Arizona at Christmas

The day after Christmas we flew to Arizona to visit John's parents. The San Jose airport had a fun room for little kids to play in.

We made it to Arizona and went on a hike with Karen and Alan.

It was more of a walk, but it counts because we saw deer.

Plus there was a creek for rock throwing.

Then Perry grabbed a plant that sliced his finger open, so we took him to the ER. Once his shock wore off, he fell asleep on the drive. By the time he was seen, his wound had closed up enough that it didn't need stitches, thankfully.

We picked up some supplies to keep it protected and an ice cream cake as a perk for his bravery.

We went for some walks around the neighborhood.

Scott and Jonah played in the easement "quarry."

It's a very different landscape and beautiful as long as you don't touch it.

If a book is being read, the kids will congregate. 

Jane is a great vacation napper.

Grandma and Grandpa heated the pool for us. Perry tried the water slide after I showed him it was fine. He treads water with his face up so it doesn't get wet like a little dog.

Scott did not mind the chilly water and went on the slide endlessly. The rest of us stuck with the hot tub.

After warm tubbies, there was some video game time.

And another walk around the neighborhood.

Then cousins arrived and we had playmates.

Jonah loved baby August.

Hot chocolate with Grandma by the firepit in the morning.

Then we all went to the Sonora Desert Museum.

There were some cool exhibits 

and lots of walking paths.

You could find Jonah wherever August was.

Jane's braids left pretty waves in her hair. 

She was happy to be out and about.

Scott read all the signs.

Then the climbing started and then the rain, so it was time to head out.

Games and puzzles at the house.

And some toys.

A trip to the park to get out some energy.

And ride the statues.

Or give them a lil hug.

Jonah loved watching/hearing Joseph play guitar. He just got a Ukulele for Christmas, so he's excited to learn.

Alan smoked dinner for us all.

Then we went to Saguaro National Park.

We brought Emmeline, which Jane loved.

Reading the signs.

Silly buddies.

John helped Jane get to sleep in the toddler bed.

Jane had a turn with the switch and everyone had to see.

It was very stressful for me to visit people during covid, but we ordered a case of tests that everyone was nice about taking for us and we wore masks everywhere we went.

We didn't want to go another Christmas without seeing family, so I'm glad we made the trip. I just wish we'd taken some more pictures with everyone.