Spring Break...Day 4

I am so glad that we were able to stay at Grandpa and Grandma Neibaur. They are such great examples to me. They are always serving their family, friends, and the Lord. And they enjoy life and have fun while they are serving. I loved visiting them and I am forever grateful for all that they do...



So we left early Thursday morning in hopes of getting to Las Vegas in the early afternoon.... LOL!! Oh my goodness...I don't think that we could have gotten any more lost!! We tried to go a different route due to construction on the Hoover Dam...but due to construction, roads on maps that didn't exist yet, and our own navigational errors....let's just say we were WAY behind time!! And we ended up going to the Hoover dam anyways!?!! But we still had fun and enjoyed the drive....mostly ;0)

The joshua trees...


Lake Mead...


Finally we made it to Las Vegas. Joe was so excited with the lights, he had never been south of Utah. It was like watching a kid in a candy shop. Too much fun!! We stopped at the Las Vegas Temple. Again, the grounds were so pretty...











We then traveled towards the strip. It was chaotic and busy, but I guess that's Vegas for ya. The Luxor...


Treasure Island...


Then we walked through Ceasar's Palace...






Joe's every dream...under one roof. If only it wasn't so expensive...




We watched the Bellagio water show...





And hurried back on our way home. We made it home Friday morning at 5....!! So sad, I wish that we had an extra day to enjoy Vegas and St. George, but I had to run home for school labs in Ogden. But that's ok...all the more reason for more trips!! Thanks, Joe, for coming with me, and for such a great time!!

Spring Break...Day 3

Grandma and Grandpa took us on a beautiful drive along Suspicion Mountains. I couldn't believe all of the cacti everywhere!! I know that there are prettier places in the world...but this has definite unique beauty to it...

Joe, Grandma, Grandpa, and I in front of the Canyon Lake...




Tonto National Forrest...




Joe and I at a Ghost Town just outsid of Mesa...where I tried some cactus fruit fudge....YUMMY!! A definite must if you ever go there...


Joe and I were able to visit Brandon and Marni Davis and their cute little family. I hadn't seen them for at least 3 years...they had a new baby girl just a few weeks ago. Such a cute and adorable family.

We then went to the Mesa Temple to walk around the gardens. The temple was closed due to the Easter Pageant, but the grounds made up for the disappointment!! It was PERFECT!!





I asked Joe what he was doing...and he said he was pondering the mysteries of God...my posing little friend ;0)


Grandpa said that this is an olive tree that came from the Garden of Gethsemane...


That night we attended the Easter Pageant: Jesus the Christ. Everything about it was so well done. They built a stage that had a scenery depicting Jerusalem. It started out with the story of Adam and Eve, and the necessity of having a Savior redeem us from the fall and our sins. Then it went throughout the life of Christ, showing the many miracles and teachings from the New Testament. It was choreographed with the program recorded for the voices and singing. I can't believe how many volunteers they had and how many hours were given. This was the reason why I decided to come down at this time. It was fantastic!!

Spring Break...Day 2

We headed out early in the morning. We drove for around 10 hours!! Talk about a long drive...however, it was an amazing drive.

We were able to drive through Monticello and saw the temple...


I loved the landscape along the borderline of Utah and Arizona...


Believe it or not...there were signs warning about horse crossing. So I joked around about there being "wild horses"...and lo and behold, there were horses that weren't fenced in and looked very shaggy...I think we just saw our first wild horses ;0)...


We got to Mesa in the afternoon and had to enjoy the palm trees and cacti. I am sure that the locals got a good laugh with us crazy tourists and taking pictures along the roadside. But that's what makes a trip fun, right?...






We were able to meet up with an old roommate/classmate of mine with her husband, Tanya and Justin. I don't know why I didn't get a picture!?!! Oh well, it was so much fun to see her again and get caught up with her life. She was so cute and pregnant, ready to deliver any day. I loved seeing her!!

We stayed at Grandpa and Grandma Neibaur's house. It was SO fun to see them!! They are doing so well, and seem to enjoy working in the temple. There house is so nice, and I am grateful that they let us stay a couple of nights with them. Thank you and I love ya tons and tons!!

Spring Break...Day 1

I know that there is no reason to complain....but I was in desperate need of a break from school and work!! I was so grateful when Joe was able to come with me on a road trip. We left on Monday to go to Moab. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to the National Arches since I was in elementary and saw the Delicate Arch. You can imagine my excitement!!

We hiked the garden trail...


Landscape Arch is the longest Arch in Arches National Park, measuring 306 feet from base to base. Doesn't it look amazing!?!


The beautiful snow capped mountains...


Some of the red rock along the trail...


The trail started out so nice...there were distinct nice trails...and then we decided to venture further...what a mistake!! Actually, it was really pretty, just crazy climbing up the sand covered rock piles...


Just outside of Devil's Arch...




By the time we finished this hike, our day was almost over...and I was exhausted!! Next time, I will plan better and have a couple of days to enjoy the hikes and arches. We went out to Manuel's, which my home teacher recommended...so good!!

Moments with the Bares ...

Earlier in February I had a Harry Potter night with Jared and made Valentine cookies. I had so much fun with him!! It's amazing how smart he is and remembers all of the details in the books that he has read. I am so proud of him. I wish that I would have gotten pictures pictures with him, but it didn't occur to me. Oh well...

Then a few weeks later, I invited the girls over for a tea party. We had some apple juice, heart shaped sandwiches, carrots, grapes, and then cupcakes. Then we watched The Lady and the Tramp...

Jenna...


Aimee and Alyssa...


Jenna and me...


Aimee, Alyssa, and me...


Then we went to Jared's basketball game. It has been fun to watch him throughout the years and see how much he has learned. He is quite the player...



Jared's dad, Jeff, was his coach. What a lucky kid to have his father so involved in his life. The Bares are such great examples!!