Home Again, Home Again.... Time for some sleep!

The time came... the sad sad time... for us to head back to the cold. And cold it was.

We made it to the airport, perfect timing. We had an hour to kill and enjoyed some late fruit smoothies.

I was hoping we might sleep on the ride home, but no such luck. Everyone was WIRED. We used the bathroom and it was the funniest thing on earth seeing how the loud noise of the flush terrified Ella, and really, me too.

We don't want to go home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And yet, your own bed is pretty nice.

Papa, you are the best. Really, truly. What would we ever do without your generosity and kindness.

Memories. Happiness. You are the maker.

Thanks a billion times over dad.

Eternity looks good when I know I'm sealed to such thoughtful and loving family.

Loma Alta Trail- Saguaro National Park

Our third and final National Park of the trip! How freaking cool is that!! I love getting them out enjoying the earth!!!

Although, it was a bit hot.

And we had to carry Ella a bit.

And "supposedly" there had been sightings of killer African bees.

Which kinda threw Maria into a panic and she was NOT happy about the hike at all.

It said .8 miles, but that was one way which kind of fooled the children. IT FELT SO GOOD!!!! The sun!!! The heat!!!

But of course, I was short on water.

The cactus were in bloom and while there weren't a ton of blooms, when you saw them, you noticed them. Gorgeous!! This honestly was one of my most favorite hikes ever. It was such a different scenery with the saguaros and possibilities of seeing Gila Monsters! (Which we didn't see, alas)

There were butterflies and magical smooth rocks.

But really, it was the sunshine.

Pure intense sun.

Light!!

You can find love anywhere!!

I ran the last .5 mile, sorry lightly jogged, to get the car. Hooraaaaaaaaaaaay for air conditioning!!!

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Who would think that a cave would be so much fun!!

You think dark and dreary, bats and spooks. Yet it's well lit, there are sparkles, and it's amazing to be inside the earth!

Spelunking!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FDR commissioned work for young men in the 30's and 400 came down to make this cave a place for people to learn and enjoy.

The history was really interesting, they even had a part of the cave where they married workers to young girls from nearby.

Unfortunately, many people have stolen from the cave and a lot of the stalagmites were broken or damaged.

But still, very impressive when you realize how old the place is you are standing.

Also very grateful for light!!

A little boy at the beginning of the tour would NOT step a foot in the cave. I was really proud of my kids, they had no problems whatsoever.

Old helmets had chemicals to create a flame torch to light their way. I can't even imagine! Their tools were so primitive too in comparison to what we have. I don't understand how they can carve a cave and I can barely use a screwdriver to fix a cabinet.

Which I'm still in the process of.

Since it was the last day of the trip I let the kids choose whatever they wanted (within reason) at the gift shop. Eli got a stuffed scorpion, Ella got a bag of polished colorful rocks. Maria got a horse necklace. Christina got a stuffed bat in a purse.

We also took a small walk around the area. So different, yet completely beautiful.

This is the agave plant they use to make tequila! I loved them!! I thought it was aloe!

Tucson Temple

Oh course.... we had to use the bathroom.

But I was very thankful for the opportunity to go inside with Eli.

It was BRAND new. Just gorgeous.

And as always, the temple was very peaceful.

I could tell Eli felt this too. As we were walking to catch up with sisters, he asked if we could just stop and say a prayer.

I felt the spirit so strongly and after we prayed a simple prayer, I told him that he would one day be a great missionary for Heavenly Father.

He is a jewel. All my children are.

Uncle Bob & Robert

Man!! My heart be still!!! Uncle Bob was so similar to my Nana, his sister Freda.

It was so pleasant to be around him and his kind spirit. I honestly think it was my first time spending the day with a blind person. His step son Robert, who has other disabilities beside being blind, was so nice.

Truly, they were so kind and such a pleasure to be around.

Robert played his organ, which he learned by ear, and was exceptional. He also plays the accordion!!

I loved talking to him and hearing about his paper shredding work. They frequent the Native American casinos and live quiet lives.

I wish we were closer so we could spend more time together.

They had a very nice pool and braved the heat with us so the kids could swim. They never go by the pool and Robert said it was like a vacation and that they'll have to go out there more often! I loved describing things to him. I asked if it annoyed him that I did so, but he said he was happy to hear about it. I almost convinced him to go in for a swim too, but he didn't know where his swimsuit was.

It was HOT outside!!! 90 degrees at least!!! I can't even imagine the summers, but boy, did we sure enjoy it for vacation! And no sunburns!!!

This was such a fun little joint. At one point someone ordered their giant sundae and they made an announcement. As I was describing it to Robert, he was so excited! If we ever go down again, we'll have to get it!! THE ICE CREAM!!!!
It was on par with Ghirardelli Square!!

But as I said the sundae was as big as a bowling ball, Robert said he wasn't sure how big that was. Truly.

There is so much in this life that we don't appreciate.

I am so grateful for a Savior who helps us all and will one day restore all of us to perfect form. I don't know why people have to go through the trials they do, but I do know God will ALWAYS help.

Thank goodness there was a game room! The kids scampered off to play so we could talk. Uncle Bob has a nervous little chuckle just like Nana did.

Boy, did I love my Nana. She was the sweetest. And it was nice to be around Uncle Bob to remember her and her thoughtful soul.

Uncle Bob has had quite a few health problems. His wife died awhile back and so he takes care of Robert. They have a cozy little place. I always loved getting his Christmas cards, EVERY year! And now I have a face to put behind the cards.

So grateful for the opportunity to get to know him a little better and meet Robert.