Smith family in AZ Mini-Reunion

It's our testament to the love that we have for our family that we were willing to travel to AZ during a crazy hot summer to visit them. It's a testament to their love of us that everyone so willingly made time to pack in so much family fun. Due to sunscreen and lots of water, when I think back on our time together, I'm filled with happy memories and not 2nd degree burns. Next time though, I vote Utah in the Winter! I know my way around a hot cocoa.

Fourth of July, our Lady lIberty!

Delicious pancake breakfast with the family. Some games after, including the ever popular game where you put the mouth thin from the dentist and try to speak a phrase. What fun.

A wee trip to the Visitors Center at the Mesa Temple.

Ryan and I were married here a little over 19 years ago. It's just as hot as I remember it. In fact, we cut pictures a little short right after the wedding bc I was feeling faint. Good times in AZ heat!

My son preparing to sink his teeth into his giant Burger.

I love the face he's making.

Grandma holding the limbo bar. And believe me, Owen could go low.

Ryan is trying to teach our youngest how to hula.

Looks like the lesson worked!

No pictures at the tubing down the Salt River adventure, but here is the "before" shot!

Norman got to play with Grandma and Grandpa during the tubing gun, but I don't think either of them minded. How lucky for my kids to have such loving grandparents. 

We had dinner at the infamous "Organ Stop Pizza." Picture a talented organist playing random tunes (mostly 1950's- 2005) whilst you eat terrible pizza. It's an epic experience!

After our Gilbert reunion, we headed to Prescott, AZ to spend some time at the Wright family cabin.

An unexpected but absolutely appreciated blessing was the thunderstorm that welcomed us into town.

I was hoping for the smell of the desert after a rainstorm; one of the things I miss the most about living away from AZ. Incredible.

We always hit this candle making shop in town where the kids like to dip their own candles. Fun.

Only $3-6, depending on what shape they choose to dup.

Norman had too much fun and just dropped where he plopped. 

Hanging out on Hot Dog Rick. That's what Ryan calls it, even though we've never eaten hot dogs there.

Checking out the Grand Canyon on our way out. It started sunny, then gloriously overcast, and then one more beautiful desert downpour.

Help back to the car. 

Instead of getting home Sunday night, we were delayed in Kanab by a flash flood. For real. Lucky for us, we pulled off the road in front of an amazing pizza place. Even luckier, the restaurant was right next door to a hotel that looked all sad and dumpy on the outside, but had clearly been beautifully remodeled on the inside. Unexpected bonus. In the morning, they delivered OJ, fresh cinnamon rolls, and greek yogurt with fruit and granola to our doors. Boom. Tasty end to a terrific AZ family vacation.