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:)
