I thought of Mexico 20 times today...

The new thing I find myself thinking/saying every day, 

multiple times a day, 

is "Mexico!"

My Periodontal Office went to Mexico recently 

and we were able to bring family. 

(Thank you Dr. T!!!)

It was an amazing experience that I recall dozens of times daily 

with every ocean or tropical fish screen saver 

and beach reference song on music apps.

Delightful reminders are everywhere of beautiful Mexico 

and my favorite people!

Our office team is such a blessing in my life! 

(Sorry I'm in snorkel gear guys 

but I had 2 hours before I had to leave for my flight 

and could NOT pull myself out of that beautiful ocean!)

I'm soooo grateful that these branchesntwigs 

are always up for an adventure with me!

They're my greatest joy! <3

We loved Xel-Ha! 

No pics because we were too busy snorkeling!

I did get a couple of Zac riding a power snorkel.

Tulum was interesting!

A game I played with the little kids in our group 

was count all the iguanas you could see from one spot 

as our guide told about the history of Tulum.

The resort we stayed at had a nature preserve so animals abounded.

Do you see the little guy under the statue?

Here he is up close.

They were supposedly Mexico's "rats" and were all over but very cute.

My favorite sight was under that water!

That beautiful turquoise water!!

We spent hours and hours in that beautiful water! <3

Gathering shells, watching schools of fish and just enjoying the quiet.

THANK YOU DR. T!!!

Thank you Mexico!!!

<3

Do you do Dabke?

Our girlie is taking an Intro to Dance 1010

class this semester and that tickles me because
 she might ask me to attend some dance performances with her!

I got lucky this weekend as she asked me to go with her to 

the Repertory Dance Theatre performance of Dabke.

The music was an interesting Middle Eastern Folk and Arab Pop blend 

and was my favorite part of the evening.

Our girlie is the dancer in the family so she could appreciate

the modern dance more than I could. 

A side note - it's been many years

 since we've paid for parking in a SLC lot 

and they've made the best changes

 with these handy dandy little machines! 

They're genius!

"Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances."

-Maya Angelou

Spring break in the nighttime...

This week was the twigs' spring break from school. 

Zac needed to work so we couldn't go south to our beloved redrock.

We decided to make the best of it and play in the evenings.

(photo credit - Jason Carlton) 

We went to the temple 

(all except our poor Paul who had phlebitis 

and was stuck on the couch at home with his leg elevated). 

I went in to do initiatory work 

while the twigs and Meg'n went to do baptisms and confirmations. 

When I came out they looked surprisingly dry...

yup, the baptistry was super packed 

so they hadn't been able to get in. Oops! 

Another night, Paul and I were going to the Layton High School production 

of the Wizard of Oz for the Stake Single Adult group activity 

so we got tickets for the twigs and Meg'n to come along. 

It was a treat to see so many kids we know perform!

In between these activities, 

there was some board game playing and video watching. 

Another evening, our local missionaries came by for a visit.

Sister Christensen is an artist 

and painted this beautiful picture 

that they've made into a card with Elder Eyring's great quote. 

The week's activities ended with 4 hours of laser tag 

and some very sore thighs haha!

We'd like to do it all again tomorrow! 

So grateful for this precious little family.

<3

Easter tradition...

A few days ago we got this facebook message 

from our missionary and his companion.

We've loved this Easter tradition in our family

but we can't remember who we got it from.

Was it Darla or Stephanie?

Thanks, whoever you are!

<3

Like Hunter often says,

we all need Jesus. 

Happy Easter

"He is not here: for he is risen"

Giant salamanders, spitting snakes, and a fireman pole...

When the twigs were just little, 

one of our favorite places to visit 

was Red Butte Garden. 

We loved that beautiful green place, 

especially the children's garden area. 

Labor Day, we got a chance to get together 

with Sarah, Darren and their little ones 

so we headed to good old Red Butte Garden. 

Wow how things had grown!!

Talk about beautiful!!

The children's garden was still a favorite.

Hunter, do you remember climbing 

on these big salamander dudes?

The water feature snakes 

were a hit. 

and the guys made it through

 safe and dry one way, 

but something about coming back the other direction

 was a little trickier. 

Thanks for being a pal, Zac. 

There were koi in the pond and 

this little girlie sure liked them! 

When Sarah saw Zac 

climb the giant flower pot

she decided she needed to do it too.

Then this little guy came down the pole,

fireman style.

Good times  =D

Red Butte Garden, 

thanks for sharing the beauty you're creating

 in this dessert. 

Sarah, Darren and kids,

thanks for spending the morning with us.

We never get enough of you!