Back to Reality

Annabel, Thane and I consider ourselves fortunate indeed to have avoided the back-to-back snowstorms in the northeast that continued for days and dropped over 50" of snow.  We were lucky to fly out between the storms, and very much enjoyed the gloriously mellow weather in the southwest.  It was with somewhat torn hearts, then, that we returned to a more frigid and polar landscape than the one we left. 

Upon our return Jordan wasted no time in getting us outside to help tap our maple trees.  The snowshoes we received from Jordan's parents a few Christmases ago were definitely welcome as we trudged through our woods.  We tapped 24 trees, and enjoyed nature's beauty, including a branch that had literally grown into a neighboring tree.

It's hard to believe but the ice is already beginning to melt on Libby Brook, a sure sign that spring is just around the corner.

We Are Family

Perhaps the best part of the trip to Arizona was the time we spent with family.  First we shared a few short hours with my Uncle Wayne and Aunt Kathy, who were visiting from Michigan.

We enjoyed loads of time with my parents, of course (here we are in the Lost Dutchman Mine in the Superstition Mountains).  I can't begin to thank them enough for their love and hospitality!

The kids ADORED being able to play with their cousins:  Cody, Lukie & Nathan.  What a bunch of delightful goof balls!  :)

Last, but certainly not least, we all loved our adventurous day with Jordan's Grandparents, who had driven down from Wyoming for a week. 

We treasure the memories of these visits most of all!

Arizona

The kids and I just spent a wonderful 2 weeks in Arizona.  It was the first time that the kids have ever flown (they did great), and none of us had ever been to this beautiful state.  We were prepared for the desert - and all of the prickly plants and wildlife that come with it.  What we didn't expect were the mountains:

We spent most of our time in Mesa, a suburb of the immensely populated Phoenix.  But we also spent a few days outside the city gawking at the amazing scenery.

Of course no trip to AZ is complete without a visit to the indescribable Grand Canyon - an experience none of us will soon forget!