Arizona

Andrew, the girls and I drove to Arizona Thursday morning.  I've decided this is my favorite time of year to visit...the weather is perfect!

We visited a little with the Raissle's before driving to the Coyotes NHL game.  We walked across the street to their park so the kids could play some soccer and they found a few blocks of ice so did some ice blocking too!

 We ate some appetizers at a brewery in Westgate before going into the game.  The pretzel was bigger than Parker!

Karla had gotten tickets too so Taylor and Andrew sat with her during the game.

I love the bond these kids share!  It has been such a blessing watching them grow together and support each other!

 It was our first NHL game and although the Coyotes have had a rough season, they pulled off an overtime victory against the Nashville Predators! 

Since Allison was recovering from pneumonia, she stayed home Friday while we went hiking at Pinnacle Peak.

It was a little warmer than expected, but is such a beautiful 4 mile hike!

 There are gorgeous views of Scottsdale and some pretty spectacular homes along the golf course!

 After a late lunch at Desert Ridge Marketplace, we said goodbye to Andrew and went back to Wendy's to rest up a bit.  Parker had a baseball scrimmage in the evening.  He played great and we even got to see him pitch!

Saturday morning, the kids rode bikes and we walked Willow down to this cute new coffee shop.

Once home, I realized I had lost $20 when I opened up my zipper pocket to give Taylor her phone.  I assumed it was gone for good, but Wendy and David said we should drive the golf cart back down there just to see.  Would you believe someone actually turned it in??  They even left a description of Taylor as it probably stuck to the back of her phone.  Wow!

Saturday night we bbq'd, watched KU basketball and enjoyed some time by the fire.  

Sunday we took a few hours to meet Alan and Audrey for lunch at the Verrado Country Club.  Alan was wearing his new KU sweatshirt and it was nice to visit for a bit.  

It was a great few days in Arizona and so thankful for wonderful friends!

Last Beach Day

We fit in one last beach day before Lauren and Taylor head back to school.

 While the kids were lazy, Leslie and I walked down Moonlight Beach to a really cool find because the tide was so low.  I've never seen so much sea grass or tide pools at this beach!  We explored a little and got in a nice chat!

 We walked back in time to catch the sunset with the girls and set up our bonfire area.

 The girls can go a long time without seeing each other and pick up right where they left off...sharing great memories and lots of laughs!

We picked up dinner at Leucadia Pizza Co and ate and made s'mores around the bonfire.  Our favorite way to spend the day!

Holiday Bowl

Matt got free tickets to tonight's Holiday Bowl between Washington St. and Michigan St.  Unfortunately, Allison wasn't feeling very well, so Andrew took her place. 

We tailgated with some of Matt's buddies from work and had great seats in the plaza level.  We didn't really care who won, but cheered for Michigan St. since surrounded by their fans.  They got the big win!

Christmas Day

Kaia was the first one up this morning and even brought down her Santa toy to play with by the tree. So sweet!  

 We all opened matching pajamas last night

 and woke up to open stockings before Grandma and Papa arrived from the hotel. 

We had our traditional egg bake, Zimel's coffee cake and fruit before opening gifts.

 Everyone was super spoiled this year and grateful for all that they received!

 Matt took care of getting everyone our lottery tickets...no big winners, but a little money was won.

After some board games and tv watching, we had a turkey and ham dinner with all of the fixings and christmas cookies.  We feel very blessed this year and were grateful to all be together.  

Christmas Eve

 We met Grandma and Papa for brunch at Journey golf course.  It was a pretty day with a gorgeous view.

The food was delicious and we had a nice time visiting.

 We had a little bit of downtime in the afternoon before going to candlelight service at Rancho Church and dinner at Francesca's.  That seems to have become our new Christmas Eve tradition.

 No more Santa key or reindeer food, but feeling the magic of the season

and glad to have Grandma and Papa here to celebrate.

Tis The Season

Allison finally got out of school yesterday (proud of her 4.0 this semester!), but with Christmas only 2 days away, she didn't have much chance to get in the holiday spirit.  While Matt did his Christmas shopping, the girls and I drove to San Clemente to do a little last minute shopping at the outlets.  

 We shopped, had lunch and toured some model homes before walking along the pier

 and finally crossing South Swell hand dipped ice cream bars off of my bucket list!

At night we did a family trip to Bainbridge Circle and the Krakow house for Christmas lights.

White Elephant

Tradition continued with our annual white elephant party.  We waited until these 3 (and Tyan) arrived home from college.  I can't believe they are in college!

 

It won't be long until these 3 are too!

We had a yummy potluck dinner before opening the gifts.

We had some good ones this year.  Allison with her plastic papaya and watermelon seat cushion.

Reanna  was brave and opened the gigantic box to find this lovely, yet very dusty, lamp that Taylor picked up at Goodwill...lol!

 Taylor got the Trump mask, but it was quickly stolen by Charlie.

 Poppy loved his chicken hat

and the beer belly fanny pack was a common theme this year!

 Crazy how these kids have grown over the years

and so grateful for these friendships!

A Fallen Hero

Today, we paid our respects to fallen firefighter Cory Iverson.  He died battling the Thomas Fire, one of the many that have scorched southern California in recent weeks.

He left behind a young wife, 2 year old daughter and a baby on the way.  So tragic!

His procession was 210 miles, beginning in Ventura and ending in San Diego.  We brought our flag and waited along with many others along the Rainbow bridge.  There were dozens of firemen and families saluting and honoring the family as they drove under the bridge on the 15 freeway.  From numerous accounts, I believe every overpass along the route was represented the same way.

Quite a tribute!

Thank you for your service Cory Iverson!

Home for Winter Break

Allison and I picked these 2 up from the airport tonight!  They were relieved to be done with finals and to have a few weeks to relax and regroup.  So proud of Taylor for pulling off a 3.95 in her first semester at KU!

They requested carne asada burritos so we went to Old Town SD for dinner at Cafe Coyote.  

Andrew will be staying with us off an on over break until we drive in to Phoenix to see Karla and then to Chicago to visit friends before school starts back up. 

I'm excited to have Taylor home until Jan 12th!

Varsity Season

Varsity season is officially underway and the girls have played in the Beaumont tournament and finished as semi-finalists in the Cathedral Catholic tournament.  Allison saw a ton of play time in the goal and really rose to the occasion.  She is improving with each game and becoming a really strong asset to her team!

Winter Formal

Taylor and Andrew finally got to attend a formal together and they sure looked happy and so fancy!