Holidays in Arizona

We spent a sunny and warm week in Arizona to celebrate the holidays with Mike's family.  We missed history-making cold here at home and enjoyed the outdoor respite from blustery weather.

Miles and Hadley finally met their oldest cousin, Ben, and his wife, Becky and spent a few hours playing in the sunshine with them.  We also saw Mike's sisters Annette and Denise and their families along with his parents and aunt and uncle.  It was a full house! 

While there we relaxed indoors and outdoors, ate a lot of his mom's good cooking, went to Canyon Lake, Goldfield Ghost Town, and Superstition Museum, road a train, took walks, fed the neighbor horses, spent time with friends, played cards, hiked and went to the zoo.  I loved spending so much quality time with my kiddos.  Thanks Mike and Mariann for hosting us again.

Happy New Year everyone!  Follow me on Instagram - NickolayGray.

Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa Gray

At Canyon Lake with cousins Sarah and Nick

Time in the sunshine

Seeing how the cowboys out west and gold miners lived

Figuring out the labyrinth

Looking at model trains with grandma

Riding a stagecoach

Visiting a chapel where Elvis filmed a movie

Riding a train with Grandma and Grandpa Gray

And Annette and Uncle Roger

Hadley had lots of people to cuddle with - Auntie A was especially cuddly

At the park

Every year Miles makes waffles with Grandpa

Someone else wanted to get in on the action

Grandpa had a lot of helpers

Our first family hike!

The kids loved it.  Miles hiked all the way up and down by himself.  Hadley did well until her little legs tripped - then we carried her the rest of the way.

Looking at the view through his "binoculars."  He thought he spotted Chanhassen.

He did it!

Our little rock climber

We went to my friend Beth's house and Miles and Hadley LOVED playing with her three kids and their toys - especially this electric jeep.  Miles has been asking for one ever since.  He was a pretty good driver.

Me, Beth and our girls

Again, someone was very sticky from eating a candy cane

Hanging out at the zoo

Petting the stingrays - Miles was hesitant at first but then was so excited to have done it.  Having his older buddy, Tyson, around helped to encourage him.

His bravery continued as he rode his first camel!  (not even mommy and daddy have ever ridden on a camel)

The whole gang

Playing in Grandma and Grandpa Gray's yard