AZ Christmas

 This year we did things a little differently.
Instead of heading to AZ after Christmas,
we celebrated the special day in AZ.
One of our best Christmases yet!

It was amazing to be together with my Mom.

While we celebrated Christmas,

we were also able to celebrate Carmen's 12th birthday.

We spent 11 heavenly days enjoying 

meals together, walks, swimming, several activities,

 movie nights, bike rides, the sunshine and the list goes on...

Here is our time in lots and lots of pictures!

Always fun to be at Grandma's house!

Surprises and goodies at every turn.

It's tradition to have ice cream sundaes

EVERY NIGHT! Usually accompanied by a movie too.

Celebrating Carmen.

We went to a dinner theatre show of 

The Christmas Carol.

It was a great venue with lots of amazing singing and dancing.

Max of course was mortified he had to sit through a musical

(but secretly he enjoyed it!)

It was a fun way to celebrate

 Carmen's Christmas birthday.

Prior to the show, 

Carmen opened some gifts.

Taylor Swift Tickets = 

one happy 12-year-old girl!

We took full advantage of the sunny weather.

We were lucky to have mid-60s most of the trip.

We played mini-golf 

(where several hole in ones were achieved).

And, we even had super warm weather a couple of days.

This allowed us to happily visit the pool.

One of my favorite things is looking at the different 

holiday decorations. So creative!

We got into the decorating spirit too

and participated in an annual Christmas Eve luminary fundraiser.

It was also the perfect way to alert Santa

that the Skurski kids were at Grandma's.

Christmas Eve dinner --

the classic Chinese takeout.

Of course Santa knew where to find Carmen and Max.

We took our annual trip to the 

World Wildlife Zoo.

This place never disappoints.

The kids fed the giraffes,

pet sting rays, and this trip Carmen was

quite the goat whisperer. She had a following.

We also went bowling and to the arcade.

Carmen and Max came up with a 

strategy to win as many tickets as possible.

Not sure if it worked, but they both came

away with prizes.

We also enjoyed just hanging out and relaxing.

I read a couple of books and the kids

were able to play outside, ride bikes and explore.

Carmen created an obstacle course,

we played countless rounds of 'shut the box' and the kids

were introduced to some old classics -- jacks and pick up sticks!

Thank you mom for our time together,

for your generosity and for being you.

We love you!

And, finally, 

annual turtle picture.

Until next time!

T-W-E-L-V-E

 Twelve today.

One year shy of a teenager.

Crazy, simply takes my breath away.

Twelve amazing years on this planet.

Twelve years of being you.

Unique, beautiful, full of energy and light.

The way your mind works is incredible.

You are creative, a thinker and tinkerer, a true engineer.

Your ability to solve problems and anticipate challenges and 

roadblocks are something else. It's fun to watch your wheels turn.

You are always exploring, designing, executing.

You are passionate. You are thoughtful.

You love with all your heart.

You can be outlandish at times, irrational and inconsolable.

All part of you, all part of growing up.

You share, are open and honest.

All qualities I admire, and I pray continue.

You are comfortable in your own skin.

Brave and confident.

Wise beyond your years in so many ways

and still my little Carmen James in others.

You are happy, silly and never afraid to try new things.

I admire you and you make me whole.

My life and the lives around you are 

enriched due to your presence.

Thank you for being you,

for being twelve and for being ours.

Love you little CJS. 

World Cup Winner -- Argentina

 Our little guy couldn't be happier. 
He's a mega Messi fan.
For years, it's been Messi all the time.

Yes, he likes the US and especially Pulisic,
he enjoys watching soccer of all types,
but Messi and Argentina winning the World Cup was something special.

We happened to be flying during the match.

We were lucky to get the internet while traveling.

It was early, a 7:15 departure

but he watched almost every minute.

He smiled, he cheered.

He celebrated #10.

Congrats Messi!

Watching Pulisic...

Celebrating Messi...

Fun & Festive

 We took full advantage of some fun and festive 

get-togethers and outings with friends to celebrate the season.

Candy Trains

Can't beat building creations out of candy.

This year I feel more candy may have been 

consumed vs. used to decorate...all party of the fun!

Lights, Lights, Lights

Checking out the local lights

and displays.

Red

We had several visits from our Elf, Red.

He still seems to be bringing treats

to commemorate the season. 

Fun with Friends

Our kids our lucky to have such a great

group of friends and buddies.

No shortage of adventures, outings and fun!