Saguaro Lake Tour

Yesterday we took a scenic tour on the Desert Belle at Saguaro Lake. 

Weather conditions were ideal.....low 70's, sunny, no wind. 

The captain shared interesting facts about the lake and silly humor.   

We were lucky to spot a Bald Eagle perched on the cliff walls. 

Several eagles make their homes at the lake

 along with many species of birds.

   A lone cactus growing along the cliff walls.

 Kayakers on the lake.

Lego

The boys finished their Christmas gift Lego builds. 

The details are facinating.

More Hiking

More hiking to prepare us for the Grand Canyon.

Canoe Ride

We were anxious to take our canoe out for the

first time so we headed to Tempe Town Lake. 

It was a beautiful day to be on the water.   

Christmas Day 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

This was the first year we had to wake the kids up to see what Santa brought....no kidding!  We had to get moving because we needed to be at church by 8:40am......the boys were altar servers at 9am mass.

 Rise and shine.........anticipating unwrapping gifts!!

 The biggest surprise this year was a canoe!!!!!

 Row, row, row your boat!!! 

 At church

 At Granny & Pops' house

The men hanging out at the bar & grill.



Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve Brodnik Concert

 Granny & Pops with our talented musicians!

Leaf Boys

Looking for some hard workers to take care of your leaves? 

These are the boys for you!

 They were really excited about blowing and sucking the leaves on our street.  Then they had an entrepreneur spark to make it a business.  They made signs and hung them around the neighborhood.  It was so cute.  They had fun.......but found no paying customers!  Hope they are still excited about yard work when they are teenagers!

 Loves those shades!!! 

 While the boys were doing the leaves,
the girls were pushing each other on a dolly. 

Who needs expensive toys!??! 

After leaf duty, patrolling the streets
on their razors is their next favorite pastime! 

Just another day in the neighborhood.......good times! 

Santa

A visit with Santa at church. 

Puzzle

Peter is crazy for puzzles! 

This one stuck together so he could lift it up. 

He thought that was pretty cool.

Hiking

We are in training...............for the hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  This year is special because it will be Lois' first time.   It will be nice to have our entire family together to experience the magic of the canyon. 

 Getting some time in along the canal a few miles from our house.

 South Mountain hiking

 Lois found a friend.....Rusty.

 Cowboy Jeff was a pleasure to chat with and he was so kind to let us sit on his horse, Fame.

 Cowgirl Lois

 Cowboy Pedro

 Cowboy Luke

 What a view!

 Cowgirl Mom

 Lois made another friend, Lilly. 

She would love a dog.....I'm just not ready.  Will I ever be?

We finished the hike with lunch at The Farm at South Mountain.....one of my favorite lunch spots.