Flagstaff

While in AZ we couldn't help make a stop in good 'ol Flagstaff. We visited friends, family, and a yummy restaurant. Here are the highlights.











Our former neighbors. For those of you you who think there is no snow in AZ, check out this pile.


Hanging out with R!

The peaks.
Cousin time.

New Year's Eve

We all enjoyed New Year's at my parents house.

H made some super stylish hats for the occasion. The kids had a good time with Nana and Papa, and thanks to a stop in New Mexico we had a little fire fun as well - don't even pretend you are surprised. The kids stayed awake to celebrate PA New Year and almost long enough to celebrate AZ New Year too!

uncles

The kids got to see 4 of my 5 brothers on the trip. Unfortunately I forgot to take out the camera with Uncle N. Sorry about that! First they saw Uncle M with cousin G. We actually saw them before ever reaching AZ and then in AZ again! How fun. H loved to chase cousin G around and the feeling was mutual.


Next we saw Uncle N and Uncle D. Uncle D took C for a skateboard ride. She loved it and I am pretty sure she will expect one each time she seems him.






Lastly we saw Uncle B who may be leaving for a mission before we see him again. He was the entertainer near the end of our trip and lucky for me he was willing to play barbies and let H hang out in the basement. Miss you all already.

The drive

Many have inquired about the drive for our trip. I have to say it went more smoothly than I expected in large part because J drove during the night and we were able to play at my brother's house along the way. We took about 2 days each way and spent about 33 hours driving each direction. In total we spent more than 70 hours in the car since we drove around AZ as well. The kids did well...they are good at occupying themselves and we are thankful for the DVD player and leapster. I think the kids had a harder time on our shorter trips than the long parts. On our last leg of the trip the kids and I explored Edmond, OK (well a couple of miles of it) while John slept. This is where I learned that H likes to try on heels. Kind of creeped me out, when he kept trying them on and saying "Mom...do I look beeeeaaaaaautiful?" What a silly kid!

Christmas

I think this post will be best in pictures, but here is a super quote: After opening her fourth box of raisins from her stocking C said "I am so LUCKY!"

Cookies with cousins

While at Grandma and Grandpa's house we were roped into making sugar cookies. I am not a big fan of this cookie - or the mess so I usually skip this at our house, but when in Rome (and all that). It actually turned out great. H had fun, C did better at decorating than I expected, and I wasn't tempted to eat a single one (which is good since I was eating a lot of other food).
Cousin E





Cousin T

We're back

and have lots of catching up to do on multiple fronts. I will try to update about the trip before I start back to school, but no promises. My list is about a mile long right now. Stay tuned.