Thanksgiving in Arizona

This year was Thanksgiving in Arizona. Nice and warm! On Sunday we had the opportunity to be there at church for Dani and Quinn's new baby Harlow's blessing.  Later that day the family got to be there while my nephew Matt got his patriarchal blessing. Great experience for them.

Uncle Doug was there to help the kiddies learn how to shoot a gun. The boys were in heaven.

Cousin Matt is in there somewhere. He never had a chance!!

Lola got her fill of attention from these rascals pushing her in her doll carriage.

The kids actually went in the pool. Granted, the air was in the 60's but it gets down to the 30's here and the pool isn't heated. It was COLD! My kids are used to the ocean right? Brrrrrrr

Kasey sunning himself on the stucco wall!

The kids waited close to an hour while the hot tub got hot. Crazies!

We tried to keep the kids busy. We took them rock wall climbing. They had a blast. Jordan, Triston, Kasey, Bailey and Keegan. The little girls also went.

This rock climbing is actually pretty tough. Jordan got the hang of it.

They also had a treadmill rock wall that actually moved while you climbed. Yikes! Kasey, as always, was going like a pro in a matter of no time.

Shannon did a wonderful job of setting the tables for dinner at her house.

Jordan and Keegan spending quality "gaming time". Waiting for dinner.

Uncle Ben cuts the delicious "smoking in the pit all night" Turkey. It was yummy.

Kids table. We had a visit from the Indians.

Some of the family hanging out by the pool watching the kids freeze. 

Uncle Scotty and Lola having a moment. This little girl is so cute and friendly. She loves everyone and isn't shy. 

And introducing the newest member of the clan....Harlow. She's just a few weeks old and soooo tiny.

Christmas in Arizona 2012

This was our year to go to Arizona for Christmas. We always love the warm weather, especially since we came home to quite the snow storm, and we always love seeing family. Of course one of the kids favorite things to do is bounce on the trampoline. These pics were actually taken the day before we left, so most everyone had left to go home already.

I LOVE these pictures, that's why I posted a lot of them. I am amazed at how they do these poses in the air. This is Kasey's superman.

It's always more fun to bounce when daddy is on the tramp because he can make you FLY!

 

 
 

LOVE these! 

On Christmas night, the family played games. This was kind of like charades. It was hilarious to watch! I'm the official photo taker...so I can't play. Lol

The kids and the Big adult kids...really got into it.

We had a white elephant gift exchange. I have to say, it was quite hilarious. The funny things these Gooches think to wrap!!! For example; Grandpa got a menopause testing kit. So funny...and it got a smile from Gramps.

Jordan got some women's purfume/glitter spray. He was VERY excited about it. Lol

Maddie got the pooper scooper that's been wrapped a few times.

Grandpa bought the kids some glow necklaces so they went out in the dark to play.

 

Jordan loved playing with little Lola. Quinn and Dani's new baby. He wants a sister!

Riley, Maddie and Uncle Ben. Nice face Maddie...merry Christmas. Lol

Little Lola is SO adorable I can't stand it.

The kids opening their new pj's on Christmas Eve.

The "big" kids in their new jammies. So funny to see the two biggest kids Riley and Matt dressed in those jammies. HA...always good for a laugh.!!!

The family always reenacts the Story of Jesus' birth. Jordan was Joseph and Kasey was a wise man.

Christmas morning. I can't wait for this day! I still love it like I was a kid. I can't sleep! There were so many gifts under the tree but it didn't take us long to unwrap them all I tell ya. Here is Kasey opening his huge RC truck.

Both opening sklyanders

Jordan opening his IPOD. He wanted this SO badly. I didn't even know he had picked it up and started to open it so I missed the initial reaction. :( He was willing to forgo all his other gifts if only he could get an IPOD. I should of taken him up on it.

And so we come to the close of another Christmas. I had a few more on here of Grandma and the little kids in their new pj's but for some reason they won't upload. We always have a great time in AZ. I know Scott misses his family and my kids love seeing the family they don't get to see also. Merry Christmas!

Mexico Part Three

One thing that's a must down in Mexico is the Mangos from the guys on the beach. They walk up and down the beach with their cart and we try to cut a deal. They peel it, slice it, and put either chili sauce or lime juice on it right there while you wait. They are OH so yummy!!!

Grandma eating hers with the Chili. I usually stick to the lime.

My good lookin, sweet nephew Peyton getting a tatoo on the beach. They say it lasts up to two weeks. I have to say it was really cool looking.

Uncle Alan doing his stunts with the football after it being thrown to him by my nephew Matt.

The little kids took their turn.

Jordan goes for it.....

...and accomplishes the goal!!!

This pool was really cool. It had a swim up bar and little ledges you can sit or stand on. Daddy throwing Kasey WAY up!!

Another past time down there is renting jet skis and Banana boats. We rented jet skis and took turns. Kasey and I went on one and Jordan and Scott on the other. I had to take Kasey back after a few minutes because he was a little scared. But Jordan got to drive and LOVED it. Here are the little kids (and Scott, Hannah and Alan) going for a banana boat ride. I was a little nervous they would fall off and get hurt, especially Kasey. While they were out there, I see a kid fall off and I say "I hope that's not my kid," When they come back I find out Jordan was the one who fell off AND the driver didn't see him so he kept going. Alan jumped off and stayed with him while the others screamed for the guy to stop. When you ask Jordan though, he says it was soooo fun!

After a few times around, people were jumping off on purpose. Here's Scottie jumping ship. Of course you can see Kasey right up front holding on for dear life. 

Kasey getting his bracelet made by a vendor on the beach. He was excited because we can never find anything with his name on it since it's spelled with a "K".

Fun time in Mexico...no serious injuries. Time spent with family. Until next time...