An Almost Retro Post: Arizona 2009

I promised awhile ago that I would post our trip pictures from this Christmas in Arizona. Well, its now March. Before I post them and the captions, a little update. We are all well and both Katie and I are growing. It has been for the most part a good start to Lent. I was able to go on an all day retreat/conference that first weekend. Confession, Eucharist and many great talks along with sitting with a dear friend for the day made the day really AWESOME. I feel so blessed that Kurt was willing to take on Katie for the day (and practically the weekend as Bible Study started that Sunday and pretty much consumed my time after returning home). He is such a gift to me again and again!!!

Ok without further ado!

Our longest family vacation yet included plenty of hiking, relaxing and fun, fun, fun. We once again hauled the kiddos around in backpacks. They're handy for hauling and napping!

Daddy models how the backpack works.

John trucking Kaylee through the desert.

One of our beautiful hikes with WATER a rarity in the desert hiking.

Time was also spent with the 10 of us in the one bedroom trailer at Monte Vista. The kiddos vied for spots in the only real bed.

The resort also provided Christmas events for families including making photo frames.

All dressed up with no place to go...

Framing it up with Kaylee!

And Trev's work of art looks pretty good, too, I might add.

Kaylee and her mom on Santa's lap at Breakfast with Santa at the park.

These next few are from our visit to the Mesa Museum of Natural History which we also visited last year if you recall but it was worth going again. The kids love it!

Kaylee and Kate checking out Bubba the turtle and his cool tongue.

The girls hanging with Gramma. Check out the kid backpacks/leashes. They really are handy for independent little ones.

Gram and Kaylee in Folsom Prison...can you hear Johnny Cash singing it?

Panning for gold- this is how we paid for the trip!

A new exihibit this visit- Be in a Western!

Check out the faces. Kaylee loves them.

Were they meant for the big screen or what?
Kate and Gram on a Mammoth Dig Puzzle.

And at the Olive Mill tour. The best olive grove in AZ! Thanks for reading. Olive you, too!