Last week

Our last week in Arizona flew by. On Monday we went out for one last time to Mi Amigo's for dinner with my parents and my brother. It was amazing, as always. Afterwards we went back to my parent's house so Tyler could teach my parents how to clean their guns. We are real exciting people here ;) 

Tuesday we met Tara's family at KTR in Chandler after school. Melissa and Keshia's family came too but more at the tail end of our time there. This place had an indoor trampoline/gymnasium/skate park. The kids had no desire to do the skate park part but they had a blast climbing all the things, jumping around and playing games with their cousins. Penny especially loved chasing all the Bowman boys. She really likes to hang with the older boys. I did a little climbing myself and attempted to do the gymnastic rings but I have no upper body strength and fell rather ungracefully into the pit below. I'm sure if my kids were easily embarrassed, my antics would have sent them into hiding

Tuesday night Jezerea, Keshia, Melissa and Tara came over and we had a girl's night. Keshia picked up Oregano's so we ate and then we played a couple games- 5 Second Rule, and Gestures. I was terrible at both. I do not think well on my feet. Tara made some cookies for dessert. I had 4. I will need to detox after this trip (as will my kids). I mostly just listened during all the conversations because I rarely have anything good to contribute but it was really a good night overall. Tyler came in at the end and talked politics. It seems to be a big conversation point these days. Lots of worries with Biden as president and some of the executive orders he's signing.

Wednesday we did a shorter day of school so I could get all the things packed up for Tyler. So many things to pack but I got it all ready with an hour to spare before my yw's activity. We spent that hour at Pioneer Park. It was a really awesome playground but they never have as much fun as they do when they have friends to join them.

 

After the park I led a virtual YW's activity. We did a scavenger hunt. I would tell them to "find something that..." and then they would all share what they found. It was actually pretty fun to see the different things they brought and it helped us to learn a little bit more about them. Like one of my yw likes to put chips in her sandwhich and another loves puzzles just like me. 

When I finished the activity Tyler's parents took me and Tyler out to dinner at Nando's- more yummy Mexican food. Tyler and his dad talked plmbing things and work things and his mom wasn't super chatty. But it was still nice to have an evening out with them both, I know I need to do better at building a relationship with them.

Thursday morning Tyler packed up the trailer and began his journey back to Michigan. Since he took all the homeschool supplies we couldn't do school so we hung at out at my parent's house. We had some yummy food for lunch and then a chill afternoon. Then we went to Mike and Mecca's house so the boys could do some more Minecraft Dungeon  and the girls could play house. Lucy took all the pictures below.

When we left Mecca's house we dropped the girl's off at their Aunt Tara's house for one last girl's sleepover. They played, painted nails, made water color paintings and made bracelets. She was a good entertainer. 

While the girls were having their girl time with cousins, the boys and I went on a hike with Poppy at South Mountain. We ended up doing the Marcos De Niza trail because the boys saw that mountain top and said they wanted to go there. I think we wore Poppy out---we definitely wore me out. But it was so nice to get one last view of Arizona from on high before we leave. It was also nice to work up a sweat. Once we get back to Michigan, that won't happen anymore. On our way down we were behind a family and the mom got confused about where the trail went and would you believe that I figured out the right way!? I'm usually the lost one!

Friday afternoon we switched kids- we picked up the girls from Tara's and left the boys. They went to Broden's birthday party at Jake's Unlimited and enjoyed one last sleepover with their cousins.

Saturday morning we headed to the airport to go back to the frigid cold of Michigan. The morning didn't have a great start. Ben had had an accident during the night and had put his wet clothes in with all the things they had brought on their sleepover- including Steven's mask. Steven really likes the neck gators and I could not find our extra ones so he was cranky about that. And I was cranky about having to pack wet, stinky clothes. 

Security went smoothly at the airport but then Ben and I decided to walk to the otherside of the terminal so we could get everyone a second breakfast at McDonald's (we'd be flying during lunch so we needed some extra food). They don't like egg sandwiches so I figured hotcakes from McDonald's would be our best bet. Unfortunately after our super long walk it turns out they were all out of hotcakes. That was exteremely disappointing and we ended up spending $30 on Lunchables and water bottles instead. 

Our next disappointment of the day was that the airplane did not have screens in the seat. That meant Lucy and Steven had to share a phone and I had to give up my tablet. It was definitely less convenient but thankfully eveyone seemed ok with the situation and the plane ride went smoothly.

My friend picked us up from the airport. It was cold but she cranked up the heat for me because she knows me so well. She also was nice enough to stay and see if my car would start so I could get some milk and things to survive the rest of the weekend. It did not start. It also stole my key and I could not get it out. She came back with her husband and they jump started my car and my car eventually relinquished my key. I am grateful to my friend for her help so that now we have some groceries in our fridge.

Speaking of friends....I got brand new counselors and a brand new secretary in yw's and I am hopeful that they will be good supports. It happened really quickly- much different then when I originally got called. Unfortunately my friend who was the secretary was very offended by everything that went down and is very unhappy with me. She felt like it was a personal attack that she got released and that it was uninspired and that I should've asked her if she wanted to be released. It wasn't personal and I hope it was inspired and hopefully she doesn't hold an eternal grudge against me since she's part of my friend group. I sure hate drama.

Silly Mountain

 Another week goes by on our Arizona trip. Only 1 week left to go which is crazy...Monday was MLK day and even though technically a school holiday, we still did school. Normally I give those days off but the kids will have 2 days off next week since Tyler will be leaving with their curriculum so I decided to swap days off. Steven was not happy about that and threw a real good tantrum about it. Tweens. After we were done with school we met Mecca's family at a park for cookies and playing. Because Steven was in trouble for his bad reaction, he was trying to get back on my good side and was quite nice and helpful with the younger kids. Ben attempted to play Among Us with some random kids at the park but that did not go well. No one could seem to agree upon rules, lol. After some fun time at the park we went back to Mecca's house for dinner and hung out for a bit. I became Emaline's bestie by helping her to sweep sandbox sand into piles while I was there- which was actually quite relaxing.

Tuesday my dad took Mike and Tyler out to dinner so Mecca, me and our kids hung out with my mom. Since everyone is always feeding me, I made dinner for everyone. It was my meager attempt to say thank you. I am going to struggle with cooking everyday again when we go back to Michigan. 

Wednesday after homeschool we met my parents at the library and got some new books. Then afterwards we did another walk around the Riparian Preserve. This time we saw a group of pelicans which was pretty cool but unfortunately I couldn't get a good picture of them. Ben as usual enjoyed climbing all the trees he could.

Thursday afternoon we met my parents and Mike's family over at Freestone Park for pizza and playing. The kids had fun being chased by the Lava Monster (aka Mike) on the playground. Some random kids asked me to chase them and I had to explain to them that I am just not that fun. I wasn't even chasing my own kids so I'm not sure what made them think I would chase them, ha ha. 

Friday we finally broke quarantine from Logan's family and had Miles over. I took Miles, Reese and all my own children for a hike on Silly Mountain. Yet another hike to teach me how out of shape I am, but the weather was cool enough that I didn't get too sweaty. And the views made it all worth it. We all got a good kick out of the Huff and Puff Trail on Silly Mountain and how it made us huff and puff as we went up it. The kids also made me nervous a few time with their desire to climb all the things. 

Friday evening all the kids had sleepovers. Lucy and Penny went to Reese's house. Ben went to Oliver's house and Steven had Mile's sleepover here at the Hatch house. Miles and Steven were extremely lame and played video games and watched TV most of the afternoon/evening but we did manage to get them out of the house to go walk to the gas station for some junk food at one point.

Saturday morning we took Steven, Ben, Oliver and Miles to Krazy Air for a sort of early birthday celebration for Steven. Mike was nice and chased them around there so that made it even more fun. I was able to catch up on some YW's things.

That afternoon we went to my parents house and I did some shopping with Grams while Poppy hung with the kids and Tyler got the car ready for the trip back. Then Saturday evening Tyler's parents took the kids out to a place called Main Event and Tyler and I enjoyed a night out at Costa Vida and then Slickables. Slickables was by the ASU campus so we did some reminiscing. I really enjoyed college life but Tyler not so much so lots of different feelings for both of us.

The Outside

This week we have enjoyed being outside. Monday when we finished school we met up with my parents at Queen Creek Park. It was nice to chat with my parents while the kids played. The younger 3 managed to gather a few followers with Ben at lead. They were playing some sort of Minecraft game inspired by his imagination. I love that Ben is so good at making friends. They also had fun conquering a big rock that was there. Steven got bored pretty quickly but did seem to enjoy hiding in a an egg.

Tuesday after school Poppy took the kids to see "Croods 2."It was not the most amzing movie ever but it was the first movie we've been to since Covid went down so it was pretty nice to be a theater again. After the movie went to my parent's house and Grams made us some yummy BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. Then the kids all hung out while I met virtually with my Bishop. It looks like there will be a lot of changes going on in both the youth leadership positions and in the adult leadership positions- due to 4 of my yw graduating and two of my leaders being pregnant and due at the same time. It overwhelms me to think of having to train up new presidencies and basically start over new but hopefully the refresh will just be good for the yw in general. 

Wednesday after school we met up Mecca and her kids at Signal Butte Park. They had a hard time getting into playing- I think because this playground wasn't shaded and they weren't used to so much sun- but of course once it was time to go they all started having fun and were less inclined to leave. After the park we hung out at Mecca's home for a bit so the kids could have some fun on the Nintendo Switch with Oliver. Then we went back to the Hatch house and had dinner with Keshia's family. I had to log on to a YW's activity (we did an ancestor show and tell) but they came over mostly so Reese could be with our girls. She has been loving having girl cousins close to her age around.

Thursday after Tyler got off work, we met Mike and his family for a hike at Hackberry Springs. It was a good hike for the kids- with a broken windmill to climb and a wash to explore- we also saw some deer which was a different experience in the desert than in Michigan. At the end of our hike, Lucy took over my phone and took a bazillion photos of herself and others. I shared a few below.

After school Friday I went out to lunch with my mom to the Broken Yolk. They have the most amazing savory and sweet crepes. I am already desperate to eat them again. After we ate we hung out at their house for a few more hours. The girls played, Ben went for a walk with Poppy to Target and Steven made a stained glass night light with Grams.

Friday night Reese spent the night. Melissa and Logan's kids were supposed to come too but they had been with some of Melissa's family that had tested positive for Covid and we just weren't super comfortable hanging with them because we worry about my mom. Steven was really bummed out but I think fun was still had that night. There was pizza, movie watching and late night giggling- all our kids and Reese slept in the living room. They stayed up far too late since we had to wake them up early for a hike. For the hike we brought along Reese and met Mike, Lillian and Oliver at Hieroglyphic Springs. It had a little more elevation change than the last few I had been on so it wore us all down pretty good but it was a nice hike. It had pretty views, plenty of rocks for the kids to climb and make us nervous on, and really cool hieroglyphics for us to check out at the end. Our kids complained surprisingly little about tiredness but Reese had a hard time at the end- an old scab was hurting her, Penny called her mean and that hurt her feelings and the sun was too bright for her sensitive skin-it's a rough life for her. But on the bright side none of the children suffered any injuries and that's a rarity.

After our hike the boys went home with Mikey Dude so they could have some bonding time (and Nintendo Switch time) with Oliver and the girls went to Krazy Air with Keshia's family. Meanwhile I met my mom at Kohl's so she could spoil the kids as per usual and buy them some clothees. Then we grabbed a bite to eat at Kneader's and after that it was off to Mike's to pick up the boys. All in all it was a full day for everyone and quite honestly a full week. Life here is much different than life in Michigan.

 

Sedona

 Our first full week in Arizona was full of good times. Monday homeschool went surprisingly well. We got an early start and their were little complaints. Afterwards we met my parents at the library. The kids were happy to be able to go in and pick out some books. They found a Minecraft graphic novel series that they found particularly exciting. After we checked out our books, we walked over to the Riparian Perserve. We went on a nice little walk there and I enjoyed reminising over the walks we used to take there when the boys were little. We also saw lots of birds- ducks, cranes, etc. The kids were most excited by the mallard duck that had a poofy head of feathers. There's a white version of this that the kids call Poppy duck, a brownish gray version that the kids call Grammy duck so we decided this must be Grandchild duck. I failed to snap a good picuture of it though, but here are some fun pictures of my cute kids.

After the Riparian we went to my brother's house for a bit so the kids could hang out and get some video game time together. It really is nice to be able to just hang with family after school.

Tuesday homeschool did not go well at all. There were some frustrations with Steven, some major crying from Penny, and some other issues. It was one of those days where I just want to enroll them all back into school immediately. Because of all the issues we got done way later with school. We were going to go out to Target with my parents but the timing just didn't work out. Instead Reese came over and the girls hung out with her. The boys also finished counting Poppy's change Tuesday-he had enlisted them to do that Monday- and they were each paid $20. 

 Wednesday homeschooling was much better, not sure why but I'll take it. When we finished we went with my parents to Target. They were nice enough to buy each of the kids one things- Shopkins for the girls, Lego's for Ben and a Minecraft board game for Steven. The kids also spent some of their own money on things- Lucy got a unicorn, Penny got a Polly Pocket and Ben got Pokemon cards. They then went back to my parent's house to play with these things. After a bit I took the younger 3 to the nearby park while Steven stayed home and played the game with Grams. It was so nice to be outside with the kids. Next I made dinner and then I virtually attended my yw's activity. At the activity the girl's shared their goals for 2021, it was good to hear their goals and to think about what I would like my own goals to be.

Thursday after school my dad took the kids to Uptown Jungle. It was a pretty cool place with fun indoor play structures, trampolines and a climbing wall. The climbing wall didn't open up until the end but when it did, I was impressd with how brave Lucy was. She was the only one to go all the way to the top. Overall it was a really fun place and it wore them out pretty good.

As we went to leave Lucy said she wanted to go home with Grams and Poppy so they ended up taking both girls with them. The boys and I went home and then went with Tyler out to dinner to Costa Vida. There is just so much good food here- it's bad for our wallet. I was impressed with both boys for eating there- they are usually not up for eating mexican food when we go out. Ben got a taco and Steven got loaded nachos. When we finished our food we strolled through Deseret Bookstore and then picked up the girls.

Friday after we finished schools I got brave and took the girls plus their cousin Reese on a hike at Lost Dutchman State Park. We couldn't find the trail I was wanting to do but we found one that worked pretty well- Treasure Loop. It wasn't too steep of a climb and it had pretty views. My kids are lazy bums and got tired pretty quickly but I was impressed by how far I managed to push them. Penny also fell twice and got some scrapes which was pretty traumatic for her but besides a little whining and minor cuts- it was a really good time. I just love being able to get outdoors and being around mountains.

After our hike, Tyler and I dropped off the girls with Keshia and the boys with my parents and we headed off on a getaway to Sedona to celebrate our 15th anniversary. We arrived in the evening so no exciting events for our first night. I just played on my new tablet that Tyler had got me so I can do my artsy stuff digitally. And we also made a stop at a grocery store for junk food.

Saturday we slept in and then got breakfast at what turned out to be a fancy place. I picked it because it had a picture of pancakes and strawberries that looked good. Turns out they didn't even have such things but Tyler got some southwestern breakfast enchilada that he loved and I got a yogurt parfait that was not super exciting but just what my sensitive tummy needed. The restaurant was situated by an airport for tourist plane rides and also had a great view of the red mountains. It was fun to watch the planes land.

After eating we were ready to hike. The first trail we tried the parking was full so we went to the Marg's Draw Trail instead. We got lucky on this one and nabbed the last parking spot. This trail took us to what has been dubbed Snoopy's rock. This trail was also not super steep but it was about 4 miles long and that's 4 miles more than I have been walking lately. I am proud of myself for making it there and back and it was of course fun to do with Tyler. I enjoy our adventures.

After our hike we strolled through some shops in Tlaquepaque Village which were all way to fancy for us. But we did hit up a New Age shop because my friends and I always joke about these sort of things and I thought I could get them a gag gift. Unfortunately these people take these things very seriously so much of the stuff was way overpriced but I did end up finding a candle for my friend that if she burns it wealth will come her way ;) We also found some fun statues to pose with.

We then took a much needed break at the hotel before heading out again for lunch/dinner. We went to a place that specialized in tamales but it ended up not being super wonderful. The food was kind of bland but I guess that was probably best for my sensitive tummy. 

Afterwards we decided to find a scenic overlook since the sun was going down and I thought that might allow for some nice views. First we headed to a place called Lover's Knoll but it was extremely populated. So instead we found a place just up the road with no one else. Unfortunately as we were taking pictures another couple came and spoiled our romantic spot ;)But it was still a pretty view. And Tyler had fun joking with the other couple about how they didn't spoil our romantic moment because I had just called him dumb. I may have done that...

Tyler was determined we have dessert afterwards so we ended up parking in town to look for a place to satisfy his cravings. It was cold outside but somehow we settled on a popsicle joint. I am grateful it had indoor seating. He got a cotton candy popsicle and mine was pina colada. They were actually really good and I would totally eat there again.

Then it was back to the hotel where we watched a movie on TV and I played some more with my tablet.

Sunday we had another nice and lazy morning and then went out to breakfast. This place was less fancy but I enjoyed my strawberry beligian waffles. After breakfast we did a little hike to some caves. I felt a little anxious with my clumsiness and the heights so I didn't explore them too much, Tyler was a little more brave. All in all it was nice last little hike in Sedona before we headed out. 

We ended our Sedona trip with a little shopping in town and then it was time to head back home. I am so grateful to family that watched our kids so that we could have a nice weekend together. I am also grateful to all my young women leaders who took over this Sunday so I could have the day off. It was one of my busy Sundays filled with Ward Council, Yw's Lesson, Youth Council and a class presidency meeting. So it was definitely a blessing to be able to miss all that and spend the day with Tyler.

Also this past week I have had a major eye issue, that although it is better, it is still not gone. I messaged my dr about it and she said to take Claritin and that I should probably go to Urgent Care and get it checked. Super helpful. Since I have managed to stop the itching and it's not really bugging me I will procrastinate that visit.But I do wish this rash was in a less noticeable place.