Arizona Trip Day 3 & 4

Like I said in the previous post. We got sick from the food at the wedding. This made for a VERY low key 3rd day. We didn't go too far from home at all! We did however venture to AZ Mills Mall to do a little shopping. I got a new pair of shoes and Sarah and John found some treasures as well, mostly for the babycakes but it was fun! We were all so sick and tired that we went to bed early.

To make up for the day that we were sick and it being our last day we got up super early on Fri. We headed for a hike up South Mountain. It was a nice hike and I am glad that we went early before it started to get too hot!


Sarah, John, and I atop South Mountain


We then headed to tour the Arizona Cardinals Stadium! It was amazing!!! I had a great time! We had a great tour guide who knew a ton about the stadium and made it fun. It was the best $7 that John spent! Thanks for paying by the way!!! Brenda's husband had gotten us lunch so we ate on our way to the next stop.


Inside the stadium

The turf that rolls in and out

We got a tour of the locker room!

Me inside the locker room--too bad we couldn't go in the Cardinals!

Leaving the locker room, heading to the field

We then headed to see where the other Arizona teams play. We snatched a look at the Diamondbacks stadium and tried to see the Suns but couldn't get in. It was fun though to see parts of AZ that I never saw as a missionary. We then headed to the Mesa Temple and visitors center. I wanted to show Sarah and John where I had served for part of my mission. It had changed a lot but it was still fun to see. We even drove by the apartment on our way to Queencreek!

The Diamondbacks Field

The Temple

Queencreek was my favorite place on my mission. While I was there it was a rural farming community. I have been back a few times since my mission but this time I could hardly believe what I saw! I was amazed at the growth. We used to have to go about 30 minutes to do any shopping----there is now a Target in QC!!!! If only we had had it! But I know that I wouldn't have like it as much if it was the way it is now. One of the things that I loved was it being away from things. We had the chance to see the Reed Family or what is left of their kids at home. They were super good to me while there and it was fun to visit with them and let Brian show Sarah and John his blacksmith skills. He even gave us all diamond rings!!!

We then headed to visit the Oberlys. It was fun to be able to visit with them and catch up for a bit since we didn't have much time at the wedding. We were tired from our full day and headed home to get ready to leave in the AM. It was a much needed vacation!!! I hated being sick and too a few days to recover once home, but it was fun to visit a place that I love and maybe just maybe will end up in again!

Thanks Brenda and Don for your great hospitality! It was fun to meet you Don and great to see you again Brenda!