Misc. Arizona Pictures

    We were so lucky to get to spend a lot of time with my Grandma when we were down there.  It was so nice spending time and visiting with her.  She finally got to meet Gracie too.  She took us out to some wonderful restaurants.  Scottsdale just can't be beat in terms of wonderful restaurants to try.  We didn't even get to eat at all of our favorites.  There is just so much good food.  We really enjoyed all of our time with my Grandma and can't wait to see her again.
      My brother and I decided that we wanted to take advantage of the low elevation in Phoenix and run a race down there.  There were a few New Year's races to chose from, but we decided on one that was ran at Lifetime down there.  It was not a timed run so I don't know how I placed, but I did use my Garmin to track my time and I was very please with how I did.  My brother ran one of his best times ever.  I have decided that I really, really love running at lower elevations.  It is just so much easier to run fast.  I will definitely be planning another race down there for my next visit.
     Joey and I got Ashlyn a scooter for Christmas.  She has really been wanting one as a lot of her friends ride them to school.  We brought it to Arizona with us so she could try it out.  She was a pro immediately.  She is so stinking cute on that thing.  She is dying to ride it more, but has only been able to ride it once here since the weather has been so cold and snowy.
      My brother, Gracie, and I flew home on Friday night.  We all decided it would be best to only have her make that car trip once.  It also allowed Joey, my mom and the kids to drive straight through on the way back.  The encountered some snow close to home, but had a safe trip home.  Gracie did wonderful on the flight.  She slept the first 20 minutes or so then just sat up and played with her uncle and me.  It felt good to be home, but we all agreed the trip went by way too quickly.  
Here are some random picture from the rest of our trip.

Chair rides at Great Grandma's house

Weeeee

At the start line.  The weather was actually really cold for the race.  

The best part was that Joey was able to park right next to the start line so the kids could just watch from the warm car.  

There goes my brother

There I go.  

At the finish line

Coming in.  My brother ran and met me towards the end and he pushed me at the finish.  It helped me run way faster than I normally would have.  

Love the palm tree in the background.

Scooter adventures

Already a pro

Gracie 

I always take a picture of myself and the kids in front of this tree

The girls and I

Arizona fun

Taking a rest break at the mall

We celebrated New Year's by watching the New York countdown and playing a bunch of fun games with the kids.  Dawson didn't make it to midnight (or 10:00), but Ashlyn did.  We toasted with some sparkling apple cider that Ashlyn clearly loved.