupunzel" braid complete with a bow.  I made sure she had a pretty bow to match whatever the was wearing each day:)


Cereal was the preferred breakfast choice for Rafe!


We got to go to the McDonald's play place one afternoon for lunch......


....the kids had fun playing while I finished off the fries!!  I have no will power when it comes to those things.


On our temple night (Wednesday) Sarah watched the kids for us.  They enjoyed being with cousins as you can tell!


                        Bath time!!


                   One morning the kids turned their pancakes into monsters.
                   Oh, the imaginations of children!



One afternoon we had a play date with Henry and Charles.  (Haivyn couldn't come:(

We made a fort in the kitchen and ate mac n cheese and apples in "the clubhouse".



Next the kids painted an easter decoration (no pics of that) then decorated cookie cups with frosting and chocolate m&m's to look like bird's nests.  We loaded them up in the wagon and took them to the neighbors.  Of course, we had plenty for ourselves!
I am so glad Sarah was around to help keep things in order!







Little sweethearts!!


On Friday,  Rick took the day off of work and we invited Sarah and Kaitlyn to bring their kids along to the aquarium.  That was one place that Rafe really wanted to go while he was with us so we made it happen.  The six of them were quite a group of little ones to keep track of in that busy place.  We all had a good time though.  

Haivyn had a major breakdown as we were leaving.  It's very ingenious for businesses like this to force everyone to exit through the gift shop but when grandma and grandpa aren't buying it's not so easy or pleasing to the kids.  She through a complete tantrum as we were leaving.  I mean throw yourself onto the concrete path and scream like a banshee kind of tantrum.  Oh boy!!  Good thing I know how to handle these types of things without losing my cool.....too much:)

While it wasn't fun dealing with it at the time,  I have to smile about it now. 












One last thing that we did was make cookies Friday night before movie time.

Toll House Cookies......so yummy!  And grandpa is one of the best cookie makers out there.


It was a fun time spending the week with our cute Rafe and Scout!
We sure do love them!