Well we'll start before Christmas... haha Daniel and I made a goal to go on a date every week or at least try. And considering Daniel's work schedule we have done pretty good! Anyway, we are trying to take advantage of being here in AZ and doing fun things that are only here! We have a lot of future things we want to do like camping, more hiking, maybe go see some of Arizona's professional sports teams? Daniel is excited to be here during spring training since a lot of teams come here because of the good weather! Anyway..
We went mini golfing with Daniel's cousin and her family. We are lucky to have Lindsey and Dallin close by to hang out with once in a while! Their little girls are so cute! All their toddler wanted to do was go see the princess castle:
Mini golfing reminded me of back when Grandma and Grandpa Callan would take us to Cherry Hill for a round once in a while. Good times.
Anyway, Christmas time!
Technically these few pictures were taken during Thanksgiving... We were able to go up to Utah and spend time with both of our families! It was perfect! And we were able to sneak a trip to temple square in! and guess who we saw.....
Sister Bleyl!
Old roommies! (And her companion)
For Christmas we were able to spend a short few days in Bakersfield. It was so great to be with Daniel's family even if it was just for a short time. We were sure sad to leave. They are planning on taking a trip to Arizona around Easter time so that should be fun!
Before we left for Christmas though, we tried out a few new and old traditions of our own Christmas together!
Keeping with Callan family traditions we made some treats! I've never made cinnamon rolls so I thought I'd give it a try! I think they turned out well!
And who doesn't love Tiger Butter!! (White Chocolate Peanut butter with Milk Chocolate)
Decorated a tree! We tried popcorn and cranberries for garland. I think it turned out great! And Daniel did a great job putting the topper on!
We had hot cocoa in Christmas mugs!
We had a Christmas feast that lasted us the whole week before Christmas, haha. Daniel's work gave him a ham so we were excited to make up all the fixings to go with it. yum.
We loved having our first Christmas together and being able to remember what life is all about. We are so grateful to our Savior and for the chance we have to repent. We are so grateful for the gospel and the chance we have to be a part of it!
Back to dates...
We went bowling. We went on a discount night and got two hours of bowling for pretty cheap...... two hours... that's a lot for just two people. haha It was so fun, but my arm sure hurt by the end. I also got progressively worse and Daniel got progressively better. haha
New Years Eve!
We had a super fun New Years Eve! Daniel worked the night shift! haha I was able to drive out to his work and see him for a minute at midnight. We drank some sparkling cider in the car and he gave me a kiss and off he went back into work. Nights are tough, but we are so lucky that he has such a great job!!
Enjoying the weather!
These pictures were taken on January 2nd. haha really? do I really live here? Neither of us had to work so we decided to go on a little picnic! We went to this fun little park near us and ate our sandwiches and played some games. Such nice weather!
The Zoo
So we signed up for this Groupon thing that gets you discount and 2 for 1 deals at near by attractions. So we decided to use it and go to the zoo!
This zoo was great! It was so big! Arizona has so much land so they have tons of room for the animals! We spent all day walking around and enjoyed looking at the animals. Sadly, my camera died and my phone doesn't take the most focused pictures.. but we'll take what we can get!
I think we both agreed that our favorite was the Jaguar. It was just so beautiful and was running around!
The tortoises were pretty cool too. Also huge.
Missing link? haha
Out front of the zoo!
He's my little kangaroo!
Just hanging with the elephants
Our next adventure which we took today was going to the Phoenix Art Museum! I didn't take many pictures inside but I snapped a few on our way out.
I'm not sure what creative meaning this piece had but we just thought it was funny.
All day Daniel just kept saying, We're so cultural! haha
You sure do look cultural....
Anyway, we are loving it here in Arizona!!! It has been fun to be out on our own in a new and fun place. We do miss family! But we are lucky to have Daniel's cousin's family, and my cousin Steve and his family! They are always great to have us over! And it has been fun exploring all there is to do here in the great state of Arizona. Which, (fun fact for you) is celebrating it's 100th birthday as a state this year! how neat is that?
