Trip #1
April 1st-April 8th
Every so often, the desert calls to Matt. This was one of those years. We have rotated between Palm Desert, Orlando, Phoenix, and Hawaii for spring break. This was a Palm Desert, CA year. As you can imagine, we were antsy to get out of the snow! I'll admit, the desert calls to me as well—so many fond memories of living there during our first year of marriage.
Spring baskets were put out so there were plenty of snacks for the car ride. We haven't road-tripped it for a while so we decided to break it up by staying in Vegas. As we were nearing the hotel, Grayson called. Hmmm. It was a Saturday. He was in a bad patch and his instinct was to call his dad, which was sweet. Well, Matt was driving so he got me. We had a good chat and hopefully were able to cheer him up. I have heard, "A mother is only as happy as her least happy child." I get it!
Matt was pooped after the drive so I took planning the rest of the evening into my own hands. I booked Eiffel Tower viewing deck tickets through Groupon and then we headed out to find the secret pizza kitchen at the Cosmopolitan. Not super hidden, but not advertised either, and great pizza! We also toured the gardens at Bellagio. This was Graham's first stint on the strip at night so a view from the top was a great way to see end to end!
Back at the hotel, I realized that I had forgotten my curling iron, which I like to use from time to time. No worries, Callie did the twisty thing to my hair and I woke up with curls.
The next day, when we arrived in the high desert, Matt drove us past Twentynine Palms High School, his church, places of work, where he ran XC, where he hung out with his buddies and grandpa's house. It was good for our teenagers to picture their dad as a teenager there. We went to Subway for sandwiches to take to the park. I commented on the guy's necklace. He looked pleased, "Whenever I wear this I get a lot of compliments." Then, in the parking lot, as we adjusted our seat belts, the camper next to us pulled out in such a way that it made us all freeze at how close he came to hitting us. He clearly did not see us. We were grateful for an uneventful lunch after that. The last time we were at that park was for Matt's 20th-year high school reunion with our six babies and Mike and Donna in tow. On this day, a father and son were throwing pitches and some skateboard dudes rode by. I could hear the echoes of my littles going down the slide.
Callie chides me for how often I say it but the sunshine felt like a warm hug! We have stayed at the Palm Desert Vacation Club before, so we knew we'd enjoy it—a vacation within a vacation. We didn't have a lot planned, which was nice. I was able to get a week ahead with schooling so I could just relax. I got up and attended yoga in the morning. A sandstorm was rolling in so we didn't want to venture out much. I just kept staying for the next class: HIT, stretch, pound. Matt joined me for a couple of them. Callie came to the activities center and painted ceramics (another activity was soap making.)
When that sandstorm rolled in it was no joke! Think Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. We had the windows and doors closed but the next morning there was a thin layer of dust on every surface. Matt remembers the dust storms pitting his windshield in high school. I wish we got a picture, but it wouldn't have turned out. We decided to start a movie marathon. I suggested Oceans. After Oceans Eleven, Graham proclaimed it completely cringy....way too early 2000s. Then the next night he requested Oceans Twelve. So I guess it was a cringy-but-can't-look-away-situation. I called it an Easter movie since they are trying to steal the golden egg;) Graham continues to have distinct tastes and likes.
For dinner Wednesday evening, I made reservations at the JW Marriott's Rockwood Grill, which has a smart-casual dress code. Graham was impressed with the menu and quickly decided on the poke. It all looked too foreign for Callie. I asked for a kids' menu. The waiter winked and said something about her being 11 years old and pointed her to a buffet where "kids" eat freeeeee. She dished up on all kinds of things that were more to her taste. The waiter also winked and suggested she bring back a variety of desserts to share, which she did. Graham and I loved the balsamic/oil pourer. I've got to get me one. The grounds were lovely to explore afterward. A great evening out.
For a day out, we went on a desert hike and then drove up to Idyllwild. From all the exercise classes we had been to, I was on a first-name basis with the staff. David led us and a few other guests on the Randall Henderson Trail where he pointed out desert fauna and flora. Couldn't have enjoyed it more.
As big fans of
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, the four of us enjoyed driving up Hwy 74 to Idyllwild afterward. If you haven't heard Graham imitate Sylvester, you are missing out. First, we stopped for gas and refreshment. How did we just discover ice cream Twix bars? Matt was sore from the workout classes so he stayed in the car while the rest of us shopped around in Idyllwild. Truth is, I was sore as well, I felt like my guts had been punched from the inside out. We stuck to water aerobics after that. For days afterward, I was pulling out the little treasures I bought in Idyllwild. Matt marveled, "You weren't even gone very long!" They were great shops. Love the bag Graham found. He also flew his drone at the lookout point.
The guys had a golf day while Callie and I enjoyed a shopping day. We went to Old Navy (founded in 1994) I remembered it opening when we lived there. I found $5 Tall jeans! There was a store that Callie found online that she wanted to go to. We parked, walked to the storefront, and saw that the place was wiped. Out of biz. Darn. We wanted to be back at the Villa when the guys golfed the hole outside our balcony anyway. Ultimately, they were so focused on their game that they never even glanced our way.
Across the street is a new Disney Resort being built. Oh boy, there goes the peaceful view!
One of Graham's sweet drone shots.
We all hit the mall and then dined at our favorite restaurant in Rancho Mirage, Las Casuelas Nuevas. Fresh guac is made at the table. As I mentioned, Graham is a food connoisseur. He points out layers of flavor and appreciates them. It has been five years since our last trip to the desert and the kids couldn't remember it well. We drove past our church, our apartment, and where I worked.
Mom and daughter matching birthstone bracelets. We also each found a pair of sandals that we wore all summer long.
Palm Desert is such a nicely laid-out city. There aren't homes off main thoroughfares, neighborhoods are tucked away or gated, and there are plenty of wide-groomed streets to keep traffic moving. The Vacation Club was a nice home away from home. We enjoyed a couple of home-cooked meals as well while eating on the terrace. The last morning, I wanted to rent a bike before we checked out at 10 a.m. but they don't rent bikes before 10 a.m. I said, "David, it's
me." I got the bike;)
What Graham does not appreciate like the rest of us is a road trip. Driving through our old stomping grounds had me feeling melancholy. I realized that when I met Donna she was exactly my age. That was weird. I told Matt. He couldn't believe it. We drove for a while in silence, "Wait, that can't be....she was your age?" Time is weird! By the time we got back to Vegas, Graham was determined to fly the rest of the way home. Our room was near the airport so he could watch the planes coming and going.
That evening, I got us tickets to the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit. For as impressed Graham is with fine dining, he was as equally unimpressed with the exhibit. When I bought the tickets on Groupon only VIP tickets were available, which included a free poster. We were handed the said poster on our way out of the theatre. Later, Callie asked Graham where his poster was, "I put it back" he said dryly.
Our last dining out as a family was another good one at Rainforest Cafe ending with the lava cake.
Simultaneously, Mal kept texting me dreamy photos of her and Gav's Scotland trip. I love the soft pallet in this one. 
Matt took Graham to the Harry Reid Airport the next morning and we got on the road. After landing in Salt Lake, Graham made his way to City Creek and then to the FrontRunner to meet us in Provo just as we drove through. His plan went flawlessly up until the very end when he didn't realize he had to push the buzzer for the bus to make a stop. We picked him up in East Bay and heard about his adventures. All around it was a relaxing getaway into the sunshine. It wasn't terribly warm but at least we saw green grass and blue skies.
On Saturday, we had one more outing, which was another Jazz game! Again, Matt got tickets through work, this time for four. The wee-ones enjoyed the all-you-can-eat buffet. We felt like movie stars.
Easter Sunday, April 9th
We are getting awfully used to it being just the four of us. Matt and I walked around to take some easter treats to a few neighbors after church. Easter was low-key. Lovely, but maybe a little too low-key to feel like a celebration. I just continually count my blessings. Poe sure is happy we are back.
Trip #2 April 13-18th
The kid's spring break was over, but mine was just beginning. After Ava's March visit home with her friends, she was invited to move in with one of them. Things in Hawaii were stale, especially with Mal on another island. One afternoon, Ava called me to let me know she was thinking of moving back after the semester ended. I told her I would pray for her as she contemplated what to do. She said, "I think I already know what to do." With that, she made arrangements to fly home. I decided it would be helpful for me to fly to Oahu and help her pack. However, when I priced flights, a room, and a rental car, it was a better option to fly to
Kauai and then fly Ava over to me! Mal was happy to host us. Girls trip!!!!
Ava landed soon after I did. We waited at the airport till Mal was off work. Mal texted that we could walk to a nearby restaurant, but we texted her back our reason for not waltzing around town. Ava was starving though so I shared snacks from my bag.
Mallerie took us to the Sheraton after she picked us up so we could say hi to Gav. It's been a year since I've seen him last. We got settled at their cute place that night. Great to see their first home base.
Friday, April 14th
I went walking with Mallerie the next morning. The following week she was running a half marathon on Maui so thankfully she was "taking it easy." (I still barely kept up with her;) That day, Ava and I visited her concierge desk at the Sheraton and got some directions and suggestions. We found our way to Shipwreck Beach to put our toes in the sand.
Cute Concierge.
My first visit to Kauai!
Ava and I wrestled with that beach umbrella all day. We had strangers approaching us with pointers. All appreciated. The beach was appropriately called Shipwreck (we were a bit of a wreck). The two of us went shopping and as luck would have it, I ran into my dear friend from Jr. High, Amy! She is in Mal's ward and has been such a help to her and Gavin. Mallerie was ready to be picked up from work right then and texting Ava like crazy for a ride. I chuckled that once again, my chatting with a pal was interrupted by one of my children needing a ride. I don't see that ever ending at this point.
We had such a fun Friday night! Every weekend the locals attend trivia night at Chicken in a Barrel. The topic was Canada and Mal and Gav were hitting it hard with studying up all day. At the restaurant, you order from your table and the food keeps coming. We met their dear friends Braden and Eve and his parents. Braden could not stop talking about Taylor Swift. They are headed to the Era's tour at Sofi in LA come August. We got a hoot out of the convo because Ava had just returned from the tour in TX. So much chatter, much to his mom's chagrin:/
Saturday, April 15th
Ava joined us on our walk the next morning. It wasn't raining, so we walked the loop around the golf course. Wow, what a view!
We enjoyed the afternoon by getting boba, seeing a waterfall, the lighthouse, and watching the sunset at Hanalei Bay.
Sunday, April 16th
On Sunday, we got to attend Mal's ward (Gavin had to work). The chapel was freezing in certain spots with the huge ceiling fans going at full throttle. Ava went to Sunday School with Mallerie (she teaches YW and Sunday School). That was okay, I had my own group to sit with during Gospel Doctrine. Amy (we shared a blanket), and Braden's parents. After church, I chatted with someone who grew up in Heber and we knew all the same people. There Ava sat waiting for Mom to finish chatting, just like back at home. Mallerie got lunch started but then headed to a meeting, so Ava and I finished as per Mal's instructions. It turned out very well—like tasting a rainbow. After dinner, we drove up Waimea Canyon, which is a must if you are visiting the island of Kauai. Dreamy. The Napali Coast wasn't very visible, but the low-hanging clouds gave it an otherworldly appearance, which was worth the hike.
It's a steep hike down to the meadow, so it surprised us to see a full-blown birthday party happening.
And then, hot diggity, a glimpse of the coast...but just a glimpse.
That fog was thick as thieves.
That evening, I made coconut chocolate chippers. Mal sat and watched as whisked and stirred. She said, "So many times I've tried to picture you in my kitchen, and here you are!" As Mal and Gav settled on the pullout to decide on a movie and Ava sidled in next to them, she asked, "So, what do you guys usually like to watch?" The third-wheel irony of it caused Ava and I to laugh uncontrollably and the lovebirds to miss the whole thing.
Monday, April 17th
Monday, we drove to the rainbow trees. The what? The rainbow trees! Gavin matched the trees.
Those chippers sustained us all the next day.
The view from the top was straight tropics.
We spent time at Ha'ena Beach (I think). There was an intense fisherman with his lines cast out that were hard to avoid. Can you spot it?
It was great getting to spend time with these kiddos of mine. Love them with all my heart. We had the best time!
We drove through the countryside and saw quaint houses. We had a heck of a time finding a place for dinner. We found ourselves at a bar that advertised food. However, when we walked in it looked like everyone wanted to hurt us. In the end, they were nice. The cook just wasn't in.
We had better luck at Costco on the way home. The line for the food was long and moving very slowly. We can fill any time with chatter, but Mal lamented it was taking way longer than usual. She noted how slowly the lone worker at the register was moving. I reminded her that with staff shortages, we should just be grateful someone showed up. When we got to the front of the line I said, "Elias (name tag), thanks for being here, you are doing a great job." He was flustered, "Thanks, it's my first day." You just never know....
Tuesday, April 18th
Mallerie drove me to the airport bright and early on Tuesday morning. It's always hard to say goodbye...till August! Ava was going to stay and spend time in Maui with them.
What is this that I am looking at over Vegas?
I had a long layover in Las Vegas, so I got some dinner and logged on to begin spring semester classes. There is an easiness that comes with traveling by oneself. I wanted to walk down to the sprinkles cupcake kiosk but realized I better head to my gate. I was A group and B group was already boarding. I sat in seat A1. I texted a photo of my seat to Graham. He said that out of all the seats, that's the one he'd pick. I watched and listened to the pilots as they prepared the plane for take-off.
It was a short flight from Las Vegas, but a long day. It was dark when I left Hawaii and it was dark when I landed in Utah. Interestingly, Matt flew to Seattle that same day, so he left the car for me in the parking garage at the airport. This isn't the first time our trips have overlapped.
I missed Callie's spring concert, but Matt got some pictures and videos for me. Those concerts coincide with our travels. every. single. time.
Speaking of Concerts...
Ya know, I got to thinking about how the Eras Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So I got to looking at tickets and there were very few left in my "even a possibility" price range without being behind the stage. Here is what I found.
I thought hard about it, and talked to Matt, debated spending all my summer fun money on one event, but ultimately knew I'd never regret it and Callie and I would have the time of our lives...and bought the tickets!
That Sunday afternoon while making lunch, the conversation went like this:
Mom: "Callie, I want to talk to you about something. You have been good lately, but you have also been bad."
Callie: "Whaaaaa?"
Mom: (Starts singing) "And now we've got bad blood..." (gets the lyrics wrong)
(Callie helps with the lyrics)
Mom: "Where can I go to learn this song?"
Callie: (Wide eyes) "Reeeeeeaaaaaalllly???"
(Mom nods)
(Mom and Callie jumping and hugging with tears and cheers!)
We reenacted it on a Marco Polo for the girls later that day.
Sofi Stadium August 3rd. We will make our summer vacation out of it and hit LA for the week! SHOOK.
Sacrament Meeting Talks
Both Matt and I spoke in Sacrament meeting, but on different weeks. He spoke for Ward Conference, and I spoke with the other missionary parents. As Bishop, Matt speaks from time to time. I haven't spoken in five years! My secret is that I get up to the pulpit regularly enough that they think I have spoken;) It was an honor to share how missionary service has blessed our family. (I cleared the talks with my missionaries beforehand).
Another week, I invited one of my CTR4s and his siblings to sit with us while his parents were on the stand. He drew his family (he has twin brothers which he gets confused about). I then drew my family. Since it's only me, Graham, and Callie on the bench, he was surprised to see me drawing so many people. He asked who they all were. I started, "This is the Bishop." He was flabbergasted, "You live with the Bishop?"
More churchy is that we got to go through the Timpanogos Temple with Adren on April 22nd. My dad was one of the Endowment Leaders, which was special for him. We didn't realize it till we were in the Celestial room, but our dear friends ChyAyn and Shane were in the same session.
Trip #3 April 26th-27th
Roy "Bogie" Cavazos Bocanegra
OCTOBER 6, 1945 – APRIL 12, 2023
https://www.rosehills.com/obituaries/whittier-ca/roy-cavazos-bocanegra-11248490
But first, another trip to LA. Matt's Uncle Roy passed away right before I went to Kauai. We got a call from Willie who told us the shocking news. We saw Uncle Roy the previous June when we were in LA for our summer vacation. He was doing great. However, he had fallen recently, and his health went downhill from there.
(As a side note, on one of the days I was in Kauai, Mallerie was supposed to work, however, she really wanted to spend the day with me and Ava. She called into work and told them her uncle died. She got the day off. Gavin came home that night and said he had to field questions all day about it and passed along co-workers' condolences. They asked how she was doing. He said, "Her mom and sister and with her."
Oh gosh.)
We trusted that Graham and Callie would be alright without us for one night. Then the darn water heater broke! I felt so bad leaving them with nothing but cold showers. They were troopers.
The funeral was on April 27th. Matt was looking into driving to LA, but we had just done that road trip two weeks earlier. I looked up cheap flights from Provo and convinced him it was the better route. We flew out of Provo on the 26th. After landing, we picked up our rental car and drove straight to the Griffith Observatory. If you remember, it was too crowded when we tried to go last June and we had to catch our flight. Little did I know I'd be back within the year. In addition to thoroughly enjoying the observatory, we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon and lunch overlooking the Hollywood sign.
This trip was an unexpected cost to an already spendy month. As Matt commented on this, I shared my mentality, "Life costs what it costs." He liked that. He has very few family members. Roy is his only uncle. It meant a lot to Aunt Celia and their children Willie and Janeen that we were coming. He hasn't seen Janeen since she was a baby because she lives in Wisconsin. You have to take these opportunities when they come. Life costs what it costs.
After checking into our room (the bathroom had a bidet), we headed to the viewing. It was so great to meet Janeen and her family. We had a good visit with her and Willie as well as Aunt Celia. Afterward, Matt and I ate at the same diner from last June, Norms. We had the same waitress and she remembered us!
Rose Hills Cemetery
We arrived in plenty of time for the funeral since Matt was a pallbearer. The service was lovely—a nice tribute to Roy and his colorful but kind life. He was buried with military honors. The last of the three brothers to pass on. In between the burial and the dinner, we had some time. Matt wanted to visit his dad's gravesite again. I had some cookies in the car. The window was down and it was such a beautiful day. I opted to stay in the car basking in the feeling of contentment. Maybe it was the cemetery, maybe it was the cookies—I don't know, but it was peaceful.
The luncheon was beautifully catered in a hotel ballroom. The flowers had been transported and were so lovely as a backdrop.
Janeen and her family shared their musical talents. I chatted with Sami and Kelton who had driven up from San Diego. It was lovely to spend time with Matt's dad's side of the family. I oh-so wished that all my babies were in tow. It is hard to not play the "what if" game in your head. "What if Matt's dad hadn't died, what would our relationship have been with these people?" I guess I wasn't the only one wondering. Aunt Martha handed a card to Matt at the funeral. He opened it up to find some money and a card, which read, "Too bad we weren't part of your life. Ask your mom about that." Okay.
Left to Right: Hugo, Phoenix, Boomi, Wyld, Waylon, Aunt Celia, Janeen, Aunt Martha, Ethan, Xī fāng, Willie, Crystal, Matt, and Abby. Front Row: Mark, Jamie, Sami, and Kelton.
Unfortunately, soon after dinner, we had to jet to get to the airport. In hindsight, we could have stayed longer because our flight was quite delayed. But we did get to watch a lovely sunset from the John Wayne Airport.
I had a window seat and as we flew over Disneyland, I could see the World of Color show at California Adventure—such a cool vantage point!
For how delayed the cheap flights always are, they make up for it in funky lighting.
She's Baaaaaaack, April 29th
Matt repeatedly tells the kids that to be an adult, you must have the following five things.
1. Cell phone
2. Computer
3. Job
4. Car
5. Housing (a place to live)
Ava took that last one literally and found herself a house! It is in a great spot in Grandview, rooming with her besties...
...and she gets her own room!
Callie and I helped her on Saturday, the 29th to get moved into her new place. We made several trips to the store to get supplies and food. She's a mainlander now.
I was down in Orem on errands the next week and texted her to see if Ava was home. She was! I'm not used to my young adults being accessible. We found her a bike someone was selling in Edgemont as she looked into promising job prospects.
And just like that, winter was behind us. Literally, look at those snow-capped mountains! The new privets had been planted, Matt dusted off the patio furniture, and we were ready for a beautiful spring. With all our comings and goings, the month flew by.
April 2023 was a good one.
