Arizona Trip

Dad and I had a chance to run over to Arizona to spend some time with my mom.  We try to see her around her birthday.  It has been so busy before and after her birthday that this was the first chance we had to get over there. 

We stopped in Palm Springs for a bite to eat.  Dad had research the #1 rated breakfast.  The name of the restaurant was Elmer's.  Their specialty was German Pancakes.    That platter was huge and delicious.   We had it with triple berry compote, but it was really great just with lemon and butter.  We split this monster along with some scrambled eggs and chicken-apple sausage - REALLY GOOD!!!

Our first stop in Arizona was at the home of the Buehners.  We had felt bad about not being able to go to dad's Uncle Walt Buehner's funeral.  It had coincided with Robb and Marybeth's visit to California.  We arranged to meet with Joanne Buehner, dad's aunt and some cousins.  It was a lovely visit with dinner thrown in.

Here is Dad with some of his Buehner family.  From left to right Jim Buehner, Randy and Jody Clawson, and Aunt Joanne.

Then it was off to spend the rest of the weekend with Grandma Hodgkinson.  She had saved some grapefruit for us.  Can you tell how huge they are?  They were delicious.  We even got to bring one home.

Saturday morning Terri and Lanse came over to Grandma's to watch the morning session of conference.  Dad had brought enough equipment to be able to connect things so we could watch it on the television.  After the session we dashed off to see Terri and Lanse's new home they are building, then watched the afternoon session at the Larsens.

After Priesthood Session we jumped into the hot tub.  It was warm out and the stars in the sky were so bright you would have thought you were deep in the mountains away from all civilization.

Our trip culminated with a Hodgkinson party at Barb's.  It was fun to see the Mike Larsens who were visiting from Oregon.  We also spent time with the Brendon Hurtados, Brodie and Jonathan, Amy and her family, Melanie and her family, and Mindy.  We were able to go see Brendon's finished backyard and were able to see the Rowley's there. 

It was a really memorable trip.  An amazing conference and super family time.  Doesn't get much better than this.