Let it snow!

Kansas welcomed us home with a light snow. 

Lily kept begging to play outside, while Mommy said "no way, it's too cold!"

Nanny came to the rescue, bundled Lily up and outside they headed.

(Mommy then felt guilty so bundled up too.)

Pure joy during her first little snowball fight.

Brrrrrrr.  We're not in Arizona anymore!

Zoo Lights

Zoo lights at the Phoenix Zoo was a success!

Lily loved all her favorite animals decked out in lights.

We liked the monkeys and giraffes best. 

She also enjoyed singing 'Jingle Bells' over and over again.

Mom and Dad would be ok if they never had to hear that song again!

Such a fun event. I believe we have a new Christmas tradition!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

A new tradition we started this year was an advent calendar using Christmas books.  

Each night of December, Lily opens one book to read before bedtime.

Not only is she warming up for Christmas morning with her present opening skills,

she is also learning about Santa, the meaning of Christmas, and the names of every reindeer (her favorite!).

It's been so sweet seeing the excitement on her face as she opens the book,

and even sweeter, seeing her cuddled in Daddy's arms!

Good friends

What a treat we had last weekend.

Lesley, Tyler, Alex, and Drew came for a visit!

Such a fun weekend just catching up plus keeping three kiddos entertained.

While Lily was at school on Friday, we took the boys to the Children's Museum.

Their favorite was the "fake food."

On Saturday, we treated ourselves to Dunkin Donuts.

These three kids were never as quiet as when they were shoving sugar into their mouths.

(Don't you just want to squeeze little Drew?  He is flipping adorable!)

Followed by a (cold) visit to the train park.

(Thanks for dragging the winter weather to AZ guys! 
And you forgot to take it back with you!)

Thankful for good friends, good conversations, and good times. 

Thanks for making the trek southwest...

...our turn to head towards Arkansas!

Post meal hike

To work off our yummy meal, we spent Friday morning hiking Pinnacle Peak.

Thanks to our neighbors for loaning us Lily's backpack.

She LOVED it and had a great time!

 And what's a hike without chips and hamburgers immediately following!