christmas 2011

happy winter solstice....brrrr

Joe's Farm Grill out in gilbert is fast becoming my favorite go-to spot. A perfect place to celebrate the winter solstice with my now intact family.

Gourmet yumminess tastes even better - if that is possible- when eaten out in the orange groves.

Hmmmmm...building a snowman or climbing an orange tree. They each have their moment, but I am with Preston on this gorgeous day.

here is an idea !

I pulled up behind this car...and light went off...here is the vanity plate I should get.

" 6 COCKS"

What do you think?!

ok, this was way fun !! On our way to get a christmas tree we stopped by a you-pick-it orange grove. For $5 you get this orange sack and then go out in the groves and pick various citrus to your hearts content. My heart was Bursting with content!! The orange smell alone was so darling. But to be out in the sunshine in december...divine. Great new tradition.

The plantation shutters got lit up ( have you seen the "mad men" blue leather chair?! I love it.)

The front door went gold, jingly festive.

And..ta da..the two palm trees that we now own got their own lights!!

Next year we are going to tackle the cactus !!

Feliz Navidad !!

A truly fun part of moving - no, not the unpacking - is a new way of seeing christmas. Even traditions and old decorations take on a new glow. And our decorations have some miles on them. I remember where they sat in Reno, or San Carlos or Wilsonville...and now here they are in Ahwatukee..hello Santa.

Nice day for an outing

who would you choose ?

Preston chose the giraffe.

I don't think that I have ever gone to the zoo ( and carousel ) at christmastime!