South of the (Utah) Border

Soon after last Thanksgiving, Bruce and I said to each other, "Next time we go to Phoenix, let's go when it isn't a holiday so we can just relax. Maybe during Spring Break?" Spring Break, as it turns out, was Easter, Conference weekend, and Bruce's birthday- so much for a less action packed visit! We've been having fun anyway. We drove down on Friday- we made the traditional stop in Santaquin at the Family Tree for a delicious scone and vegetable beef stew lunch, then we drove and drove and drove.

We made a quick stop to let the girls stretch their legs at the dam in Page. Other than a quick dinner break, we were all business and pulled into Gilbert by 10:30.

Saturday we met "The Uncles" for lunch at Oregano's. "Where Burke?" Kiki began asking as soon as she woke up.

The Easter Bunny found us in Phoenix! The girls were more than thrilled.

The candy orgy continued at Grandma Hatch's.

Kiki has had fun reacquainting herself with her Hatch relatives. "Hi! What's your name? My name is Kiki Hatch. I just tooted." is what she said to Aunt Cheryl.

Since we (the Hatch's) were all together for Easter, it was a good opportunity for some family pictures. Lirio was our photographer, and since we were all relieved that we were NOT the photographer, we tried to cooperate. These are not her photos, just my snapshots.

Back: Mark, Bruce, James, Burke, Brett.

Front: Cheryl, Mom, Dad, Christy.

Family photos bring out the best in us.

Really, truly the best.

Christy, Tiffany, Cheryl, Becca, and Lirio

Cheryl knew I was getting stressed out, so she calmed me with a butt massage.

The boys.

I must explain that the tree photos are a family joke and highly unlikely candidates for custom framing.

After a long cold winter, an afternoon at the pool seemed like heaven to the girls.

So far, we are having a great time!