HOHOHOliday Fun With Family

December 15 - 31, 2024

Tombstone, Arizona

Preparation for the holidays is only matched by the anticipation of our family's arrival. It's exciting and exhausting, and takes forever and happens in a flash. Ten days seems like a long visit until it's already behind me. 

Before their arrival on the 18th, we're delighted to have a visit with RV pals Lee and Tracy who are in the area after a couple years in our old stomping grounds of SoCal. It was a quick catch-up over a stop at the house and lunch in Tombstone, and we're looking forward to more opportunities in the new year. As well as I feel I know them, we've only actually met Tracy once, and this was the first time for Lee! Social media truly makes friends out of strangers :-))

Lunch and laughs at the Longhorn.

It's fun getting PJ ( the new RV) set up for her first guests. The beds seem hard to me so I'm happy a few days later when the family says they're just fine for good sleeping. There's a lot more inside storage than I first thought, although there are only 6 outlets in the whole unit which will take some figuring out. 

In addition to the auto-step failing to stay in the out position the furnace won't light. We always had a small electric heater in the bigger rig, and especially with our warmer temps it makes for cozy sleeping in PJ. I have an appointment to have both fixed in a couple weeks.

Eventually we'll get automatic leveling jacks added, but she sits perfectly level in the driveway so for home visits there's no rush :-)

It's a long drive straight through from the mountains above Los Angeles so I'm always relieved when the family arrive safely no matter the time.

As soon as they're in the house their little tree gets fully decorated. 

We spend lots of time outside in the beautiful weather with the littles riding their trikes and the three of us going to the playground. All seven of us see Sonic 3 at the theater, and after Christmas I take the boys to see Moana 2. I'm a movies-on-the-big screen fan and it's always a treat to share them with enthusiastic grand kids :-) For the first time in awhile there are multiple previews for films I'm looking forward to seeing!

Shirt-sleeves in December.

Hamming it up in the lobby.

Getting your hair dried on a wall - great fun!

Brian (Ezra and Elliott's dad, my oldest, our number one) has to work until Christmas Eve so I'm glad we have fast WiFi and space for him to set up his computer and phone. The rest of us play and eat, and repeat.

Silly cuddles are the best.

Started during their summer visit, Elliott adds to the custom table cover decorations. 

Whenever you're in the kitchen you feel like you're being watched!

The girls get some cuddle time of their own.

Before we know it Santa's on his way. Instead of cookies, this year the boys and I make edible Christmas trees for the big guy to enjoy with his milk. Ezra writes him a long note to which Santa responds with one of his own - he's been to their house and left some surprises! Lots of fun (and reduces the load in the car with four people and a large dog).

They did such a great job!

Christmas sunrise turns the whole world pink.

We start with what Santa left in their stockings.

I'm so happy Ezra is becoming a Harry Potter fan - they both got marauders' maps with wands.

The joy of Legos.

Nawma (me) failed on the shirt size, but Elliott still loves it and wears it all day :-)

For both inside and outside fun, red is his favoritist color.

Uncle Jeff happy with his gifts.

We're so happy to have this little family with us for the holiday.

The absolute best :-)))))

Ezra points out his position in the Christmas concert video from his school. Not that we could have missed his enthusiastic participation!

Honeybaked ham with augratin potatoes, Bill's sausage dressing, candied yams, buttered peas, deviled eggs and Hawaiian rolls make a delicious Christmas dinner which I can't believe I once again fail to get a photo of. Along with several pies we eat it for days :-)

With the rental car loaded up (so full!) they head out Saturday morning. After all the joyful chaos it's a sadly quiet weekend of un-Christmasing the house. 

Ready for a new year.

Our last sunset of 2024.

It's always a delight to see Reese and Penelope enjoying their gifts. And with Daddy joining in :-)

Penelope sets up her afternoon tea.

M & M hang with Santa.

Oliver on a holiday hike. His parents are probably there too :-)

 2025 is here. Not sure we're ready, but here we go!