Spring Break 2012

  We had another amazing spring break in Arizona again this year.  We always have such a wonderful time there and it always seems to go by way too quickly.

     As usual, we drove down there.  It just makes so much more sense to drive down there opposed to flying.  Katy and I were a little worried about how the babies would do on the long drive.  We split it up both ways so it was only a six hour stretch at a time.  It went better than I thought, although there were times when the babies were not happy to be in their car seats.  We came up with some pretty creative ways to keep them happy and content.  Ashlyn was an angel and did great.  The drive is never the fun part, but it's always well worth it.

     We are so fortunate to have a house in Paradise Valley.  One of the nicest things about having a house, is that we can all stay under one roof.  My parents, sister, brother, brother-in-law, and niece were all there too.  Joey wasn't able to get the time off yet from his new job.  We really enjoy spending so much time with family for the week.  We just relax and enjoy one another's company.  Since we are all at a house and not in different hotel rooms, it allows us to spend a lot of time together. I can honestly say, I can't remember a time were I watched less television and spent less time on the computer.  We truly enjoyed each other's company and didn't spend time watching t.v.  Ashlyn just loves spending all that time with her favorite people.  She is so crazy about her Uncle Steven.  They are such good buds.  

     When we were at the house, the kids had an absolute blast playing  in the backyard.  The weather was beautiful, and the backyard was perfect for kids to play in.  They couldn't get enough of it.  They would have spent all day every day out there had we allowed them to.  It was so nice to finally get so much outside time. 

     Another thing we love about Arizona, is seeing my Grandma.  We only get to see her once or twice a year.  It is so nice to get to see her and catch up in person.  It was a little harder this time with nap schedules and sleep schedules to spend long periods of time visiting with her, but we did get to see her quite a bit.  It was so nice catching up and I only wish we got to see her more often.

       I also got to meet up with my friend Jen for coffee.  It was so nice to be able to talk face to face and not through Facebook or text messages.  We had so much to talk about and catch up with that the time flew by and I wish I could have spent more time with her.  Maybe next time. 

      Since race season is right around the corner, I wanted to make sure that I still got my runs in while down there.  I have to say it wasn't hard to squeeze in runs thanks to my mom and sister's willingness to watch the kids.  I went on some pretty awesome runs.  I don't often run outside as much as I would like.  I loved soaking up the sun and all the of beauty down there.  My brother and Bryan and I went on quite a few runs together.  One morning, instead of driving to breakfast, we decided to run the 5 miles to the restaurant and met everyone else there.  It was an awesome run and we all worked up quite an appetite!  I have been going to Arizona ever since I can remember, but I have never climbed the famous Camelback mountain.  Steven, Bryan, and I decided to climb it Monday morning.  It involved a lot of rock climbing, but the view from the top was absolutely spectacular. 

      We spent most of our time just relaxing and eating.  There are so many amazing restaurants down there.  I had some pretty good meals.  I love vacation.  We also did some shopping.  One day the kids went swimming which was fun.  We also made our trip to the train park which is a tradition for us.  I have fond memories of my grandfather taking me to the same park when I was a child, and I am so glad I can take my kids there too. 

    I always struggle describing vacations, so I think I will stop rambling for now.  I am posting a bunch of pictures to show what a great time we had. 

Ella and Dawson getting their first taste of the backyard.

I think he loved it!

Going down the slide at the train park.

Ashlyn and Dawson digging in the sand.

They really liked the sand.

Dawson found this shovel and held on to it for the entire time.

He always loves the swing.

Running around, having a great time.

They have a replica of an old fort.  Ashlyn liked exploring it.

Dawson on the train getting ready to go.

Our attempt at getting a picture of the two of them on the train.  It didn't work so well.

On the train ride.

Ella and Katy

Dawson wasn't sure what to think.

After the train, you always have to ride the carousel.  Dawson really liked it.

Ashlyn always loves the carousel.

In front of a train.

Another attempt.

Dawson having a great time.  I love this picture.

One restaurant we went to gave out fire hats to kids.  Dawson makes one cute firefighter.

Ashlyn and Mommy

Relaxing by the pool

Loving the water

This is the only picture I got of the three of us in the pool.

We loved the water.

Dawson didn't swim long.  He wanted to take a nap with Grandma.

Ella and Katy

Katy and I love dressing the girls alike.  We bought them matching bathing suits.

Ashlyn and her uncle running

Mommy and Ashlyn again

My pretty girl

Let us out!!!

Before we got back in the car to head home, we try to get one last play session outside.

Ashlyn with the bubbles.

When we went to the mall, we decided to see the Easter Bunny.  Ashlyn would not get in the picture.  She did great with Santa this year, but just wasn't sure about the Easter Bunny.  Ella wasn't either, but Dawson didn't mind him.  They sat on his lap for a long time.  They had no fear.