Fiesta Bowl Parade

You know, Phoenix really is an awesome place.  I know I'm biased, but still.  Great weather all winter-- you can actually enjoy sitting outside for almost three hours watching one of the biggest parades in the country!  And that's exactly what we did.  Marcus and I joined Brian and his girlfriend, Clara, on Saturday to watch the Fiesta Bowl Parade.  Here are some pictures from during the parade.

Marcus was excited about the planes that opened the parade

 Brian and Clara 

Me and Marcus

Marcus said if he could join this group, he'd move to Arizona...  Not sure how I feel about that...

I think he should join a steel band!  Sweet!

Missy Franklin, the Olympian!

Sheriff Joe in his tank!

Another group Marcus wanted to join... look closely.

a baby pygmy horse

Clara's goal was to get EVERYONE to wave at her.  She's fun.

Yeah, not Marcus' goal :)

That was our last big excitement before heading back to New York.  It really was a lot of fun.  It was crazy long, but we stayed until the end.  I had to make up for not going to the Macy's parade.  But we'll wait to go to that until Chase will enjoy it.  :)

Christmastime!

It has been so much fun being in Arizona for Christmas.  It really is the best time of the year, and it is always the best weather in Phoenix.  I had thought about doing several mini-posts, but instead, I am going to do one massive blog post and narrate through the pictures.  Figured that'd be easier on me and less overwhelming for you.  :)  There are some pictures out of order-- Sorry, I had computer problems.  But so you know, I came out to AZ a week before Christmas, and Marcus flew out for the second week.  Marcus' family and grandparents (the Morins) came for Christmas too, so we were quite a group.  It was nice to see everyone, and the time went by way too fast!  And yes, just about every picture has either Chase or Ada.  

Chase pondering Arizona

Grammy "Shay-Shay" and Chase -- She hates that name, but Brian and I both hope it sticks :)

Ada showing off her dance moves at Mimi and Grandpa's house

Talking

Decorating cookies

Brian and Ada playing on her iPad

Our family

Christmas presents :)

Chase in his new hat from Brian-- pretty cute!

The only empty stocking...

We were super excited to Skype with Trevor on Christmas day.  He just got to the Ukraine and is doing really well.  This picture is from the SLC airport.  Check out his blog and write him letters :)

Ada near the Christmas tree

Chase napping on his grandpa 

Ada showing us how she can ride her bike crazy fast

The dinner table on Christmas Eve.  Marcus' family came over too.  It was a fun, big crowd.

Four generations -- Gardner

Four generation-- Morin

Ada holding Chase

Mike working on the puzzle

Everyone watching Chase's bath in the sink

Holding his pj present

Ada preparing a plate for Santa 

Chase dreaming of sugar plums

More Christmas pj pants!  Yay :)

Reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Yep, definitely out for the night 

Santa presents and stockings

Brian working on the puzzle

Chase (in his cute pjs) and his grandpa

Enjoying Christmas presents

Marcus' stocking surprise

Yay, I got one too!  Tickets to Phantom of the Opera next month! 

Loving his new gifts

Brian checking out some presents

My mom opening a gift while Chase eats in the background

Playing with Ada's new princess figurines

Mimi and Grandpa (with her new cookbook)

Marcus having a great time feeding Chase :) 

Checking out one of Chase's gifts

Derek playing with the drumsticks Marcus got him

Chase and his grandpa

A huge Christmas tree in AZ

Napping with his grandpa

The finished puzzle 

Ada in her new Cinderella dress

Chase sporting the U-- making Annie proud!

With Laura and her son Evan

Worn out after a fun week :)