Our Blessed Nest: Arizona Trip 2016.

When we got married, we planned on visiting Matt's mom in Arizona about once a year. Easter naturally became the perfect time for a visit since it's still chilly in SD but sunny and 80 degrees in Tucson. It also means we get to spend a holiday with Matt's family.

Well, four children later, once a year turned into four years. Evelyn had never been there outside the womb, and the other children were barely able to remember it, so it was a top priority to go this year. As a family of 6, traveling by plane costs a small fortune, but we have no regrets! It was a wonderful visit, well-enjoyed by all, and we definitely won't be waiting four years until we return again!

So, it's been a few months, but here is a photo recap of our trip to Arizona.

Lots of photos, few words: Arizona Trip 2016 in a nutshell!

Favorite part of Arizona, Grammy and Grandpa's house!

A trip to the Desert Museum:

Ella still likes snakes...sigh.

Thompson cactus!

I had to take a picture of Nathan because I had such an enjoyable time at the museum with him. Instead of keeping up with the group we walked slowly through and observed and discussed several of the different plants and animals. We were amazed at how beautiful the dessert can be when you get down close and look at it. God is such a wonderful Creator!

Bedtime stories with Grammy later that night.

Next day-getting ready to go horseback riding!

It was a very casual setting; no pomp, no real structure...manners and business etiquette seemed to be optional as well.

These places sometimes end up being the most fun. Everyone gets to relax and enjoy themselves. We ended up waiting over an hour for our horses to all be ready, but the kids got to run around in a covered pen filled with goats, ducks, chickens, lambs, and other farm animals (including a tortoise). It was great!

Nathan and Logan definitely enjoyed chasing the ducks around the most. They were able to grab a couple, but they definitely missed a lot!

Finally, time to ride horse.

Evelyn got to get on first to see how she would do. Not well. Thankfully she had a very patient, gentle horse. Once others started getting on their horses, Evelyn warmed up to the idea. She ended up riding Stormy for the full hour without ever complaining, a real cowgirl!

The kids were all very into whose rode which horse (which we had no say in).

Here's Uncle Josh on Blacky.

Grammy on Nugget.

Ella on Wilbur.

Julia and Annie.

Nathan and Buddy.

Addie and Molly.

Grandpa Joe on Kimmy.

Matt on Pal.

Matt and Pal were a sweet pair. They brought up the rear (right behind Goody and I). I found out that both of them were highly reliable and hard working, but also a little obstinate and head strong. They bonded.

Following the trail ride, we had hot dogs and baked beans for lunch.

For dessert, cupcakes to celebrate Ella's birthday!

Next day:

Start off with some egg dying,

then hiking at Sabino Canyon.

Everyone loved hanging out in the small stream. The boys were also highly interested in a small "cave" they found. Thankfully no mountain lions were discovered!

Next day:

Egg hunt!

The boys probably did about a hundred potato sack races. We started making them bring their prizes back because they were piling up too much stuff.

Everyone was very amazed by a local magician. He was pretty good.

Later on we went swimming, then watched a few episodes of the Andy Griffith Show. Aunt Elaine and Uncle Danny drove down from Phoenix for the afternoon.