More AZ

We love the weather in AZ at Christmas time. We were able to go to the zoo and the boys loved being able to play outside all the time.

The 5 cousins spent a lot of time sittin gup to the bar eating. It was cute to see them up there together. Ryder didn't want to miss out on the fun, so he joined the big kids too.

Making cupcakes with Elliot for Brooks' 30th birthday party

These dump trucks were a gift from Nana and Papa and they were put to use while we were there. What could be more fun than digging in the dirt?

Mesa Temple

Brooks went to the temple one evening to see the lights and take pictures. I love them!

Christmas

Landon and Elliot were excited for Santa to come this year and we were excited for them. Here they are Christmas morning waiting to get the okay to open their presents.

Landon digging in to his presents

Elliot loving his gifts.

These "Cars" were one of their favorite gifts.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Santa brought a train set to keep at Nana and Papa's house. All the boys loved it!

On Christmas Eve afternoon we opened gifts with the Crandell's. We did the cousin exchange and our sibling exchange. Afterwards we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Crandell's for Mexican food and then to the Reese party. At the end of the night we had fun looking for Santa's sleigh.

AZ Pre-Christmas

It was so nice to be able to get away from the snow and let the boys play outside. We had lots of fun with family the week before Christmas. We hiked, went to family Christmas parties, celebrated Rae's birthday, ate out, played, played and played some more.

Rae's birthday

Peterson Party

Sterling graduated with his master's degree while we were there.

Brooks and Sterling hiked Roger's Trough.

We went to Grandpa and Grandma Reese's and helped feed the horses.

Landon and Elliot didn't want to get on the tractor, but they had fun watching Pablo and Pumi.

We saw the temple lights and watched Tannis dance.

We tried to hike Reavis Falls, but the road was closed and we ended up at another trail instead.

At the end of the hike, we did some scrambling up to the top of some peaks and got a great view of the area. I appreciate the beauty of the desert more since living away from it.

Mark and Tyler (left) at the top of a peak

Disneyland

Brooks finished his finals by Dec. 11 and we flew to AZ Dec. 12. On Monday, Brooks, Tannis and I drove to California. Brooks and I did the "Give a Day, Get a Day" volunteer program and earned a free day at Disneyland. We used it just in time before the pass expired. Brooks and I debated taking the kids, but decided against it. The weather was a bit cold and wet, but it made for a great day at the park with no lines.

Tower of Terror is my favorite ride and we went on it seven times. I could have stayed there all day! The park was empty and we had done everything we wanted to, so we ended up leaving by 4:30 before it even closed.