Tempe Visit

While in Arizona, Jessica and I along with the 7 kids made the trip down the mountain from Williams (6700 feet elevation) to Tempe (elevation 1179 feet) in only about 2 hours of driving. It was about 57 when we left Williams, and it was 100 when we got to Tempe. Tempe is the home of Uncle John and Aunt Joy and their family. For many years we enjoyed their hospitality at the National Independence Day Parade in Washington DC. The only time I have ever been to their house was in January 1993 right before my mission. It was wonderful to see them and their children and grandchildren. I had never met the spouses of two of my cousins and most of the grandkids. Most of them hadn't met all my kids so it was a big family reunion.

If you can't tell from the pictures, their house is a wonderland for kids. From the zipline and swimming pool to the Powerwheels Mustang and toy room (reminiscent of FAO Schwartz), my kids left wanting to know when we were coming back. They had a blast with their cousins and we all enjoyed the hospitality of the Arizona cousins. There were only 19 kids age 11 and under running around! John and Joy have eight kids. Five of them live in the area and spent their time to come visit and play with us (Xan and Adam with their five kids, Taylor and Anna and their two boys, Luke and Bonnie and their 4 kids, Hillary and her son and Katie). Wendy and Dave and their kids live in Montana and Meredith and Peter are at BYU so we missed seeing them.

The boys were much more impressed with the visit to Tempe than the Grand Canyon:) On the way down to Tempe, Alex looked out the window and saw the Saguaro cacti dotting the hills. "Look Mom, look, there are real cactuses out there. Are we in the desert? They are like trees. They are everywhere." "Look, mom are we at the beach? They have coconut trees like at the beach here (palm trees)."

It was a great trip, lots of fun, lots of visiting and we got to eat at Chick-Fil-A and shop at IKEA.

The zipline! Alex prepares for a journey across the yard.

Aunt Joy's Wonder Emporium!

Kensi is the only kid left in the room, but as you can see, it was well used.

Joseph and Alex enjoy one of the many bikes, scooters and toys available in the back yard.

Caroline enjoys a Capri Sun before a swim. The pool wasn't as warm as it has been since it's been getting "cool" at night (I think it was maybe 75:).

Cousin Hillary and son Harry read a book. I love this picture.

Cousin Katie holding Avy in front of her apartment. Katie has been on a diet and lost 28 lbs. She was on all of us to drink more water and eat fewer sweets. The zipline was her idea.

Joseph in the middle of the yard going down the zipline.

The splash toy was a great success with the kids. I think we had about 12 kids in it at one time.

The Mustang was very popular. Joseph, Courtney, Alex and Grace enjoy a ride with cousin Liam (I think, maybe it's Isaac?)

The pomegranate tree in their yard was beautiful. I'd never seen one before and loved how it looked. When we pulled up, Gracie said, "Look at those onions on that tree!" I guess I need to get my kids gardening:)