5 Year Anniversary Trip to Foz do Iguaçu

Posted in Brazil, Travels by Ashley Z Harper

In April (on the 17th) Michael and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary! We wanted to do something special to celebrate so we thought it was the perfect excuse to take a little baby-(#2)-moon and cross another thing off our Brazil bucket list: Foz do Iguaçu!

Iguazu Falls are the waterfalls on the Iguazu River which goes through both Brazil and Argentina, and it’s one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world. Michael had visited Iguazu Falls when he lived in Argentina but he had only gone to the Argentina side and I had never been, so we always wanted to go together to the Brazil side.

It was just a quick flight away and it’s a trip that can easily be done in a weekend so we decided it was a good opportunity to take a trip away from little Colt. The only time that I had ever left Colt for an overnight was when Michael and I went to South Africa and left him with my mom for 2 weeks. Although that was a much longer trip, since I was leaving Colt with my mom, I hardly batted an eye. This time we left Colt with sweet Rosy who I will write about later but for now let me just say that she is someone who Colt ADORES and who we trust completely. Even still, she isn’t my mom and I sobbed like a baby the night before and the morning that we left. That being said, Colt had a blast with her and it was GREAT to get time away with Michael.

For the trip, we stayed at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. The Falls are located in a national park and the Belmond is the only hotel that is actually located within the park on the Brazil side. This is a huge benefit for many reasons. One is that, instead of your access to the Falls being limited to the park’s 9-5 hours, you have access to the Falls 24/7. This is awesome anytime but especially on a holiday weekend (which it was while we were there) as the number of visitors passing through the park each day triples. Therefore, instead of trying to weave in and out of thousands of tourists, Michael and I only visited the park before and after hours – basically sunrise and sunset each day. In this setting, the only other people in the park were a few other guests from our hotel but we basically had the Falls all to ourselves. It was incredible. Furthermore, the hotel is beautiful and was a great place to relax, dine, etc. Finally, as you can see from the picture above, the hotel is located just steps from the Falls whereas all visitors staying elsewhere have to be bussed in from all over the town.

The afternoon that we arrived, the sun was shining so we decided to head straight for the pool. It was the perfect place to grab a coconut water and relax.

That evening we went for a sunset walk around the Falls.

The next day we had a great itinerary: morning “sunrise” walk through the park, big breakfast, pool, lunch, naps, drinks, sunset walk around the Falls, dinner, then bed! I was so thankful that we had the special access to the Falls as we had beautiful weather and beautiful rainbows all morning and then it rained during our afternoon nap time. 🙂

It was misty for our evening walk but we still stepped out to admire the Falls before dinner.

Our last morning was a little drizzly but we still went out for a guided tour before the park opened.

It was a very low-key, beautiful and relaxing weekend away — perfect for Michael and me to just enjoy some quality time together. Overall, an incredible anniversary trip / baby-moon!!

5Jun2015

Friends Visit! Part 2 – Rio de Janeiro

Posted in Brazil, Friends, Travels by Ashley Z Harper

Jumping right back in on my friends’ visit to Brazil… On Thursday afternoon we headed to the airport to fly to Rio. The flight is only about 45 minutes and Colt had fun hanging out with “Emmie” and looking out the window at the beautiful views as we flew into Rio.

Plane buddies.

View from the plane.

We rented a cool apartment in Ipanema through Air B&B and got ourselves settled in before dinner out Thursday night to Bar Astor on the water.

Bar Astor while Michael babysat back at the apartment.

On Friday morning while I hung out with Colt, Michael led the group on an awesome hike up the Dois Irmãos mountains. I had actually already done the hike once before with Michael’s family but he had been working at the time so he hadn’t been able to join, so he was happy for an excuse to go. In order to get to the starting point of the hike you have to first go through a local favela which is an experience in itself.

Favela.

I would say the hike is moderately easy (but definitely not a cake walk) and takes 45 minutes to an hour and is a Rio must-do. It’s beautiful all the way up with monkeys, wild orchids and gorgeous views, but the view from the top is of course the best.

Michael leading the pack!

Little monkey poking his head out.

View of the favela below.

Views to the right.

Group shot at the top!

Pretty Rio!

Friday afternoon we went to the beach where we relaxed for hours. It was pretty crowded but fun and perfect for people watching. And bonus – our sweet friends, the Cannons, who live in Rio came out to play on the beach as well!

Girls!

Beach scene.

Group shot!

All FOUR Harpers.

Paula, James & little Gabriel Cannon.

I love this shot because you can literally count 8 soccer balls in the air as you look down the beach. That is the beach in Brazil.

Friday night the Cannons let us put Colt down at their apartment for a few hours while we went to dinner at our favorite Rio sushi spot, Sushi Leblon.

My favorite plate of the night.

Saturday morning the sky was totally clear which is perfect (and unusual!) for visiting the Christ statue. I was on babysitting duty with Colt but Michael led the crew to the top and they had awesome views of the statue and the city.

Cristo Redentor.

Kern, Em, Andrew & Mere.

Michael & Kern.

Views from the top!

And this is what Colt and I were up to back at the apartment...

Meanwhile, this is what Colt and I were up to back at the apartment…

That afternoon was another perfect day at the beach.

My heart.

Colt-man. Loves the sand.

Sweet boy.

Coconut waters!

In front of the Dois Irmão Mountains that the crew hiked up!

Saturday night we hired Paula’s babysitter to stay with Colt so that we could go out for dinner at Zaza Bistro then fun and dancing at Rio Scenarium!

Group shot at Zaza Bistro.

Kern & Em with their fancy pants dessert.

Michael and me.

Andrew & Mere.

When we showed up to Rio Scenarium, the line to get in was around the block – as far as you could see. We tried to use my pregnancy to get us in ahead of everyone but the woman said that while Michael and I could go in as “priority,” I couldn’t bring the whole crew in with me so, to the back of the line we went. Thankfully, however, the line moved quickly and it felt like it moved even faster due to the plethora of music, drinks and fun happening. And once inside we all agreed it was worth the wait. It’s hard to describe Rio Scenarium but basically it’s a 3 story club with a great samba band that plays on the bottom floor, food and drinks served throughout and fun, different, totally random decor in each room.

Rio Scenarium.

Part of the line, stretching around the block.

Staying hydrated while we waited.

Ladies! Paula, Emily, Meredith & me.

View down to the band from the 3rd floor.

Part of the random decor.

The next day was Easter Sunday! We started with a fun brunch down the street from our apartment and then went to mass at a nearby cathedral.

Baby at brunch.

Mass.

After mass we headed to the hippie art fair that happens every Sunday afternoon in Rio.

Colt and Kern.

Easter baby.

Michael and I have bought art here in the past so we were hoping that our friends would find something they liked too. Meredith and Andrew bought a couple of small paintings and Kern and Emily went big on this awesome painting of Rio.

Photo with the artist!

That afternoon we all hit up the beach for some final hours of sunshine before everyone parted ways to the airport to journey home again. It was such an honor to me that my friends wanted to take such a big trip to come visit me and see my life here in Brazil and I hope that it was everything they hoped!

4Jun2015

Friends Visit! Part 1 – São Paulo

Posted in Brazil, Friends, Travels by Ashley Z Harper

So, one reason why I have gotten so behind on blogging is because I have been wanting to post about my friends’ visit to Brazil but it has taken me forever to go through ALL of our joint photos, hence the delay. Anyway, back in March two of my best girlfriends and their husbands came to Brazil to visit!! We spent the first 5 days in São Paulo and then hit Rio for the final 4 days which I’ll post on next.

Unexpectedly, the first major part of the journey was just getting here! Kern and Emily came from Mississippi and had no problems with their flights so they arrived right on schedule on Saturday morning, March 28. Michael was actually en-route home from a work-trip in Japan and wasn’t going to get in until Sunday, and unfortunately Meredith & Andrew got stuck in New York so they were delayed until Sunday as well. This was a big bummer but I was so excited to see Kern and Emily when they arrived and we went ahead and stuck to our original plans for the day.

Saturday afternoon we recruited Trent (who was also flying solo as Paige and Mailey were in the US) to come pick us up and take us to our first stop – lunch at Bar Samba in Vila Madalena. Bar Samba on a Saturday is a great introduction to São Paulo because it has live samba music, they serve tasty feijoada and caipirinhas and it’s generally just packed and fun. And bonus – a bunch of friends met us there too!

Going around the table: Trent, Colby, Holly, Brittany, me, Emily, Kern, Hayden and Pete!

Kern and Emily getting their samba on with the band in the background.

After a few hours of drinking, dancing and stuffing ourselves to the limit, we headed over to nearby Beco de Batman (“Batman Alley”) which is famous for the beautiful graffiti which changes regularly.

Emily can always spot an owl – such a faithful Chi O.

Black & white.

Aren’t they the cutest?

After a ton of traveling and a full day, we decided to take it easy and have dinner at home that night. The next morning we had planned on going to church together but poor Meredith and Andrew’s new flight had some delays and then they finally landed in São Paulo only to learn that their luggage had NOT! They waited in line to report their bags and by the time they had gone through all that, Michael’s flight actually landed as well so they met up at the airport and came home together. Upon arrival, the first things on the agenda were fresh juices, hot pão de queijo and naps! Afterwards, we gave them a little tour of our apartment complex and then headed out for lunch across the street at the Gourmet Tea and then a walk around the neighborhood before drinks at São Bento and dinner at Espirito Santo.

In the complex, in front of our building.

Colt and Emily at lunch.

Group shot in Parque do Povo.

Colt’s preferred mode of transportation: Uncle Trent.

One more in the park.

On Monday we started our day in the Centro by visiting São Paulo’s Mercado Municipal. It’s known for its amazing selection of fresh, exotic fruits, any and all cuts of meat and, perhaps most importantly, for their famous Mortadella sandwich. So, we shopped around, sampled fruits, then feasted on pastels and THE sandwich.

Emily in the aisles.

Meredith and Andrew showing off the sandwich and a pastel.

Kern lovingly named the pastels "hot pockets" although I would argue they are much better.

Kern lovingly named the pastels “big hot pockets” although I would argue they are much better.

Fruit stand.

Group shot!

Back at our apartment, Michael and Colt were visiting with Michael’s dad, Ollie, who also happened to be visiting for a couple days that week as well! It was so much fun getting to see him AND he also served as a great babysitter for Colt which was incredibly helpful as I was out and about with my friends a lot!

Harper boys!

Seesaw time!

So, after we hit up the market we had a drink at Bar da Dona Onça while we waited for Terraço Italia to open up.

Cheers!

Next up was Terraço Italia – the tallest building in São Paulo which offers impressive, expansive views of the city. The perspective of the city from there always amazes me. It’s truly massive.

Sprawling city as far as you can see.

Girls.

More of our never-ending SP!

That evening we just went down the street from our apartment for an amazing Argentine steak dinner at 348 and again, lots of friends joined in for the fun.

With Emily & Meredith.

Left to right: Kern, Emily, me, Meredith, Andrew, Trent, Ollie, Joe, Michael, Michelle, Pete & Brittany.

Tuesday was another busy day out an about. We started with a morning trip to São Paulo’s main art museum, MASP.

We couldn’t find a good MASP sign so this was the best we got.

Emily with one of her favs.

After the museum, we headed to the famous shopping street, Oscar Freire, for lunch and shopping.

Lunch at Santo Grão.

Boys table.

Doing some shopping at Havaianas.

Gifts from the Granado store.

That evening we did pre-dinner drinks at Hotel Unique. It’s a favorite place to bring visitors 1) because it is in fact quite unique and has a fun, cool atmosphere and 2) it also offers great views of the city.

Hotel Unique’s sweet bar.

Kern & Emily.

Andrew & Meredith.

Drinks on the rooftop.

After drinks, we headed to Nagayama, our favorite sushi spot in the world. Their sushi is incredible and it did not disappoint!

Best sushi ever.

Wednesday we had a laid back day and actually ended up spending hours in Parque Ibirapuera, São Paulo’s largest and most well-known park. We walked around and explored, had lunch there, rented bikes and generally just enjoyed the gorgeous weather and day.

Amazing old trees.

Kern getting into the local soda, Guaraná.

Meredith totally on the açai train.

Em & Kern.

Andrew & Mer.

We were in no rush thanks to grandfather extraordinaire, Ollie, who was with Colt!

Ollie reading with Superman.

That evening we went to one of our favorite bars, Vaca Veia, for drinks and dinner before Michael took Kern, Emily and Andrew to a local soccer game!

The group at Vaca Veia.

Boys.

Colt was a total champ at the bar.

Next up was the soccer game. Soccer games here are late, starting at 10:00pm, but Michael, Kern, Emily and Andrew were champs and had a great time (while Meredith & I went back with Colt). They got to see the most popular team in Brazil, São Paulo’s Corinthians, play against Danuvio from Uruguay (playing in the Libertadores Cup) at Itaquerão stadium. The Corinthians pulled out a win and everyone was happy!

In front of the stadium.

Kern rocking a Corinthians jersey!

On Thursday morning before we headed to the airport to fly to Rio my dear friend Paige hosted us all over for a little brunch at her apartment. My friends hadn’t gotten to meet Paige yet and she has a beautiful home located on a gorgeous park, plus she is a fabulous hostess so it was perfect all around.

Barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen x 2.

The spread!

Up Next: Rio!

13Mar2015

Visiting the SC Zoo!

Posted in Baby, Family, Travels by Ashley Z Harper

Like most kids, one of Colt’s favorite things are animals. Unfortunately, in our daily life his exposure is mostly limited to books and toys with the occasional dog spotting. Thankfully in the US it was so easy to visit the zoo! In Phoenix we opted for zoo-lights which was awesome but since it’s at night, there are fewer animals to be seen, so in SC we decided to do some daytime trips. Even better, my grandparents have a membership to the zoo which comes with a certain number of passes so we were able to go for free! Yippee!

For our first trip to the zoo Michael was still in SC with us and my parents and grandparents came along. It was a chilly but pretty day and I think Colt was in a state of wonder the whole time.

Harper family.

Zaises with Colt.

Finchers with Colt.

Gigi and Colt checking out the penguins.

Colt, Pasha and the wolf.

Family photo in front of the lions.

Flamingos!

Next up was the petting zoo.

No fear.

Family.

That face. I just can’t even.

Finally, we ended the afternoon with a few rides around the carousel.

A couple weeks later, my grandparents took my mom, Colt and me back to the zoo for round 2!

Running free through the zoo.

Colt with his great grandparents in front of the elephants.

Riding the elephant.

Flamingos!

Exploring all corners.

Giraffes!

Face-off.

Taking a ride around on the train.

Riding the tiger.

Back at the petting zoo!

Colt seriously could not get enough of it.

Llamas!

My mom and Colt actually got sneezed on by one of the goats mid-feed. It reminded me of when Colt sneezes on me right when I give him a spoonful of food.

My sweet mom actually made Colt a photo-book of his trips to the zoo that some friends are going to bring down for us later this month and I cannot wait to get it in his little hands so that he can continue to relive the fun!

11Mar2015

January in South Carolina!

Posted in Baby, Family, Travels by Ashley Z Harper

After a wonderful visit in Arizona, Michael, Colt and I flew to South Carolina to ring in the new year with the Zaises! We had a wonderful welcome dinner with my parents, grandparents and my aunt where we were immediately able to share the news of Baby #2 on the way.

Colt right at home in Columbia, SC!

After a couple of days in Columbia, my parents rented a condo on Folly Beach so that we could be closer to my brother’s family for a few days. Brad and Suzanne have a sweet 3 year old, Augusta Clare, and they were due with baby girl #2 on January 20. When we originally scheduled our trip, Colt and I planned to stay in Columbia longer than Michael was able to in hopes of being there when she was born. However, the baby surprised all of us and came 5 weeks early on December 18 – the day we arrived in Phoenix! It was a bit of a shock to everyone but she was healthy and strong and after some time in the NICU, Brad and Suzanne were able to bring her on home. Of course all we cared about was that she was doing OK but secretly Michael and I were quite excited that we would definitely get to meet her and spend time with her.

We all drove to Charleston on New Years day and had a great few days in the area visiting with the Zaises and also enjoying the city. I had a hard time staying awake for, mmmm, any amount of time, so of course passed out on the drive. Normally I would never post this but with Colt snoozing right behind me, for some reason I kind of love it.

Michael snapped this little gem of Colt and I passed out in the car on the drive to Charleston.

Colt and Augusta Clare were so funny and cute together. He basically followed her around everywhere and tried to copy whatever she was doing and she just bossed him around – much to his delight. It was adorable and made me seriously wish we were closer.

Colt and AC – such fast friends!!

Colt loved Augusta Clare’s whole play room – especially her horse.

Brad and sweet tiny May!

One afternoon we got my parents to babysit Colt for us while Michael and I went out in downtown Charleston. It’s a beautiful city and always fun, but was especially special to us as it was the first time we had really been back downtown since our wedding! Of course we stopped in at the Charleston Place Hotel and Michael got an Old Fashioned at the Thoroughbred Bar.

Cheers!

Almost 5 years later!

That evening we enjoyed more time with the Zaises and got a few good family photos.

Augusta Clare absolutely adored Michael and he adored her right back!

Full family picture! Love.

Harpers!

Zaises!

Back in Columbia Colt continued to enjoy time with my parents and we continued to take advantage of their babysitting!

Playing with one of our old toys.

Date night out together.

Happy boy!

Michael had to head back to Brazil early January (after all, someone has to be working around here!) but Colt and I stayed through the end of the month (until January 24). Although we missed Michael, this was truly SUCH a blessing as my first trimester exhaustion and sickness really kicked off around the time we landed in South Carolina. Therefore, while Michael was back in Brazil getting to focus on work, I was able to focus on rest and taking care of myself while my mom focused on taking care of Colt! It was really a win-win-win as Colt is literally obsessed with Gigi, my mom loved it and I could not have been more thankful for the luxury of being able to take naps and have someone cook for you every day. The life…

We also did lots of other fun things throughout our visit. One very special event was on January 10 when my grandparents celebrated their 60 year anniversary (just days after my parents celebrated their 35th!). Amazing, right?! It was a cold day so we first met them at the mall and played with Colt on the carousel and then headed out to dinner. It was such a beautiful cause for celebration and I am so thankful for the incredible testimony of their marriage and the example they have set for me.

Announcement in the paper with their wedding picture from 60 years ago!

Colt at the mall with Papa, Nannie, and Aunt Sheryl.

Gigi and Colt on the carousel.

Colt living it up on the Fun Bus.

That weekend, we were also super blessed by a visit from my dear friend Meredith! She drove from Chapel Hill to spend the night with us and it was so fun and refreshing to have time with her. Thank you so much for taking the time and making the trip to see us Mere! (Excited that next time we see each other it will be here in São Paulo THIS MONTH!)

Colt adored Meredith too.

My mom and I made another trip to visit Brad, Suzanne and their girls and again, loved it.

Sleeping babies are the cutest babies.

Colt and Augusta Clare!

Sitting on the stairs just being cute together.

Brad feeding little May.

Michael and I got Augusta Clare a doll house for Christmas and Brad and Suzanne were great sports about it, even putting in the 3 hours of labor it took to put it together, but I’m pretty sure they kind of secretly hate us for giving them something so massive. Augusta Clare seems to like it though!

Augusta Clare and her doll house!

The rest of our time in Columbia was just spent enjoying family and little outings here and there…

Colt and his glove-balloon-shark.

Miraculously Colt became the BEST eater in South Carolina. Loved Gigi’s cooking.

Fun in the tub.

Poor Colt cried when Gigi and Pasha went out one night and he was stuck with just me.

Poor Colt was not happy when Gigi and Pasha went out and he was stuck with just me.

Reading with Papa.

His favorite book, “Augusta Clare goes to the zoo with her great grandparents.”

Big bubble bath. Much more fun than the kitchen-sink baths we do at home.

Colt loved Gigi’s fried rice. Thankfully this is one I can make too.

Flipping through pictures with Nannie and Papa.

Colt was NOT excited to be dressed the same as his mom.

Outing at the children’s’ museum in Columbia. Colt loved shopping for groceries.

Big tractor!

Blowing bubbles in the yard with Gigi.

Very excited about the beautiful new sweater that Aunt Sheryl knit him.

A little blurry but still sweet. Colt snuggling with his big cousin Margaret!!

Running around the yard with Papa.

While we were in Columbia we also took a couple trips to the zoo but I’m going to post about that separately as this has already gotten so long!

10Mar2015

Arizona Holiday Party

Posted in Baby, Family, Travels by Ashley Z Harper

For the past two years, the Harpers have thrown a really big, fun holiday party. It started out last year as a way for everyone to meet Culhane on his first visit to Arizona and introduce his cousin Julian to the masses who was just a new little baby too. It was so much fun that they decided to do it again this year. It was Brazilian themed filled with Brazilian decor, Brazilian drinks (caipirinhas) and Brazilian food (feijoada and a Brazilian chicken dish) as well as lots of other great food and drinks. I took pictures of the set-up and we did a little photo-shoot before the party started, but unfortunately once the guests started arriving I put my camera away so I could enjoy the party (and keep up with Culhane who was a party animal that night – running all over talking to everyone!). I think this year there were about 160 people and it was a blast!

Family pic!

The view down the driveway of the luminaries and trees all lit up and the chiminea firing!

View going the other way towards the house with the fun bench and Brazilian decorated welcome bar!

Michael, Colt and Sharon at the Brazil bar.

The view coming into the front yard. Tables lit and ready!

Brazil bar #2 featuring caipirinhas and margaritas!

The lovely seating area around the fireplace.

Moving inside to the dining room where the main course was set up.

The living room all decorated and ready to go.

Snacks and apps inside.

Seating area out in the backyard.

Backyard barrel bar.

Family photo-shoot time!

In front of the tree.

Julian and Colt on the bench.

Papa and Nana with their grands!

The beautiful Harp family.

Aunt Lise & Uncle Joe with Colt.

The whole gang (minus Shannon & the Kopp family!).

Up Next: South Carolina!

9Mar2015

Christmas in Phoenix

Posted in Baby, Family, Travels by Ashley Z Harper

So, let me start by apologizing for the almost 3 month absence from the blog. The first trimester really takes it out of me and until a couple weeks ago, I was basically in survival mode, sleeping every possible chance I had. But, now that I’m 16 weeks (today!) and feeling MUCH better, I figured it was time to get caught up on the blog! And isn’t March the perfect time to blog about Christmas? 😉

Every year since we’ve been in São Paulo we have alternated Christmas with one family, New Years with the other. This year we were back in Arizona for Christmas and we had the loveliest time with all of the Harpers.

On our overnight flight, in order to bring Colt’s carseat on the plane and have an actual seat for him (since we didn’t buy him a seat), Michael and I had to split up and weren’t able to sit together. This was not ideal especially since Colt was pretty tough, crying at regular intervals and generally being upset about being so restricted for such a long time. Thankfully during our connecting flight he slept the entire time and was well rested and in great spirits by the time we landed in Phoenix. As soon as we took him out of the car and set him down in the yard he immediately felt right at home. You can see that we hadn’t even finished unloading our bags before he plopped himself on their John Deer tractor!

Colt riding his first tractor!

The next order of business was to get his cousin, Julian Joseph over to the house to play! JJ is only 3 1/2 months younger than Colt so it’s really fun to get them together.

JJ and Colt – too excited for words.

One of the first things on the agenda for the trip (and with the Harpers, there is always an agenda!) was to go see the Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo. It was so well done and both Colt, JJ and their parents and grandparents had a great time.

Michael, me & Colt with TJ, Christy & JJ!

Sharon and Ollie with their grandbabies!

Colt was mesmerized by the talking giraffe.

Michael and Colt.

At the zoo we had the opportunity to get Colt’s picture taken with Santa. We had never done it before so we waited in line for the photo-op. I was pretty sure how Colt was going to react and he did not disappoint. We love the pictures.

Family pic with Santa!

Classic & priceless. I love it.

Next on the agenda was the Arizona Cardinals v. Seattle Seahawks game. Although it didn’t go our way, it was a really fun night with friends and family.

Go red birds!

Then before Christmas, we headed to the Harpers’ ranch property, Hidden Valley, for a few days of family-time, rest and relaxation. Hidden Valley is truly one of my favorite spots in the world and I never get tired of going. It’s just magical!

Colt swinging with Uncle Joe.

He loves it!

All bundled up, A Christmas Story style.

Exploring the property with Hudson.

Feeding the ducks with Dad and Papa.

Family by the creek.

Nana!

That face.

Family walk around.

Sunshine over the orchard.

Colt & Dad!

Getting all saddled up with Nana!

Dinner out on the town with my hot date.

We came back to Phoenix on Christmas Eve just in time for mass and the annual Christmas Eve party with the Griegos. This year dinner and festivities were at the Griegos’ house and we enjoyed the traditional Christmas Eve meal (oyster stew, salad, tamales, enchiladas and rice pudding) followed by the annual dice game where Michael won a round!

Santa and his reindeer.

Holiday hats in full swing.

The next morning we attended a beautiful Christmas mass together and then gathered around the tree for gifts!

Colt opening the scripture name book I made for him.

Colt opening the scripture book I made for him.

Julian being adorable.

Watch bros.

Later that afternoon, Sharon and Ollie unveiled one last surprise gift for Michael & me and TJ & Christy. They had secretly had paintings done of our boys and it was such a surprise!

So surprised and amazed!

We loved it!

Christmas evening Colt was coming down with a little cold but we still had fun putting him and JJ in matching PJs and watching them play in their matching chairs.

Happy boys.

Cousins!

Family pic with a sick, snuggly Colt.

The rest of the visit was filled with enjoying family and a BIG holiday party that I will do a separate post about next, but for now here are a couple final Phoenix pictures.