Arizona Trip and Train Park

     A few days after Christmas, we made what has become our annual trip to Phoenix.  Joey, Dawson, Ashlyn, Gracie, my mom, and I all drove down there.  We were smart and decided to break up the drive into two parts.  We stopped halfway in Albuquerque.  It was a nice little break and the kids always love staying in hotels.  Some friends suggested some local restaurants to try in Albuquerque and we tried some authentic New Mexican food which was good and very spicy!
     We drove the rest of the way the next day.  Gracie did amazing in the car.  She only cried a few times and was quite the trooper.  When we arrived in Scottsdale, the first stop we made was to the train park.  The kids had been in the car for some time, so they were dying to run around.  They had such a great time.  The weather was warm and it felt so good to be in Scottsdale after 12 hours in the car. We finished the day with a lovely dinner with my Grandma.  Our vacation was off to a wonderful start! 

Playing in the old jail

Having a blast

Let me out!

The train models

Someone spotted dinosaurs. 

    My brother had to work so he flew down and joined us on Tuesday morning.  We picked him up from the airport and headed back to the train park.  The weather was supposed to really cool down so we wanted to get another visit before the weather got worse.  This time we all rode the train.  Graceyn seemed to really like it.  There is nothing like your first train ride.  The weather the rest of the week was pretty bad.  It was pretty cold.  I can't remember a time I've been there when its been that cold.  Unfortunately, because of the cold we didn't get to go to the train park again.  There is always next time!

Always smiling

Pretty girl

She loves the Ergo and is always happy to be in it. 

On the train ready to ride

The train ride

Ready to have fun with Uncle Steven

We always take a family picture at this spot.  It's fun to see how our little family has grown through the years.  Last year, Gracie was in my tummy.