Arizona Trip to see GGD

Poppa had to go to Arizona for work and Daddy was travelling for the week so Sydney, Cole and I decided to head to Arizona to see GGD (Great Grandma D). 

We left at midnight on Sunday night/Monday morning, trying to allow the kids to sleep in the car and for my dad to get there in time for his 8 a.m. meeting.  Well, our great plan backfired as Sydney was WIDE awake for the first 3 hours of the trip.  At least she was happy and totally content while Poppa and Cole snored.  The 6+ hour drive wasn't bad at all - nice having a quiet car and no traffic!  We dropped Poppa off at the stadium for his work meetings and we headed off to Aunt Carol's house to relax for a bit before driving to see GGD. 

Sydney and Cole immediately fell in love with their dog Rudy.  Such a sweet dog and was SO patient and loving with the kids.  

After a quick breakfast and shower, we drove about 45 minutes to see GGD.  We had a blast playing with her for the morning!

Tea Party

Syd Syd and GGD

GGD was on the floor having a picnic with Sydney.  I was impressed!!

Cole loved her laz-y-boy! 

Love this picture.  GGD put her napkin from their picnic on her head!

92 years old... gosh, I hope I have her genes!

Aunt Cindy works nearby so came over on Monday and Tuesday to say hi.  She also brought a bag full of toys that her grandkids play with that were a lifesaver and kept the kids entertained!!

So cute!! 

We headed back to Aunt Carols for naps (which didn't happen) and some playtime since they were in the car for a lot of the night/day. 

Cole loved Rudy's crate.  And I loved it just as much :) 

We found a playground near the house which the kiddos enjoyed. 

Cousin Ali came over after work to hang out.  So fun having her see the kids and getting to chat with her!

Tuesday morning we ate breakfast and then drove back up to Grams to spend a few hours with her before our trek back to SD.  After we saw her we stopped at Bass Pro Shop which was amazing!  The kids loved looking around. 

Driving back to SD.  Was a fun (but tiring) trip.  

And they're out!!  I tried to time the drive home with naps so within 15 minutes of leaving GGD's house, both kids were asleep.  They slept for about 2 hours which I was thankful for.  We were planning on meeting a friend from SD who is now in Yuma for a break but her kids were sick.  We still stopped at Chik-fil-A, let the kids play on the playground, got a few treats :) and then hit the road. 

Thanks for the fun visit, GGD!

Beginning of December

The night after Thanksgiving Sydney and Cole slept over Nani and Poppas house.  Dave and I went out to dinner and shopping at Target :) Exciting!!

 

Fun morning at the zoo watching the giraffes

Finally saw the rhino IN the water

The park not far from us had a winter wonderland we checked out.  Last year it was pouring rain and this year it was about 85 out!  Maybe next year it will feel like winter!  The kids had a blast meeting Santa, jumping in bounce houses, going for a carriage ride and playing in the snow. 

Petting a llama

Picture by the horses

Snow!!

The house up our street has a pretty large display of inflatables. The kids ask to go up and see 'Thomas' (Thomas the Train) every 5 minutes.  So, one morning I said yes and we went up after breakfast!

Dance class at the library.  Cole was the line leader with the teacher. :) 

It's beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!!  We got our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving.  The kids love it!!

Thanksgiving

The nice weather we had while in Coronado earlier in the week lasted through Thanksgiving, which was a nice treat.  We met up with Brian and Hollie in the morning and hiked Torrey Pines (all of us left our phones in the car!) before they headed up north to eat with Hollie's family.  

Originally we were going to eat inside but since it was SO nice out, we decided to eat outdoors... it was perfect!

All of us (minus Daddy) for Thanksgiving!

Poppa piggyback rides after dinner

Thankful for such a fun poppa. 

We are SO glad George joined us again this year.  Sydney and Cole talk about him at random times throughout the week so it was fun for them to see him again.  

Fun with Mr. George's hat

Happy Thanksgiving