Thanksgiving: Roadtrip to Phoenix

Jeff and I decided that we'd bite the bullet and go on an adventure for Thanksgiving weekend. We've sort of limited our excursions of late to those that don't involve a long car trip. Just because we, you know, have kids. Enough of that. We hit the road to visit Uncle Godfather aka Uncle Johnny aka Unk aka Wonderful Johnny. A six hour roadtrip.

We packed up the kids and left in the dead of night. Actually, 3:30 am to be exact. We thought Enzo and Gianna would sleep until at least 6 am, which would mean that they'd have to survive a three hour car ride. With a reststop or two, and maybe a nap, no problem. Right?

It was actually great. Enzo was taking in the sights and Gianna babbled to herself and swatted at her dingle dangle toys. She was pissed she was rear-facing, however, and couldn't see the DVD player (thanks Kim family for the loaner!!) I was the one grouchy and uncomfortable!

Thanksgiving Day started off with a hike up to South Mountain in Tempe. And by hike I mean car ride. It was a crystal clear sunny day with just a little chill in the air. Standing on top of this mountain, overlooking all of Arizona, I counted my blessings and felt very grateful.

It was like Gianna had done this before. My mom handed me the turkey leg during our Thanksgiving Dinner at "Hole in the Wall" and Gianna grabbed it with both hands and started sucking. There was grease and juice dripping down her chin. Easy, girl.

Look at her savoring the flavor. Eyes closed.

Mom and Josie, who made the roadtrip as well. About two hours ahead of us.

Uncle Johnny and Gianna, with the exact same expression. Ha!

What I'm thankful for most!

We hit the Phoenix Zoo, partly because it was ranked in the top 5 zoos in the US for children. It was definitely a cool zoo. And the weather was perfect! Check out the giraffes behind us. With super long - and sticky - tongues reaching for the trees.

We see something in the brush. I think we see big-horned sheep.

I love that my mom mounted this oryx, with a boost from me. Enzo wanted a ride, too.

Of all the animals in all the world -- a fox. Just like Enzo's precious, and overloved foxy buddy. With the chewed-off nose that he pulls the stuffing out of. "Booogers."

Monkey buddy.

Enzo discussing his sleeping arrangements on the last night of vacation. He was a super big boy, sleeping in a queen-sized pull-out sofabed in the hotel!