Christmas in Phoenix, Part Three

On our third day in the Arizona desert, we spent some time at the Dragon Park, dubbed so by Ian, b/c of the large dragon play structure thingy.

Zach chillin' with Grammy




Zach loves him some swings




But don't take my word for it, the proof is in the smile




A pre-bedtime story with Papa




Zach definitely liked the wrapping as much
as the presents themselves




Connor was not into sharing at the moment ...





... but he warmed up to the idea ...





... and even offered to share his ring with yours truly!





Here's Ian showing his little bro and cousin how the
big boys unwrap presents




And he was very excited about his new helicopter!




Uncle Kevin starts the wrastlin match with the
upside down baby hold




But Zach quickly turned the tables with his trademark
eye-poke-lip-grab




Connor couldn't resist getting the better of his dad,
and soon teamed up with Zach to defeat the adult, with a
smile on their face. Look out Lord of the Flies!





Zach was definitely pooped after a fun-filled visit with the
AZ Days. Here he is taking a nap in the airport. Can't wait
to get together again with everyone!

Christmas in Phoenix, Part B

On our second day in Phoenix we went to the "Airplane Park". This is a park that is specifically designated for the operation of radio controlled planes, helicopters and other flying machines (you'll see what I mean).

Ian loves this park. He barely blinks and his mouth hangs open in awe. It's such a cool thing to see. But first, more photos from earlier that morning, hanging out and playing at Chez Day du Phoenix.

Connor loved sitting in his basket of books. Zach occasionally
tried to get in, too. Ian is literally a blur.





something is distracting them...




... and Connor wants out



Grammy playing with Zach at the music table




Here we are at the Airplane Park





And here are some of the airplanes





They did all sorts of fancy flying





This is what I meant by "other" kinds of flying machines. Pretty cool, eh?










We had to work to keep Zach hydrated. Even though it wasn't particularly hot, it was sooooooo dry!





Back at the homestead, once again playing in the laundry basket of books.





I'm not really sure what was going on here. It looks
like we're looking at the same thing, whatever it is,
and I'm showing off my shiny noggin.



That's it for this post. Coming up next: Dragon Park, more present opening, more laundry basket playing, and a knock 'em down, drag 'em out, intergenerational, honest to goodness wrastlin' match.

Christmas in Phoenix, Part I

After a very merry and mellow christmas at home in SF, we ventured south to Phoenix to visit with Amy's brother and parents, who made the trip from either Colorado or Florida (I can't remember which at this point, it's been too long!), to be with all their grandchillun over the holidays. it's so much fun having all the boys together. Now, without further ado, the photos. More to come from this set soon!

Ian was only a little excited to see us





Zach loves to crawl over things ... but in this case he bit
off a little more than he could chew





Zach was fascinated with this toy. He watched Ian and Connor play
with it for what seemed like hours our first day in Phoenix. Then ...





... The next day he was playing with it himself!
This is such a fun age, he's picking things up so fast.





Zach doing either his W.C. Fields or Groucho Marx impression.
He wouldn't say which it was.





Asleep in the pack and play. This is the first time we saw
him sleeping like this. It's now a pretty common occurrence.
Does any adult actually sleep like this? What a cutie!





Let the unwrapping begin! We spent three days opening
presents, we needed every precious minute we could get ...
and there were still some gifts left wrapped for another day!





Connor loves - loves! - to climb on any and everything.





He also enjoys yoga, and long walks on the beach





For the most part, Connor was very generous when it
came to sharing his toys





... Like this one ...




... and all his "stuff", too. Like his highchair.
Thanks, Cousin Connor, you rock!





Bedtime stories





Papa, I like it when you read me a story.

Merry, um, Christmas...

better late than never... you'll get used to me saying that :)

here are some photos from Christmas Day at our apartment. It was just the three of us, a mellow day. The perfect way to spend our first Christmas together as a family.

Zach's new Elmo truck. "Vroom Vroom Vroom Vroom"
is now part of our everyday conversation




Zach is smelling his new scratch and sniff book.
mmmm, hot chocolate...





























I love that kids find ways to play with toys that the creators
never intended.