Well, that was fun.

So, a bit belated, but finally here.... we went to Arizona with the Burleigh fam for Thanksgiving this year! (rhyme not intended) I went ahead and downloaded a lot of pics, because I just couldn't choose between kids & pics & favorites etc. They just were all cute and all blog worthy -- that said, many were left out of course. But, hope this shows a bit of the fun we had together!

We again decided that 'vacations' aren't necessarily vacations for adults any more (though we have our moments) - there is actually a lot of work that goes into it all, but seeing the kiddos interact & making some memories all together makes everything worth it! However, we also decided we will also start taking 'before & after' photos from our flights as they may help reveal the emotional & physical drama we go through on cross-country flights =) For example, at the beginning of the flight, Anabelle was all dolled up with color coordinated outfit, bow, freshly showered etc. By the end of the 2nd flight, we had on Isabel's super tight hot purple leggings (b/c of a diaper blowout -- at almost 2 yrs old, mind you!) w/ mismatched top that was covered in chocolate caramel that Anabelle drooled out when Lolli gave it to her. Plus, her ears were hurting on the descent and all we could get her to suck on was a lollipop, so her mouth & lips were bright BLUE from it. Her hair was all sticky & fly-awayish. And as I looked over at her freely running down the airport corridor, I instantly regretted ever judging those moms with dirty, wild & sticky kids in tow... I now totally got it, afterall, I could've been the Queen of that mom tribe... oh, and Baby Doug would've been in our group too that evening =)

Since the trip, Anabelle's been fairly obsessed with 'taking turns.' All day long it is "My Turn, Your Turn." She uses them back to back, but I think she believes 'Your turn' means her turn too. At least that's what she wants it to mean! They always learn so much from each other - for better or worse! - and taking turns is a pretty good thing to pick up, so I'm happy. (Side note: Her latest favorite phrase has been "Thank You." She goes crazy with it, which has been a pretty positive experience across the board. We also talk about the life-size inflatable Santa 2 doors down from us pretty much 50+ times a day. We look out the window at him, drive by him whenever leaving or returning to our neighborhood, talk about him when we wake up, go to nap, eat food, etc. She even will interrupt my nightly prayers with her to talk about Santa, which is where I draw the line!!)

Well, this was taken outside of our rental house... no words.

Chalk up another point for Arizona

Sneak preview of the Burleigh fam Christmas pic! Not sure how we managed to get it so not ONE kid was smiling, but atleast they are looking at the camera, right?

Poppy & Lolli... making it all possible

Love this crew - Six kids under 3 yrs:

Anabelle, James, Lincoln, Douglas, Isabel & Oliver

Dougie is really making his presence known these days!

The couple currently known as "Jahnnie"

The couple currently known as "Jauren"

Mom & Daughter much?

And then you've got us... nice smile Anabelle =)

Adam's old-school photo request

This won't be known as the year of flawless smiles for Anabelle I'm thinking... =)

You tell Anabelle to march, that girl will m-a-r-c-h!

Happy Oliver

Jahnnie & Linc & Jamsie

Jauren & Isabel & Douglas -- hay maze time!

Our fam -- and Oliver's head

The kids hit the saddles and were all naturals!!

Lincoln John

Isabel Kate

Anabelle Deborah

James Douglas

It's just better if you don't ask her to smile

**Disclaimer: It was freezing & we were missing coats! Even though he will now forever have pics in Anabelle's hot pink hoodie, I think B Doug was happy to have it that day!

We still talk about petting this rabbit

I was cracking up at how each kid took on the maze...

Lincoln John -- walking on top of the world =)

I think she might be lost & losing hope for this - don't worry, she rallied & made it out!

Happy to be a part of the party!

Daring, but cautious -- pondering what this maze is all about

Poppy & JB

Baby Doug is a baby no more!

Just 2 boys in a gigantic shovel

Lolli doing what Lolli does best. I think Anabelle is wondering why she has to share Lolli with these boys.

Nightly dance parties were a HIT! Justin Bieber anyone?!?

Excited much?

Before bed snuggles

Uncle Pete on the golf course. He was a real trooper to hang in there with us and all the kids!! He held babies & watched kid movies like a champ.

Off to the Phoenix zoo we go!

Oh that crazy Uncle Peter

Trucks in rice apparently is the greatest 'toy' ever invented... and yes, we had a celebrity in our midst =) The hat is hiding her from the paparazzi

Dinnertime!

You think they enjoyed their TV time at all?

Digging in the good ol' Arizona dirt

Photo shoot with our super & talented Aunt Annie (Thanks for these gems, Anne!)

Great Thanksgiving attire (Thanks Luke Foster!)

Sure love this happy little boy

Thanks for the fun memories Burleigh fam~ It always goes by too quickly, but we eagerly anticipate many more trips ahead. Thanks Annie for helping document the time for us all (since we all pretty much failed on bringing cameras!) Thanks Mom & Dad for making the trip possible!

Aaaaaand, last but certainly not least... A VERY HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY TO MY SIS LAUREN TODAY!!!