Rawhide

 We took an our drive down to the western town of Rawhide. We got to see a gunfight, hear the tale of Doc Holiday and visit the blacksmith. Cousins Gabe and Bella even panned for gold and brought home a few small pieces. Madeline's favorite part of the evening was visiting the goats and donkeys at the petting zoo. It was only 44 degrees so we were all bundled up and cut our evening short to enjoy a delicious steak dinner. The menu was full of funny things to eat such as Armadillo eggs and Rattlesnake cakes.

Train Park

Gabe, Kris, Grandpa, Jeffrey and Bella

Grandma Anita

Mommy and Madeline

We all visited the Train Park last night and rode the train through the Christmas Light display. We got lucky and only had to stand in line about 15 minutes. By the time we took the ride and got off the train, the line was wrapped all around the parking lot! 

We also walked through the train museum and enjoyed some time outside.

We took our family to Toby Kieth's " I love this Bar" restaurant for lunch yesterday. Aunt Kris and Grandam Anita love Toby Keith so this was fun for them. After lunch we walked over to Maddy's favorite store...Bass Pro Shop. The guys played some shooting games while the girls shopped and looked at the big fish.

Family Time

Largest Fresh Cut Tree in the U.S.

Dancing to Music at the Mall

Grandpa Jeff, Grandma Anita, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Kris, Cousin Gabe and Cousin Bella all arrived to our house Wednesday night. They drove 1500 miles from Indiana in Grandpa's giant RV and it took them less then 2 days to get here.
We are all having a great time playing puzzles, going to parks and shopping. The kids are enjoying a slumber party in Madeline's room. We blew up an air mattress in Maddys room for Gabe and Bella to on. Maddy hasn't wanted to sleep with them so we moved her toddler bed in to our room and she sleeps in it next to our bed.
The girls spent today at Anthem Outlet Mall where we got to see the largest free cut  Christmas tree in the united states and go to lots of stores.
We have lots of great things planned this week as they are staying with us until after the New Year!

Merry Christmas

Madeline came into Kevin and my bed early this morning and we all fell asleep together until 10 am. She was very excited to get down stairs to see if Santa had come during the night. She was a little intimidated when we saw all the presents under the tree and she wasn't really sure what to do. Once Maddy opened one present she figured it out and ripped through the papers and opened all her presents. She was very excited to open a Dora Doll house and she squealed and laughed and it was wonderful to see her so happy. Santa also brought her a new kitchen, a tool and work bench and lots of coloring books and animals. She really likes playing with play dough as she has never had that until today.
After presents, Grandma Jill made some home made spaghetti and sausage for lunch and we all took a long rest. This was a very Merry Christmas for all of us.

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve together. Maddy wore her Christmas Tree shirt and hair bow that her Aunt Kris made special for her. Grandma Jill and Grandpa Doug are still here so we ordered take out from Carraba's for Dinner so we could relax and not have to cook a big meal. After dinner we all watched The Polar Express movie and Madeline fell asleep on the couch around 9:30. Santa came sometime during the night and ate all the sugar cookies we left out!

Zoo Lights!

Last night we went to the Phoenix Zoo to see Millions of beautiful Christmas Lights. We enjoyed a Musical light show on the Zoo pond and every kind of animal you could think of was illuminated.

Grandpa Doug and Grandma Jill

We are enjoying time with Grandpa Doug and Grandma Jill this weekend

Grandma Jill and Grandpa Doug arrived Friday night to spend Christmas weekend with us. We have been busy finishing up our Christmas shopping and cooking lots of great food. Grandma and I took Maddy on the Princess Express train ride last night and got to see millions of glowing Christmas lights around the princess resort. The weather is warm and in the 70's so tonight we will be heading to the Phoenix Zoo to see the Zoo Lights!

Madeline's babysitter, Alannah, came by today to surprise Maddy with a Christmas gift! Alannah gave her a cute Dora the Explorer purse that came with Dora Money, cell phone and jewelry! 

Peanut Butter

Madeline LOVES peanut butter. She grabbed the jar from the cabinet last night and was secretly eating it in the living room. This morning she grabbed the jar again as I was making breakfast and she ran right to her playroom so I could not see what she was doing.

Lauren is staying with us this morning while Allie runs some errands. The girls are playing with toys and coloring and being chased by Maizey. They finally took a break to enjoy some apples together. 

Madeline told me she wanted to wear her princess dress yesterday so I pulled it out of the closet and she put it on all by herself! She also put her boots on which is why she ended up with one brown boot and one pink Hello Kitty boot on. 

Luckily I was able to get her to wear both brown boots so we could visit the bunnies. Maddy gave her bunnies some treats and patted several of them. Madeline also did a great job of brushing  Mac's hair with the bunny brush!

Kevin, Maddy and I went to the Fairmont Resort last night and rode their train around the grounds to see all the wonderful Christmas Lights. They had pirate ships on the pond, giant fishing Santa and millions of colorful lights along the train path. There was even a 40 foot tall Christmas tree playing Christmas songs.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Madeline helped Daddy blow out his birthday candles last night. We surprised him with brownies covered in blue and white sprinkles.  Madeline and I saved up our allowance and bought Kevin a ticket to see the Detroit Lions play the Cardinals this Sunday here in AZ. This was the perfect birthday :)

Tea Party

Madeline and I watched Lauren last night so her mommy could attend her office Holiday Party. The girls had a blast during their tea party and played puzzles and babies all evening. 

After Music Class we played at the park for a little bit. We didn't stay long though because it is kind of cold outside!! Only 65 degrees!!