Blue Springs

Last weekend, we took advantage of the beautiful cool weather and headed to Blue Springs Park to see see the manatees who head there for the warm water (72 degrees year round) when the St. John's River water gets too cold.  There were 280 manatee there that day (although we didn't see them all!). The kids had a great time watching all the manatee and fish in the water, and we all enjoyed being a little cold and treating ourselves to some hot chocolate. It was a wonderful day to be outside with friends and wild animals.

Last days in Arizona

Our last two days in Arizona were spent

 lounging by the frigid pool (which Evan found out first hand when he jumped in fully clothed just to test it out)

 Swinging

 climbing

 sliding

 and loving on our family

with a good bath to end the trip!

All dressed up, and somewhere to go!

 Evan, Davis & Claire sure looked adorable for James & Nicole's rehearsal dinner!

Fun in Scottsdale

When we arrived back in Scottsdale, we were treated to a day with Uncle John, Baba, Grandma, Uncle Bryan, Aunt Laura & Davis

 We got to ride on the carousel

  and the train

 Got locked in "jail"

 And got to climb on Uncle Bryan

Polar Express Train Ride

Months ago I booked us on the Polar Express Train Ride, as part of the Grand Canyon Railways in Williams, AZ.  After we boarded the train, for our 5:30pm departure, we were served Hot Chocolate (accompanied by the song from the movie) and cookies. As we headed for the North Pole, they read us The Polar Express book. As we arrived at the North Pole, we could see Santa and an Elf on Santa's sleigh in the light up village. Santa boarded the train and then spoke to each child and gave them a bell. We sang Christmas Carols the whole way back to the station. 

 Waiting to board the train in our jammies

 ALL ABOARD!

 We've got our tickets!

 And Claire has her bow

 On our way to The North Pole

It was just as I had imagined and too adorable for words. The kids loved it and we, as the parents, loved watching them love it!

Tubing!

We headed up to Williams, Arizona where we took the kids tubing for the first time. Thanks to all who lent us snow clothes to make it possible. It was the perfect day for snow activity, about 53 degrees and sunny. The tubing wasn't anything special, but it was perfect for us. We all had so much fun. Now, Evan is dying to try skiing and snowboarding. I think a snow vacation is in the works for next winter.

 Evan trying very hard not to smile

I had as much fun tubing with the kids as I did taking their picture all dressed up in snow gear! What a novelty for us :).