Thanksgiving... Arizona Style!

So with two brothers in Arizona, we thought it would be FABULOUS to invite ourselves, cheeky I know, to visit over the Holiday weekend. And bar the 12 hour drive, and me not getting any group pictures, we had a MARVOLOUS time.

We reserved a room at a local hotel through priceline, it was pretty gross I don't recommend the hotel or priceline, even for the good deal I got.

We first went to my brother Lane's house, after a long drive at about 10 in the morning (we drove all night), and then went to lunch with both lane and his fam, my parents (who were also visiting), and my bro Troy. Gecko grill, good times! Then later spent part of the evening with Troy's family. The tragic part I didn't get even ONE picture of his kids or fam.

Then, Grrr - with no pictures, we had a great Thanksgiving at Lanes house. Then over to Troy's for some pie and visiting!

Fri. I went shopping with Heather, Brit, Ruth, and Keith. Oh my Gosh Holy crazy shoppers, I have Never seen anything like it, we were there about 5:45, and the line was wrapped clear through the parking lot. Fun, but crazy! That night we took the kids to the madagasgar movie.

Sat. we went on a hike with lane's fam, and Ruth's fam. These are the only pics from the whole trip.

Sat night we drove home, and saw 30 deer. 4 of those right in the middle of the street! It probably took an additional hour, because we drove so slow. The deer were everywhere and they didn't see bothered by us at all. GRRRR!

Home, safe at last. ahhh

Arizona November weather lovely!
Landon and Eva!
B squared (niece brit and friend brit) being big goofs!

Bella with the big kids, she is so ready to grow up! Slow down!

Chivalry is still alive! Landon saw something move and put his arm out to protect Eva, against anything bad that it could be. Seriously what a cute cousin! Here he is checking it out!

Sabrina, Landon, and Bella!

Landon and Bella were bringing up the rear, and I asked them to get in front of me, so an adult was the rear. And just because, they grabbed each others hand up the trail.

Best cousins! Fer sure!

Seriously that is so sweet and innocent! Lovely!

Dad, Eva, and Livey Lou - with the Arizona landscape!

Five little monkeys, sitting in a tree

So we had cousins, Maddie, Mai-Mai, and Rigdon, over for a sleepover beginning of November, and it was still nice outside; so while dad was able to do some yard work the kids spent a good portion of the day outside. There is a lovely Mimosa tree out front, and is an ideal climbing tree. So they we up and down in the tree most of the day. Definitly monkeys! I taught them how to play a game I played when I was little called colored eggs. They loved it! Then we went on a 'spy walk' where we had to walk sneaky and hide if we saw anyone coming, and then grabbed the 'top secret' pine needles' to take home before the 'bad guys' got us. It was a good memory making day!

Riggy, Mai-Mai, Eva, Maddie, and Bella!
Bella monkey!

Eva Monkey!

Preschool - here Eva comes

So with a move and the school year already started, finding a preschool was NOT a wonderful experience, however, with the help of our awesome neighbor, Jana; Eva started Preschool the first week of November. It is a really good preschool, and they have some fabulous programs for the kids. She has really JUMPED forward with her school skills. I think it is a blessing, also, to have a friend for her since she was so hesitant last year. She loves it and never fights me about going. Yeah, school!

First Day!

With friend Abby!