Valley of the Sun!!

We took advantage of Spring Break and travelled to Mesa, AZ for the Church's Easter Pageant held outdoors on the Mesa Temple grounds. The pageant was started back in 1928, the year after the temple opened. There was a volunteer cast of over 450, live animals and beautiful music. We had a wonderful time and are so grateful for our safe trip!

Here we are after the performance. We teased Jordan that he was accompanied to the pageant by his "harem"!

Brother Stefl made arrangements with his friends, the Hamel family, in Chandler who graciously hosted us for the night. We all loved staying with them and were so grateful for their amazing hospitality! Sister Hamel even had cookies, milk and other treats for us when we got to their house late that night!! Jordan was especially glad they had a son, Dallin, who was his age, played the guitar and was someone we'd all love to have in our seminary class! (Actually I think all the girls were glad too-haha!!)

Here we are before saying goodbye! I couldn't find Sister Hamel for the picture at first. (She looked like one of the seminary kids!-ha- but she's in front between Jordan and Kaity)

Dallin and Sister Hamel

Back at the show....a Roman soldier was wondering what Jordan was up to!??

Chloe's big sister Alicia was able to join us..we all love her! Here the girls, with Rachel and the surrending officer!!

Jordan, Tris and Rhi with some of the cast

Chloe, Alicia and Rachel

Luckily Kendra's family was in AZ and they sat with us during the performance! This is Kendra (middle) and her AZ friends!

Nicole

Alicia and Rachel

Sister Robles and camera shy Sister Sitze were so wonderful to help chaperone and drive the youth!!

Nicole & Natalie

Abi, Chantel & Kaity

Meryl & Deidre

Rachel

Jordan, Tristain & Rhiannon

Hanging out after breakfast at the Hamel's gorgeous home

Dallin, Deidre and Chantel

Chantel, Kaity & Meryl

Natalie

Chantel

The "party" room!! haha!!

Meryl & Kaity (and maybe Deidre-haha!)