a month in AZ

Sam got to do 2 elective rotations during his clinical year.  We got lucky and got to do one in AZ and one in UT.  With his busy school/test schedule we had 2 days to get to AZ before his rotation started. We flew out of Boston on New Years Eve and landed in Phoenix after the New Year.

a necessity on our cross country flight

Crew slept the entire flight... on the floor

Sam was so lucky to get to work with Dr Guthrie in Gilbert.  Dr Guthrie was my pediatrician when I was a kid, and then Landon's when we lived in AZ.  He is an amazing Dr, and such a great person.  Sam loved working with him and was able to learn a lot.    While Sam was at work the kids and I kept busy playin around.


These nerds would not leave the trampoline.





The Gilbert Temple

Cafe Rio with Papa



Crew loved it...

Landon and Bro got along so well and played a LOT



Landon's first ride on the Light Rail. On their way to Supercross



We splurged and they got REALLY great seats



Landon asks me everyday if he can be a dirt bike racer when he grows up

Weenie roast with cousins at Papas

Landon discovered a love for cotton candy "but only the pink kind"

Sam taught Landon a few things on our trip...

  

Toward the end of the month we finally made it out for Food Truck Friday!

Christmas in Connecticut





                                     

                                               

My amazing YW president spoils Landon all the time. Christmas was no exception!

One lucky little boy!

 Our family was very blessed this year with some prime examples of the true meaning of Christmas.  Being so far from family during the holidays was hard, but it gave us the opportunity to become closer with our "family" out here.  We have developed such great relationships with SO many people out here, I don't think we could have asked for a better Christmas!   A Christmas angel wanted to make Christmas extra special for Landon this year, and surprised our whole family with an amazing gift.  Amidst all the gifts and traditions I am so grateful for the humility, and gratitude that has increased in my own life as a result of such selfless acts. Celebrating Christ and emulating his example is the true reason for the season!

Christmas Eve

This was our first year spending Christmas on our own, just our little family.  Our great friends out here, the Shelleys, had sweet a party on Christmas Eve.  The party was complete with ugly sweaters, Minute to Win It games, white elephant gift exchange, and delicious food! All the guests were cool too, we are so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives!

 After the party, the Christmas Elves stopped by our place with some festive PJ's.

On a semi-related note; For some reason, I had to drag my entire family into Joann's.  While we were there Landon found a Christmas sign he would not let go. He though it completely necessary in order for Santa to know where to stop.  To my udder surprise Sam exclaimed, "I could totally make that for WAY cheaper!".  I put him to the test and this is what they came up with...

It went up Christmas Eve, just in time! (why is it always like that with crafting?)

                   
I think he spent $7 total, more than 50% savings compared to the one in the store (the bigger bonus is now I know he can craft!). The one I saw at Joann's was more appropriately sized, about the size of a pie tin, but I suppose the boys wanted to "beef it up" a little bit.  Landon was insistent on the glitter since the one at the store was also smattered in it. I will admit to doing the lettering, I used the freezer paper method. Yes- I ironed paper to wood, it sounds crazy and was a little awkward but it worked like a charm! I was a little reluctant to put such a LARGE decoration in front of our tiny stoop, but I think it turned out great!

Landon refused to stare into the sun for a picture.



overzealous?

One of the best things about the holidays is seeing all the houses in the neighborhood decorated with lights.  There is one house on our street that gets especially excited for both Halloween and Christmas.  To say they get "especially excited" is actually an understatement.  Without fail they cover every inch of their property with every decoration, twinkle lights, and blow up character known to man. This year we took an evening stroll to visit this magical winter wonderland, mostly for documenting purposes.  These photos don't do it justice and I was too chicken to get out of my car and visit during the day.  The people who live there are SO nice, and have signs telling you to park in their driveway and get out and take pictures.  Boo Radley is even there to greet you with a smile and a candy cane.  Although it may look a little crazy, I am grateful for people with such holiday spirit that are able to spread some Christmas cheer!



Our destination in the distance

 

This carriage is up year round. 
The usual full-sized plastic horse and human couple
have been replaced by Mr and Mrs Claus.

I found this on my phone from their Halloween set up.

the "polar express"

We went with the Shelleys down  to the Shore Line Trolley Museum in East Haven.  At Christmas they decorate the trolley cars and even take trips to the North Pole!  This was a night to remember, and it all started with this guy...

Let's just say our conductor must have been quite confused that night. It's hard to say if this man has ever been lucid, and while explaining the rules he started out with his creepy Halloween voice.  He even threatened to use his wrench (pictured above) to "bash anyone who stood up" over the head.

   Once we approached the "North Pole" we were allowed to get off the trolley and visit Santa!  The North Pole was actually what looked like an abandoned train yard with old trolley cars scattered to and fro.  They were decorated with twinkle lights, and Santa scampered to his seat just as we approached his special car.  The kids got to visit with a noticeably disheveled Santa and were given a gift.  There was hot chocolate and cookies waiting for us which was especially nice since it was FREEZING outside.  We grabbed our goodies and headed back to our trolley only to find an empty track.
   Oooops! I guess our simple conductor forgot to call out "all aboard!" or give any warning at all for that matter.  No head count. He just left our two families alone, in the cold, dark, abandoned train yard. After wandering around for a while, we decided to go back to Santa's car since it was heated.  It was also abandoned, but at least we were warm.
   The next group finally arrived and we jumped onto their trolley and waited for them to finish visiting Santa. Their conductor was equally creepy and didn't seem to notice the 9 extra people on his car.  Back at the station we were too tired to enjoy the historical displays and headed home instead.
In light of an evening that could have been awful, we were with great company who made the experience really fun, and we were able to laugh through all of it.