A Very Happy and Fun Easter

I got home from the DR late Saturday night, so I have to give a big shout out to my mother-in-law for making Easter morning a big success with my kids. She had cute little baskets all ready to go with gifts and candy galore.

That afternoon we headed out to a place near Tonto Basin to enjoy a big Easter celebration with our friends Laci, Clay, Tawni and Justin and a bunch of their friends and family. Apparently this piece of land that we were going to has the biggest natural spring on it in the world and Arrowhead water has offered the owners millions to buy it. Unfortunately or fortunately for us, the owners have never been willing to sell and we got to enjoy a little piece of heaven in the middle of the dry dessert. Seriously, you would never guess such a lush, green and beautiful place existed back in the dirt hills of Tonto...it was amazing to say the least. They had a big potluck lunch, Easter egg hunt, softball game and the perfect weather to spend the day outside. The kids had a blast and we had so much fun hanging out with our friends.

Of course what is Easter without the traditional "New Easter Sunday clothes pic". Love my cute, little family.

Missing the DR!!!

My brother, Justin, moved back to the Dominican Republic (DR) in January and was going to be living down there until June working for the Dream Project. So, I knew exactly what I wanted for my bday...a trip to go and visit him. I was planning on going by myself but then my sis and mom wanted to come too. Of course, my dad didn't want to be left out so it soon became a "Tindall" vacation. So, Fri morning on Apr 7th we flew to Miami and then on to the DR. It was one of the most fun weeks I have ever had. I had no idea it was so beautiful and the beaches were just amazing. Of course, with a tropical environment comes the humidity...my hair didn't stay straight for long. We had a blast laying out, hiking, dancing, meeting new people, white water rafting, swimming, eating and just enjoying a week of no stress or worries. My sister and I stayed with Justin's friend, Maria, who was seriously the most giving, sweetest, most hilarious lady I have ever met...no wonder my brother is friends with her. I also got a chance to meet my brother's friend's Hannah (from Massachusettes), Maria (from Spain), Michele (from the DR), Kati (from France), Obi (from the DR), Chris (from Poland) and so many more really cool people. It was so fun to meet so many diverse people from all over the world.

I really had fun hanging out with my sister...it's been a long time. Sarah and I shared a bed and it was so fun to feel baby girl Clarkson start kicking as soon as she laid down. She has the cutest tummy, but poor Sarah's feet/ankles swelled so bad on the trip and made it really uncomfortable for her to walk...she was a trooper though.

My brother lives in the city Cabarete and because it was the week leading up to Easter it just so happened to be the craziest party week of the year while we were there... it became like Rocky Point during spring break. It was a week of crazy celebration and tons of people. I had a blast and cant wait to go back and take Brett with me! Now my next goal is to learn Espanol.

Best Birthday Ever

I seriously was the most spoiled girl and had the best 30th birthday...that lasted all weekend long:) The bday celebrations began with a frightening, but fun hot air balloon ride with my hubs. Brett had actually gotten free tickets from his fellow dentist, Dr. Zuniga, for Christmas and he decided to suprise me and use them on my bday. We got up super early to be out in Deer Valley by 6am. I didn't sleep very well that night because I sort of started having panic attacks about the ride. I am a total thrill seeker all the way, but to be high in the open sky in a small wicker basket really had me worried. As we got in the basket I kept scooting my way to the middle and made sure I didn't look down. I am so glad I can check it off my bucket list.

Later that afternoon, we met up with the Forts and went to the much anticipated Hunger Games movie...loved it! Later that evening we checked into The Squaw Peak Point Resort in Phoenix and had dinner at Sebow...we seriously had the funnest night and one I will never ever ever forget:)
Saturday, Rachel and I headed to Scottsdale mall where Meegan met us for lunch at Olive and Ivy...such good food. We then did some shopping and finished it off with my favorite store, MAC, to get our makeup done. Saturday night we met up with Matt, Mindi, Mike, Kiley, Tanner, Heidi, Brinton, Meegan and Jake for some Cheesecake Factory and dessert and presents at the Flaherty's house. Did I mention that I was super spoiled and had the best bday ever?!!! I am so lucky to have such amazing friends and family that make me feel so loved...I couldn't have asked for more.