Our Arizona Retreat

A few months ago, my mom decided that she wanted to take all of her available children, their spouses, and her granddaughter somewhere over President's Day weekend because it coincided with the one year anniversary of my dad's passing.  We eventually decided to go Arizona for a few days.

Everyone but Taylor drove down in my mom's suburban last Thursday.  Taylor flew down after work that day.  We spent that first night with the Sorensens.  We got up and going the morning of the 14th with a full day ahead of us.  We started off at the Gilbert temple open house.  Since it was the second to last day of the open house and we didn't have tickets, it took us longer to get through than we anticipated, but it was worth it.  Every time we walked into a different room, Leila would stop and say "Woah, beautiful!"

From Gilbert, we rushed over to the Mesa temple where we wanted to go through a session with the Sorensens.  The Mesa temple is where my parents were married and sealed to each other for all eternity almost 30 years ago.  Being there felt like a fitting way to honor my dad's memory.  I am so grateful for the example my parents set by being married in the temple.  And I am grateful for the blessings of the temple that will allow us to be a family forever.  This knowledge has sustained me in the year since my dad died.

After a powerful temple session, we headed to Matta's for what proved to be a very long, frustrating dining experience.  But eventually we were all fed and we made our way to Remy (Taylor's dad) and Cindy's home for the night.  While we were getting ready the next morning, Jason took Leila across the street to a park for a little bit.

Then we were off to Eden for two days of relaxing at my grandparents' house.  We ate lots of yummy food, rode the four-wheelers, went to Pima Freeze, went to church (where we were sitting in the cultural hall and Leila kept wanting play basketball because she saw the hoops; goober), took a drive out to Pond #3 (creative naming, huh?), explored Red Knoll a little, and just enjoyed being together (and the warm weather).

Someone didn't want to leave the "beautiful mountain"

Leila absolutely loved playing with the two dogs.  They are both bigger than her, so I was surprised she wasn't terrified.  Most of my down time was split between watching her play with the dogs and taking her to see the horses.  She sure loves her animals!

Walking to the horses

Monday morning, Jori and Annie drove back to Phoenix where they would fly home and the rest of us loaded up in the suburban to start our trek home.  Along the way, we drove through Petrified Forest National Park and made a few stops.

Overall, it was a nice getaway.  It was certainly an emotional time for all of us, but it was nice that we were able to spend it together, minus our favorite missionary (who remembered and honored Dad in his own way)!

I can hardly believe it has already been a year since dad died.  And yet, in so many ways, this has been the longest year of my life.  Many days were long and hard but time did continue to march forward.  I am grateful for all of the great memories my dad left me with and I know that my family will continue to make good memories over the coming years that we can share with him at a future time.  I miss him fiercely, and always will, but above all else, I am grateful that he is my dad, that he loves me, and for the wonderful Christ-like example he set for us all.  Love you forever Daddy!