Winter trip 2013: Part 5 Arizona

The last leg of our trip was in Arizona to visit Ray's Grandparents.  They were celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary and it was New Years Eve.  While we were there we had the opportunity to visit with Ray's cousin for a bit which was great.

We had another 5 hour drive to get from Las Vegas to Arizona but the kids did pretty well.  We ended up not stopping for lunch and instead giving each kid a Lunchable.  I will admit it makes my stomach churn to think of the crappy meat and cheese that are in those things but hey, it was food and it came in their own tray so they were able to eat on the go.   When we finally arrived they were so excited to get out of the car.  They had been waiting for so long to be able to ride their scooters from Santa.  It was all that was on their minds.  Luckily they were right under their seats so it was they were pretty easy to find.

Finally getting to really test out their scooters.

After their initial scooter fest we were able to get them to come say hi to everyone and I think Joe developed a little crush.  Ray's cousin was visiting from Brazil with his fiance.  She was all Joe could think about.  They colored together and flew paper airplanes.  When we went back to our condo Joe wanted to make sure he had his plane that they made together so they could play the next day.  She was such a good sport for humoring them and playing non stop.

Some times the best picture is the silly face picture.

We spent the whole next day just hanging out at Ray's Grandparent's house.  The kids were amazed that Great Grandpa had a fountain in the backyard and kept wanting to play with it.  We also spent a fair amount of time having scooter and running races around the cul de sac.  We had been doing so much traveling and driving they just needed to go bonkers. Joe of course got to spend more time with his new crush who again was a fantastic sport and played non stop.

Lilly and James tackled Ray in the drive way!

We all went out to dinner.  Ray's cousins would be leaving the next morning so we wanted to make sure we got to spend as much time with them before we went to take the kids to sleep.  Joe and Nick of course wanted to sit next to their lovely new friend.  James was happy to sit next to Ray's cousin but ended up jumping to several other seats throughout the dinner.  When we were getting ready to leave for the evening and take the kids to bed Joe was so sad that he wasn't going to be able to fly airplanes with Paula the next day.  They drew a picture together that had all the things they had done together over the last couple of days.  It is now in a plastic page protector so he can keep it forever.  As he was going to bed he told his grandpa that maybe he could go to visit her in Brazil but first he would need a map and a lot of pajamas.  I just love the way they think, it is absolutely adorable.

Enjoying a night out with their new friend!

The next day was New Years Eve.  For a treat we decided to go to the movies.  The kids have been begging to see Frozen again so Ray's parents took the kids while we went with his Grandparents to go see Saving Mr. Banks.  It was a fantastic movie.  It was also nice to be able to sit and watch a movie without being interrupted 100 times.

On our way home we stopped to pick up some supplies for a great New Years Eve/Anniversary party.  I love to just have some silly things for the kids to make the evening more eventful, so its not the same as any other night.  So I bought some cheap paper hats, glasses and noise makers for everyone.  My kids don't make it to midnight and honestly it has been awhile since I have watched the ball drop at midnight.  Instead we have a regular dinner then break out the party supplies and have an extra special dessert.  This time I got a cake for Ray's Grandparents and made a sundae bar for New Years.  The kids got a small slice of cake then they got to build their sundae with three choices of ice cream and a bunch of toppings.

I always make them take a family picture with me, someday they might appreciate it!

Happy New Years with Grandparents and Great Grandparents.  These are lucky kids

I just can't get enough of my boys the three small ones and the big one!

They were good sports for putting on the hats and headbands.  Happy New Years and Happy 65th wedding Anniversary!

Noise maker battle with Grandpa

I can't explain it I just love this one!

Cheers! To a great New Year and to 65 years of marriage.

The kids had a great time celebrating and I think it's so amazing for them to be able to celebrate with four generations of family members.  They are very lucky kids

Just a sweet moment between Lilly and Great Grandpa

The next morning we were on our way home. It was a long and excruciating drive.  I think all of us were just ready to be home.  It took me weeks to catch up on laundry and obviously a month to get all of our adventures posted but it was worth it.  The kids have been playing "Utah" ever since and want to go back to play in the snow.  I love building memories with our family.  It is one of my great joys as a mother.