Christmas in the Desert

 Living in the arid desert where nary a snowdrop or an icicle is to be seen made it especially hard for me to comprehend that it was actually Christmastime this year. Some people put up Christmas lights and occasionally I heard Christmas music in the grocery store, but if it weren't for that you'd never know. Thankfully, two of my siblings, Rose and Zeke, took the opportunity to spend their holiday vacations with us. 

The Wednesday before Christmas, after seeing Alvin off to work, I strapped the sleepy boys into their seats and we embarked on the almost three hour drive to the airport in San Diego. Liam was SO excited to see Uncle Zeke and Auntie Rosie. After we greeted them at the bottom of the escalator and Uncle Zeke swooped Liam up in his arms, Liam held the biggest grin on his face until I'm sure his face hurt from smiling so much. 

Fun times with Auntie Rosie! 

Luca wanted to walk...

We loved our time with family. While we are certainly thankful for Alvin's job and a warm winter, we sure have missed our family and friends back in Kentucky! We spent our weekend visiting the Ghost Town at Castle Dome, the Painted Desert Trail, and Alvin and Zeke and their buddy Wayne hiked to the top of Castle Dome. 

Rosie and Zeke must have brought some clouds with them from Kentucky because their first day here was the first gray day we've seen. Thankfully, the clouds dissipated and the sun came back out for Christmas day

On Christmas morning we read the Christmas story from Luke 2 at breakfast. Then the boys were delighted to open their presents from family back home. That day we made a deep fried turkey and I did my best to make several courses to go with it in my tiny kitchen with my tiny stove. It may not have been the fanciest of meals but it was delicious and the company was even better.

So, we proved snow and freezing temperatures aren't necessary for a delightful Christmas with family and friends!