Christmas in the Desert

Phew - what a whirlwind of a trip! We landed in Vegas in the middle of the night...and would you believe, we got a room upgrade! Of course, when we're completely exhausted. But we rallied! Come on, it's Vegas, Baby! We stayed at Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower and Bellagio fountain. Vegas lit up at night really is quite spectacular.


Rise and shine so we could belly up to the buffet. Megan can't pass up a Vegas buffet. After tackling a buffet, what else would make sense than to head out for our long 5-hour drive to Phoenix. Hoover Dam and Lake Mead were pretty cool and must-sees. Stopped for the obligatory Del Tacos. I wouldn't step foot in a Taco Bell (sober), but Del Taco takes cheap taco making to a whole new level. Love the fish tacos - they could be made up of Mrs. Paul's fishsticks for all I know, but I love them.

Christmas Eve morning began with a Zumba class with Sharon and Megan while the kids went to one of those bouncy places. I couldn't believe how awesome and energetic this class was. I had been putting off getting on the Zumba bandwagon, but how can you pass up latin dance music with hot instructors. One of the Zumba instructors was dressed in a white running skirt with knee-hi red/white stripe socks with fur at the top of the socks. I will be stealing this outfit idea for Christmas 2011 races.


Christmas Eve also included a mondo gift wrapping session while visiting with the family. Santa came Christmas morning with Bridget getting "just what she wanted" and Megan loving her new Ugg boots.





Enjoying the newest addition, Quinn.

Breakfast strata, too many cookies, and a Shiner Bock every time I turned around resulted in a definite need for a Christmas Day run (an annual gift to myself). In 68 degree weather and a sleeveless tank, I tackled an exhausting 4.5 miles. How did I get so out of shape? And how did 4.5 miles become a long run?! Whatevs, it was the best present ever :)


Christmas Night we enjoyed a nice evening walk around the Phoenix Zoo for Zoo lights. The kids loved it and the adults enjoyed the peace and quiet. And a nice walk helped burn off the additional Shiner Bock (hello, my new favorite friend, Shiner Bock).



Next morning the girls went for a little light shopping at Nordstrom Rack while the guys took the kids to a bar to watch the Browns game. Progressive parenting, eh? Win-win situation for everyone.

Next up, Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon!