Day 22: day with the Inch Family.

We stayed in this room 16 years ago as honeymooners.  And here we are now with our two beautiful babies who are growing up way too fast!!

Kevin used to be a director in this town, so he gets the huge perk of getting movies sent to him that haven't been released into theatres yet for his review.  This morning we watched "Into the Woods"......it got two thumbs down from all of us.  But fun to hang out on couches together ... Fav past time! (One of them anyways...)

After the (too long) movie, we all went to the mall so Kevin could get Jackies Christmas gift.  What a kick to walk into a jewellery store and buy what you want.  It was fun to help him pick out some beautiful diamond earrings for Jackie.  While we were there, I figured since I helped pick out diamonds, then I wouldn't have any trouble asking them to clean my new diamond ring (that Chris dug up!).....it sparkles now!

Now it was time to help him find her a nightie....

Finally got to meet Betty's longtime boyfriend, Daniel.  Nice boy...but it's hard being at two different universities.  Long distance relationships are not for the faint of heart!

When Betty and I got home, Chris and Jackie were crashed on the couch.  I was glad to see it so Jackie wouldn't hassle me for wanting to make dinner..... I think the only reason she let me was because she was so tired from the wedding weekend and then having to work at 6am starting Monday for the holidays!!

Elliot and Kevin in their happy places....

Isaac showing Jackie is current magic tricks.  

Elliot showing Betty Dragon City. 

The car key makes it's way UP the elastic and not down .... It's a good one. 

Kids were calm and ready to go to bed until Betty and Daniel started wrestle mania.   

I left the room ..... Enjoy. 

Oh the love for the girl ..... 

We packed a lot into that day. Just how I like it ... A lot of FaceTime.  We love the Inch family. 

Day 21: Studio City!!!

We left Palm Springs this morning ... I love that Elliot's bear "Boots" is taking a ride on our awesome luggage!  Love the way we pack - everyone has a little suitcase and a backpack !!

Just wanted to note what a master packer Chris is!!!  

We grabbed coffees and did some Christmas shopping.  

Chris found a ring last night that I actually really loved.  It reminded me abit of moms wedding ring with smaller diamonds.  We stopped in at a jeweller in Palm Springs and she appraised it.  14 caret gold and worth roughly $300.  He was pleased! 

We drove to studio city and went to see "Night at the Museum" while waiting for the Inch's to get home from a wedding. 

It's a nice outdoor mall.  I just love that Chris still sometimes carries Elliot. 

Coming into Studio City is a little like coming home. We just started breathing easier turning onto Ventura.  Elizabeth met us at the door, and coming into the kitchen was like it always is. My boys were wrestling with Elizabeth and Kevin within minutes.  Jackie and Kevin had a huge weekend working at a family wedding... But they still stayed up and chatted. It was nice.  11pm and we put our kids to bed. 

Now Betty and I are crashed on the couch.  

Day 20: Palm Springs.

Lobster holding at Red Lobster.  I know the pictures are fuzzy...but check out Elliot's face!!!

Watching crazy RC drivers ... It was so fun to see these as we left the restaurant. 

Palm Springs has some amazing artists - we saw such amazing things tonight!!

Robolights!  Artist Kenny Irwin JR ... Google it, it was wild!!  A few shots from the evening. 

Elliot wasn't a huge fan... See the terror?

This artist uses everything and anything in his art!! It was quite impressive!

Trix in bed ...

Proof that kids were in our bed.  Yes, those are Trix. 

The time .....

The time we stopped at a strange little restroom on the side of the highway on the way to Indio and I  pulled my pants down and went to sit down.  The toilet seat was MUCH further down than my brain gave it credit for, and all four appendages flew out to brace my fall!!!  Made a loud noise. May have scared others, including myself. 

And then the time, on the same day, this evening, after a nice, hot bath, I went to put my underwear on, and my toe got hooked on the leg hole!  I was able to re-adjust before falling over, but then same toe caught on OTHER side of said leg hole!  May have fallen over .... May have sworn off underwear ... Or perhaps realized that putting them on while standing is no longer in my cards?

Day 19: Arriving in Indio!

We left the lovely Scottsdale this morning a little sadly.  It's been such a great and relaxing week .... While we finished packing, the boys took their last chance to hang out at the activity centre.  They have loved playing Toy Story 3 together on Xbox.  Isaac is Buzz and Elliot is Woody and they run around together in these toy rooms. They've had a great time.  It's nice that the staff have had nice things to say about them.  They also made those tie dye shirts that they are wearing!!

Hitting the road!! We stopped at this dilapidated little town and explored a bit .. 

Inside the train car, Elliot found his name. 

Isaac and Chris in the Arizona sun ....

Exploring around ....

Arriving into Indio;

Took them 5 minutes to kick off their shoes and grab their towels ...

This is our forth time here. I still remember Susan telling us about Indio on our first trip out.  Elliot was still a baby and couldn't go into the lazy river ... And now here they are running off together and leaving us behind!!  Thank you Mike and Susan for helping us to have the best holiday to date .... We have been blessed beyond measure .... We are rested and almost ready to go home!!

They play hard.... They sleep hard.

.... And I will never tire of watching them sleep. 

We have had such fun with these boys these past few weeks. It's been such a gift to just 'be' together. 

Day 18: mirror maze, lazer beams and enjoying the last day of Phoenix sunshine.

The guy at Mirror Maze made us all wear plastic gloves .... But he looks at the kids and warns "I clean those mirrors all the time, and I'm not cleaning off handprints but face prints!!  So, no running and walk with your hands in front of your face!"

Then it was time to get through the lazer beams!!!  

Family picture at Disneyland 2014