It's a Zoo, It's an Aquarium, It's Both!

We had the privilege of going to the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium while we were in Arizona. All three of us have been to the zoo several times, this was our first visit where there was an aquarium as well. Very exciting...there were fish:

More fish
Aquatic creatures to touch

or photograph.

Lots of sun and walking

a Peacock dazzling us in beautiful blue

A very logical boy following the map (or trying to, the adults didn't do what he wanted).

We witnessed a turtle race, this is the last in a series of three where the larger turtle overtakes his opponent. Is it just me or does he seem to be gloating?

Finally, a tired boy.

Christmas Morning

Full of Good Cheer

Checking to see if Schmutzli visited.

All is good, no visit from Schmutzli this year. Santa came instead!

After opening our stockings we headed into the woodstove room. Santa usually leaves candy in Aeden's paper cone, but it looks like this year he left a video game shaped ornament.

Looking for Santa presents.


Very excited! Santa brought lots of Super Mario stuff AND full box of Super Mario Galaxy cards.

We didn't take pictures of us opening our presents this year, instead we sat back and just enjoyed the morning. We even had a friendly visitor come to celebrate the holidays with us.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from our little Reindeer to yours!

Family Christmas Tree

Aeden's "Family Christmas Tree" inspired by our traditions and interests. Christmas tree shaped because we decorate a tree, there are 12 items and they are covered to represent the tradition of doing advent calendars.

The twelve items are:

1-pokemon stickers

2-mario card package

3-a square paper with a video game title printed on it

4-two googly eyes to represent Aeden's interest in art

5-a mini-book

6-dollar signs

7-stars

8-a pickle to represent a pickle present

9-scout sticker

10-a very nice transformer stamp

11-a top secret adventures sticker to represent treasure hunting

12-a picture of Aeden!

Christmas Eve Traditions

We have several Christmas Eve traditions. Usually we go out, get Starbucks and then drive around looking at Christmas lights. When we get home Aeden gets to open a present from us (Christmas morning pjs) and his presents from Grandma and Grandpa.

Then right before bed he sets out cookies for Santa, carrots for the reindeer, and the key so Santa can get in.

This picture is from Christmas morning: as you can see we had no carrots so the reindeer got celery, judging from Aeden's presents they didn't seem to mind.

Snowflakes

Well, I am no Snowflake Bentley, but I think these turned out pretty good.

More Ice Pictures

Here are some pictures from Sunday. Everything was melted by Monday morning.

My favorite.

First Snow.....mound?

It snowed on December 7th, well it dusted snow anyway. Aeden used his shovel to clear a path and then made a "Snowman" (term used very loosely).

Someone is coming to town...

Two lovely videos of Aeden singing, you must click through to the blog to view the video.

Roasting hot dogs

During our adventurous weekend we decided to torture Aeden by making him cook his own dinner. He was very put off by the heat coming from the stove.