Arizona, Utah, and a HOMECOMING!

The girls and I were able to visit Arizona and Utah for 2 1/2 weeks. We saw lots of family, attended Rob and Aleesha's wedding (post below), and got to pick up Scott from the airport upon the completion of his mission.

The "Welcome Home" Committee. From left: Amy, Abi, me, Aleesha, Natalie, Rob, Angela, Emily, Ashley, Grandma Idaho, and Papa Idaho. We missed Aaron and Lacey's fam! They showed up the next day.



I thought Aleesha was such a good sport. She and Rob had their wedding photos taken on top of meeting Scott at the airport. She braved the airport with wedding-ready hair. :)

I was a bit nervous that Abi wouldn't actually hand over the balloons when Scott showed up...

My worries were unfounded. She handed them over quick as can be, and developed her first crush on Uncle Scott nearly as quickly...

Natalie wasn't shy about greeting her Uncle. :) Big surprise.

Angela's "Last Day of School" candy-bar cake. Can't believe she's going to be a Junior in the fall!

Abi playing a bit of Frisbee in the backyard of the mission home.

We took advantage of the super hot weather, and abundance of swimming pools to have some fun. Abi took her first experience in the pool a little too seriously... I tried for 5 minutes to get her to crack a smile... nada.

Natalie enjoying it all.

Riding in the mission's 15-passenger van to dinner at California pizza kitchen. I tried their veggie pizza. Not too shabby! ... Love the excitement, Jess.

My adorable niece, Emily. Love that sweet face!

Aaron and Lacey made it to Arizona the day after Scott. Natalie was in heaven with her cousin, Brooke around.

Along with many special highlights of my trip out west, I briefly got to see my Grandpa (Dad's dad). He is nearly 93 (July 16). It had been probably 2 years since I last saw him.



Trying to fit as many people in a photo as possible. This is dinner with a LOT of family on the back patio at the mission home. I love that my Aunt Roz is giving my Uncle George bunny ears. Along with seeing my Grandpa, I got to see my Grandma (Mom's mom) and Great-Aunt LJ. Those ladies are so dear, and it had been far too long since I'd last seen them... one of the downsides of living so far away.

First ever Ellsworth Family 5K. Even Aleesha's awesome family participated. We even made shirts for the occasion. :)

More swimming in the backyard pink pool. Abi was just too stinkin' cute in her little swim suit.

Abi being shy about being "caught" on camera with Scott. The girl literally loves this guy, and thinks he's the coolest thing since fruit snacks... and that is REALLY saying something.

More reading time with busy, busy, Papa Idaho. We had to take advantage of any few minutes he had to spare.

In front of the mission home.

More swimming time. Talk about your bathing beauties....

Saying goodbye. See you in November!

I'm so sad that by the time we got to Utah, my batteries were nearly dead. I have next to no pictures. Regardless, I'm so glad I got this cute photo of my wonderful father-in-law with the girls. We all had such a great time!

Oh how I love this Taylor man. He and Natalie were good buddies while we were there. He is such a sweet, funny little guy, and I love this picture of him!

Anna!!! See that pink leg sticking into the picture on the left? That's my beautiful niece, Anna, who just managed to escape this picture, thus thwarting my effort to include her in this blog post. I still love you, Anna.


I wish I had more pictures from Utah! Well... I did have one more from this Utah trip, but I'm thinking the person involved in the "upside-down cow" photo wants to remain anonymous... you know who you are!