Merry Christmas!

Here are two of Josh's nephews. Jackson is interested in anything related to bugs, dinosaurs, and science. He was really surprised with his gift of a dead rattlesnake frozen forever in a striking pose, with its mouth pried way open to reveal the sharp fangs.

Here's Cedrick doing an impression of the snake.

Christmas Joy

It might look like Maggie is a trouble-maker, and that's probably because she is.

At least Frank didn't have to wear a hooded fur coat.

The weather kept changing all day, and what started out as a fairly nice day turned cloudy and rainy. Then, a double rainbow appeared.

Evening Highlights

We brought over our new Wii and sat back in shock to watch dad totally rock the tennis tournament. He must have liked it because at the end of the night his eyes were sort of glazed over, and he said, "Here, you better take it."

Mom and dad both received the exact same brand of Vodka.

Phoenix Zoo

I really like this striking blue tree.

There were hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees hanging in the trees.

It was a winter wonderland.

They gave us these trippy glasses to make the lights even more sparkly.

Winter Fiesta

I'm officially on Winter Break, so the parties have begun.

Mom and dad relaxed by the fire while Josh cooked on the grill.

I'm not sure who looks the most uncomfotable in this picture.

Frank

We tormented Frank with reindeer ears, but he was a good sport.

He gave his new friend the evil eye.

Saguaros are Amazing

Saguaros grow about one inch per year, and it takes at least 70-100 years before the arms begin to sprout. They live quite long, some are as old as 200 years. During the monsoon season, they can store hundreds of gallons of water which they use to survive during the droughts. The saguaro pictured in in the Sups, and amazingly it has over 20 arms.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Mom made her delicious egg rolls, and Lucy and Maggie begged for scraps.

Maggie is sporting her new punk hairdo.

Tempe Town Lake

Tahoe and I walked along the north shore of the lake today.

There are a bunch of bird nests made of mud on the bridge.

Sand piper tracks.

You can tell exactly where they landed.

Matilda the Man-Eater

Usually I just kill black widows because they are everywhere. I decided to let this one live. It's sort of like Schindler's List, only with spiders. She lives quietly in a corner, and I can keep a good eye on her. However, if she gets pregnant, it's over.