Mini Christmas in Phoenix

We invited ourselves to Scott's since we didn't get there for Thanksgiving.

I asked Jess if maybe we could have a mini Christmas while we were there.

I also asked if she could make Fred a Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie for his birthday.

She happily agreed.

Our first night there, we were presented with our very own Christmas Pajamas.

It was such a surprise and both Fred and I really love our new jammies.

Mine fit perfect, just the right amount of warmth and super cuddly.

I think Fred looks like one of the boys in his thermal shirt and pants. 

 I just kept looking at him thinking how youthful and cute he looked. 

Fred was able to enjoy some bonding time in the morning with all the boys while we girls slept in. I love listening as their big man voices carry through the house.

These boys sure are blessed to have a Daddy that loves spending time with them. Scott gets them breakfast and just spends time with them. Graham held on to this football the entire time we were there.

We held a mini Christmas morning opening our gifts to one another. I'm so glad we did this. A little practice for the boys to get the hang of taking turns.

Evan and Graham were very good at unwrapping, taking turns and showing enthusiasm for their gifts.

Jess picked out this remote control car set for Fred. It was fun watching Evan play with it and Fred and I took a turn too. We need to get it back out and try it at home. It was a perfect gift.

It was a very nice morning.

The Daly men bonding time.

Another picture of Fred in his new jammies. Oh and Jess included

 matching socks for both of us.

In the afternoon we took Evan down the street to the park. 

I decided to be adventurous. 

 

At the park was a family from their ward so Evan had some kids to run around with. Graham was sleeping so we spent some time with just Evan.

He speaks so much clearer now so communicating with him was so much enjoyable.

 Evan seemed to be very comfortable with us. Not one bit hesitant to cuddle up next to either one of us. I love this picture. He certainly is a sweet little boy.

Here are food pictures from our visit. We had a nice big breakfast after opening gifts. Scrambled eggs with ham, sausages, toast, homemade strawberry jam, and homemade cranberry bread. Very fancy!! And yummy.

I should have taken a picture of the pie before we dug in.

It was beautiful and delicous.

For years Joy Abbey would bring us this Christmas Bread. I got the recipe from her, but never tried to make it. Jess was game for bringing one of our traditions into our visit. The recipe makes it sound pretty simple, but I think it's pretty intricate. Jess added some orange zest to the glaze.  That was yummy. That bread is simply the best ever.                           

Time for goodbyes..
We made big progress with Evan this trip. He didn't have any trouble being with us.
Graham didn't mind us a bit either, but he's not quite ready to be in our space.
We like to let the grandkids go at their own pace. When they are ready, we're ready.

So this was so nice for both boys to willing come up and give us both a very nice goodbye hug. 

A perfect time together.