December 2017 Phoenix and Gran Can

Christmas adventures 2017: 

Phoenix with the Johns with a short jaunt to a massive slice in the earth.

Pre-Christmas at home. Prior to our adventures in Phoenix and the Grand Canyon we tried to get in the Holiday spirit by loving each other a lot and doing a little decorating. We drove from San Diego to the Grand Canyon for a couple of nights with Rachel's parents. After that we headed to Phoenix to meet up with her whole family to have a decidedly non-white Christmas.

Cuddles are the best, but even better on those cold, bitter winter nights in San Diego. 

Bursting with Christmas spirit, our little ones decorated our equally little tree, Candy canes are of course the best part of decorating. They must be strategically placed for easy access once mom and dad finally let you pull one.

More love...probably during exercise time (or for Seth, try to block exercise time).

Ada is so proud of her artistic rendition of the traditional gingerbread man.. ("Please, eat me now! End my sugary overdecorated existence")

"Do I have to put any frosting and sprinkles on the cookie, or can I just put them directly in my mouth?" (so efficient)

Just woke up or way past bedtime?

The whole crew at the edge of one of the wonders of the world. The kids seemed to like it, but mostly they loved getting close to the edge and freaking daddy out. (By close I mean within 20 feet even with a solid looking guard rail)

About as close to feeling like true winter, it was cold enough to actually have to bundle up. 

We mainly stayed at the rim of the canyon to get some great selfies, but did venture down a short hike that led us part down for some sub-rim views. Unfortunately, Ty's late-onset vertigo prevented us from fully enjoying the more exposed hikes down into the canyon (maybe someday).

Looking cool and cool

At the hotel, we had Christmas number one where the kids got to open some of their presents and check out their stockings where they scored some pretty cool shades that would come in useful in Phoenix. All of the stocking stuffers, including some spectacular stuff for Mor Mor, Mor Far, Ty, and Rachel came courtesy of the dollar store across the street from the hotel (yeah, we are planners) 

A park near the hotel provided a good place to take a spring break and to try out Ada's awesome new scooter (lights up and is strong enough for Mom and Dad to test out and demonstrate how to ride)

Down from the hotel there was also an awesome light display built around the train station. Although not captured well here, there were some pretty impressive light displays including some attached to some decommissioned trains. Would recommend Williams, AZ at Christmas.

We are writing this was after the fact so it is crazy to see Seth small enough to be packed around on Rachel's back in a carrier.

Almost captures a tiny bit of the magic of the lights, the cool air, and the festive feel of the small town (Williams). And check out the strong Mama!

We saw Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause and they took our kids for a quick sleigh ride. The kids were either scared or excited (or both)

Phoenix.
We made it to Phoenix where we stayed in a massive house, and did our usual (but wonderful) mix of lounging around and enjoying the house amenities.  

Christmas number 2. Seth with a new train, and Ada with her new My Little Pony Rainbow Dash jacket which she would basically wear ever day for the next year and a half (and counting) 

"I'm melting, I'm melting(eventually)...oh what a world"

We went to a strange and magical pizza place called Organ Stop where there was a massive Wurlitzer pipe organ in the middle of a huge cafeteria-like setting. A very talented organist was entertaining the patrons while we chowed down on surprisingly passable pizza.

Taking full advantage of the pool. We tried to fill the entire poll with inflatables or other flotation devices so the kids and lazy adults always had something to grab.

Cutest slice of watermelon ever....

...until a big monster attacks from the sea and devours one of the succulent younglings.

Aunt Monica always tries to keep us in shape by suggesting healthy foods and leading Yoga classes. Attendance was a bit light for this session, but those that came were fully engaged.

Trying to grow up too soon and fill the large shoes of the parents. So many fun things to do when you are easily entertained.

The hot tub was the most popular gathering place and was rarely without at least a couple of people in it...usually a lot more. It was nice to be able to heat up and then just drop off the wall into the cool water.

Wood Creations (Goodman Family business) made an appearance on the trip as Mike cut some butterflies for the kids to paint. Megan was kind enough to lead the activity.

All beautiful in their own unique ways.

Random smiles.

Ty dragged the kids around on the watermelon...

...while the kids dragged Mark around by the neck in an inflatable chair.

The house had some amazing orange trees with some growing to about the size of the kids heads. We picked them almost daily and had fresh squeezed orange juice.

Uncle Tim became the fresh-squeeze orange juice barista

By the end of the trip, all the younglings emerged into beautiful butterflies!

All in all the trip was a great time and a mix of new and comfortable experiences. We got the weather/temperature in Williams (Grand Canyon) that reminded us what winter is supposed to feel like, but then got the warmth and sun that helped us focus on growing closer to each other in Phoenix.