Hiking in our backyard . . . The White Tank Mountains

 Today we went on a hike. We didn't have to go too far, which was the awesome part. We headed over to the White Tank Mountains which has a few trails. We had heard about the waterfall trail, which was kid-friendly and not too far.

 

 It was nice to get outside and enjoy the view.
 
 Unfortunately, we were missing Tyler. He wasn't feeling good when we woke up, so he stayed behind.
 
 We bundled up in layers. The weather app said it was about 45 degrees. Burrrrrrrr!
 
 Daddy is all set. He even has his "I'm cool" look. Can't leave home without it.
 
 And we're off. I think Jace walked about 10 seconds before he was begging to be carried.

 

 This way to the waterfall trail . . . in case you were wondering.
 
1 second too late with the picture.

 
 There were rocks with petroglyphs done by Native Americans, hundreds of years ago, they say.

 Scenic break.

 The cacti were about 20 feet high. 

 Jace was mesmerized by the mountains.

 Looking out towards Surprise.

 Our great photographer.

 Our assistant photographer.

 Yay, after 1 mile (which was long enough to carry a heavy baby), we reached the waterfall.
 
 I think someone turned off the water because it was basically just a little pond. Of course, that's to be expected in the desert.

 There were lots of places for the kids to climb. It did make me a little nervous, because there were rocks everywhere and I didn't want the kids slipping and hitting their heads.

 Jace was trying.

 Heading back down and he still wanted to be carried.

 Almost there.

 There were little cacti as well.

 Are we there yet?

 Yay!! We made it. 
Lunch time. 
We enjoyed being outside, and having the picnic at the end was a great ending.

Our first Christmas Back in AZ

This is our first Christmas back in AZ, away from family. Although we missed being around them during this time, we did have an enjoyable Christmas with just our gang.

The kids had been up since "too early" in the morning, waiting for us parents to wake up. I think we finally rolled out of bed around 7:50am. I'm sure it was tortuous for them, but they managed to survive. This year we started with Secret Santa gifts . . . our newest tradition with our family. Everyone drew names and got $20 each to buy for that person. They had so much fun, which as a mother makes me glad to see that they enjoy getting things for others.

From what I could tell by reactions and facial expression and post-gift opening play, I think dad and I did good with getting gifts. Jace was loving his new train set.

Again, I was too tired by nightfall to have a breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls prepped the night before ---- go figure. But, I was glad to have at least ingredients to make some kind of breakfast.  French Toast with ham slices. Oh yeeeeeah.

While I made breakfast, Randy was sitting on the cold, tiled floor putting together Jace's gift he got Grandma and Grandpa Niu. I don't what we'd do without daddy.

Kara had asked for polymer clay for Christmas. She has been in her room working on works of art like this one here.

One of the gifts we got Tyler was football cards. I didn't think he would enjoy them as much as he did.

Leigh sporting her new RR4L Football 2012 Championship shirt and running shorts. Oh, and a pen.

I couldn't get enough of how much he loved playing with that train.

I had to take a picture of it because the thing is just freaky looking, yet, my baby loves it! That's all that matters right? 

Merry Christmas to All!!

Family Pictures 2012

It's that time again . . . our annual family pictures. It's always a grand time when our family tries to do pictures. Really I think we've gotten better over the years.

This is a behind the scenes photo.

The backdrop was pretty. We are kind of late this year, taking them in December, but hey, better late than never. I won't lie ----- it was cold!!!!!

We started with the girls. Aren't these girlies beautiful. I'm so proud of my girls and the young women they are becoming.

 Love this picture!!

Up next, my handsome boys.

These boys are growing up to be great young men.

Time for Randy and I. I love this candid shot of us. Leigh took the pictures.

This is one of my favorites. No explanation needed.

Love my family!!!! 

I am proud of all my children and all the good things that they do. I think Randy and I aren't doing too bad a job. Here's to next years pictures.