Hell Hole of the West

We started off the day with church. After church we went to the pool at our apartment.

Here is me with my new hat I got in Mexico. 

Here is Julia, Me and Joni floating in the pool.

After swimming we went to Yuma's Terriorial Prison. This was Arizona's first Territory's prison and was built in 1876.  The first building we saw was the watch tower, under the tower is the water storage.

Me and Joni in the watch tower with the Colorado River in the back round.

Julia, Diane and Jen

They called the movie "The Hell Hole of the West"--- our new nickname for Yuma. Being outside during the day like that is not an option, I felt like we were going to die at 116 degrees. The man working at the front booth said, "Its not hot it is just the absence of cold".

Here is a picture of the jail. Cells are located on both sides.

Me stuck in one of the jail cells. 

Us in the dark room. This room was used for punishment, was pitch black, up to 14 people were put into a grate that was only 5 feet high and only cleaned every 3 months.

After the jail, we drove by the Yuma Cemetery. I saw it the other day and wanted to show everyone, because it was unlike any I had ever seen. Many spaces just had a piece of wood sticking up, with no writing.

In one of the grassy areas we found 2 jackrabbits running around.

Mexico

Joni's friend Julia, Julia's sister- Jen and their friend Diana came to visit from Salt Lake City. Being so close to the border of Mexico, we decided to go there for the day. It was quite the adventure. We entered Mexico in Mexicali, on Mexicali's website it stated that there are buses that take you across the border to the shopping area. We didn't see anything of the sort! So we ended up driving across the border.

Joni at the wheel! The brave soul!

We stopped and bought Mexican auto insurance, and met a really nice couple. They told us where the little shops are in the area. They were very helpful, but ultimately never found what we were looking (you know the little market area's that sold jewelry, blankets, ect) and never found it after driving around for awhile. They also told us that they were known for their Chinese food. Thats where we ended up going after having no luck finding these little shops. The menu's were in Spanish, and the Oriental workers there spoke Spanish as well. Luckily, Joni and Julia served a mission in Bolvia, and both speak Spanish and were able to translate for us!

Julia, me, Jen, Diane and Joni

Here we are waiting in the line to get back into the US. Even though, we didn't get to go to the little shops, I bought an oversized cowboy sombrero from a man during the line back in. Joni joked with me, because I am flying home, and have no room in my suitcases I have a hard time buying stuff here, but I had no problem buying the biggest hat in existence. Not quite sure how I will be getting it home. Another plus about going to Mexico, is we were able to fill Joni's tank--the gas was pretty cheap there.

 

The border!!

When we got back to Yuma, we went to dinner at Burrito Grill- it is a Cafe Rio knock off. It wasn't nearly as good- but still tasted yummy. After dinner we went to our favorite park and river. It was a really fun day! 

PS: Thanks to my friend, Laura, for re-doing my page! I love it!

Night at the park

Joni and I went to the park tonight. It is such a pretty park, with a lake, a beautiful playground, close to the Colorado River. It's nice that Arizona doesn't have day light savings time because it gets dark early so you can actually go outside when its a little cooler (it was a cool 107)! 

Joni and Niko in front of the lake

The playground with the sun setting  behind it.

We went down and played in the Colorado River. The river runs through the town of Yuma. The water was so warm.

Niko out getting his ball in the river. He isn't the best swimmer. We started to get worried. He made it back though.

This family just got back from riding Jet Skies in there. Looked like a lot of fun!!

Joni and I relaxing on the pavilion in front of the lake. The sunset was so pretty!

A day in the life...

I just wanted to blog on a few of the things I have been doing the first couple days of Yuma.

Joni and I have been doing Jillian Michael's workout DVD's. They are pretty tough.

Joni treated me to a pedicure and Joni got a manicure. This was my first time and it was amazing! So relaxing!

Sitting by the pool with my Ipod, and a good book.

Playing with Joni's dog, Niko. He is such a good dog!

San Diego

Joni and I headed to San Diego for the day. We left Niko with a girl in our ward. This is a pictures of a palm tree I loved in front of her house.

The drive was about 2.5 hours. We went from sea level to 4,000 ft and back to sea level. On the way we saw a row of these windmills. They were amazing.

Here is a picture of Joni and I driving.

We went to Ocean Beach, parking was hard to find, and when we did find a spot the lady leaving asked if we had a dog with us, we told her no, and she procedded to tell us that she only likes  to give her parking spot to people that have dogs with them. Joni told her well thats to bad, I am going to take it anyways. The lady then took her precious time to back up. It was pretty funny.

Here is a picture of the beach. It was a perfect day. Sunny and between 80-90 degrees. A nice break from the 119 degree weather here in Yuma. 

Here is Joni and I enjoying the beach.

We both got a lot of sun yesterday. I am hurting pretty bad today.

We went and drove over to Mission Beach and we were going to look around at the little shops but there were so many people there it would of been impossible to get a parking spot.

Greetings from Yuma!

Greetings from Yuma! I will be in Yuma until August 1.  I am living with my friend Joni and her cute puppy Nikko. I just got unpacked and went on a little walk around the place. Here are a couple pictures of our apartment! 

My room

The living room

The Kitchen

I am hoping to get a tan and we are planning weekend getaways to California and Mexico! I'll write more later, I think I am going to head out to the pool.

Picture Tag

My first job: Like Willy, I worked as a janitor at an Elementary School

My favorite place: Bear Lake

My favorite food:

My favorite color:

My nickname:

A place I will visit:

How old I will be on my next birthday: