Christmas Vacation

Many pictures were taken over the Christmas break. Here are just a few...


12/23/2008 - Phoenix Zoo

That green patch that looks like moss is actually a frog

This picture was taken on 5/26/2006. Rhonda was in California with baby Morgan.

Taken 12/23/2008...this time Morgan came to the zoo with the rest of the family.

Cheeto face

This picture requires a little explanation. In 2006 Weston, Tanner and Dad went on a fathers and sons outing. During this trip Weston became intimately familiar with the Cylindropuntia Fulgida (a.k.a. the Cholla Jumping Cactus). He had been warned to stay away from them. Nevertheless, as boys are want to do, he got too close to one and found out where they got their nickname. Ever since then we have referred to these cacti as Weston's best friend. We noticed some while at the zoo and thought it would be fun to have Weston take a picture by his friend. As he was walking away his friend decided to reacquaint Weston with the source of its nickname. Poor Weston came away with some good pieces stuck in his leg and on his hand. It should be noted that these things have barbs on them and do not come out easily. Weston was incredibly brave as all the pieces were removed. Needless to say, going forward Weston will be very hesitant about photo opportunities with his pal.

12/23/2008 - Arizona Science Center

In Arizona one must wait until December for Fall colors.

Hang Loose...maybe Morgan watched a little too much beach volleyball during the Summer Olympics....this must be her Misty May impression.

Their own version of the Tower of Terror...and yes, it was knocked down immediately following the picture.

Just imagine what would happen if they were actually allowed to watch the Simpsons.

12/24/2008 - Christmas Eve

True to her multitasking nature, as mandated by her being a mother of 5, Rhonda simultaneously handles cooking Christmas Eve dinner and playing volleyball

Given her age and experience adavantage, it's only fair that she has to play on an obstacle course.

The tractor that just won't die

12/25/2008 - Christmas

The kids got Mom 3 lbs. of Sees Candy for Christmas

When 3 lbs. of Sees Candy isn't enough...Dorritos covered with melted cheese and a root beer float for dinner. She must be trying to get it in all now before resolution time hits.

Grandpa Tom has discovered that he must look away from a flashing camera or he ends up blinking as the picture is being taken.

Every time Silly Grandpa comes down he leaves with a bag of Rhonda's chocolate chip cookies; something his dialysis technicians love him to do.

Indiana Tanner

Nothing like some good ol' hot cocco for a princess

Taken the girls out for a spin...princess club style

Mesa Temple

12/26/2008 - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

12/29 - 30/2008 - Flagstaff, Arizona

So, the lesson learned on this trip....never pull off to the side of a snowy road because you never really know how steep the embankment is.

We drove from our home in Mesa to Flagstaff on Monday morning. In Flagstaff we pulled into a Target to let the kids use the restroom, eat lunch in the parking lot, and change into our snow clothes. We then headed up the canyon in search of Wing Mountain Recreation Area, which is operated by the Forest Service and is only available for sledding. We missed the turnoff and soon discovered that there wasn't a place to turn around. After traveling for a few miles we noticed some people pulled over to the side.

Since traffic was slowing down anyway we decided to pull in front of them and make a u-turn. We quickly discovered that they were stuck in the snow on the side and some friends of theirs had stopped to help push them out. No sooner were they out and away and we noticed that we too were spinning rubber (but not going anywhere). We (I) placed more faith in our all-wheel-drive van than we (I) should have. In no time at all our back passenger side was about three feet down the side of the embankment. Rhonda noticed the exhaust pipe was covered so I turned the van off.

It's difficult to find words to describe how one feels when finding themselves stuck in the snow in the middle of nowhere with a van full of kids that have been riding for about four hours and want to play in the snow. Needless to say, I was panicking. Fortunately we have AAA so we were thinking we may have to just way an hour or two for a tow truck to come and pull out another ignorant Phoenician.

Just as I pulled out my AAA card and started dialing a Expedition pulled over with a family of five. The dad said he had a tow rope and if I could find somewhere to latch it on he would pull us out. A few minutes later we were back on the road. How grateful we are that there are charitable and prepared people out there. We truly felt the hand of the Lord bless us in a time of great need.

A few miles up the road we found a legitimate spot to turn around. By the time we got back to Wing Mountain there was a ranger out front of the 1/2 mile entrance road with a "closed" sign. When we inquired as to the reason for the closure he informed us that we were too late. He said they already had 700 cars and weren't suppose to have more than 600. If we hadn't missed the turn off we would have made it into the park, but it would have been incredibly crowded.

We found an alternative place to play on Monday and hit Wing Mountain early on Tuesday. The place is huge and, though crowded, there is plenty of snow for everyone.

Nothing like a late night dip in the pool when its 20 degrees outside. The pool was in a greenhouse like building. The steam coming off of the spa reduced the visibility to about 10 feet.

As you will soon see, poor Tanner had a rough go of it while sledding. Nevertheless, he kept his chin up and still had a great time.

This is one of those pictures you really should click on to enlarge. Poor Tanner's head his hitting the snow. The scratches are just now healing.

This is what happens when Grandmas aren't around to tell you better.

So, if you hadn't notice the bandage on Reagan's head by now, you certainly will in this picture. Because getting stuck in the snow and not being able to go to your intended destination due to overcrowding wasn't enough on Monday, Reagan decided to earn some battle scars. When we found an alternative spot for the kids to play we began getting all the jackets on gloves on. During this process we let Reagan crawl around the inside of the van with all the doors closed except the passenger side sliding door, which Dad was sitting in while assembling the jogger stroller. Somehow Reagan managed to climb up on the seat and do a nose dive out of the van and onto the asphalt. Fortunately, Dad caught her just as she made contact (it could have been much worse). As it was, she ended up with some bumps, scrapes, and a mouth full of mud.