Here's the rest of our pics from our Christmas visit from Grandpa and Grandma Motley. We decided to do a little hiking the afternoon of the freezing morning of golf. So after a little Bajio in our tummies, we decided to tackle Camelback Mountain. Be forewarned - this is picture heavy! But the combination of gorgeous red rock and gorgeous blue skies made for some great photos.
For you non-Arizonians, Camelback Mountain is a camel shaped mountain that sits in the middle of Phoenix - with amazing views of downtown, Scottsdale, Tempe, Paradise Valley - truthfully, you feel like you can see everything. I've seen it a million times and always wanted to hike it. Patrick found us a good route and decided we'd take the easy hike around the mountain. But once the boys saw the trail leading to the "tippy top," there was no stopping us. Thank goodness Grandma and Grandpa were troopers! They didn't let a cold or an ouchy foot or a fear of going straight up hold them back.
Watson boys in the house!! They have gotten to be such a fun age to take on adventures like this. Jake and Dylan don't need help and don't get tired at all. Carter is right in on the action and the help he needs isn't much. He usually poops out only right at the very end.
Help! Let us up! Save us!! My siblings of course know who orchestrated this shot. It is Grandpa all the way.
The little blond cutey bug having a rest on a rock just his size. I could not believe how well he hiked - the trail is pretty much straight uphill! And very rocky. There are parts where they have metal railing nailed into the rock to help you make your way.
Jake and Dylan on top of the world! The rock and the sky could not be more beautiful. I have turned into such an Arizona girl - parts of the desert are just gorgeous!
Yeah, I know. I totally told them they could not do this and they totally disobeyed. Do you think the reason my kids disobey me is because my hubby does too? Hmm...
Anyway, Patrick and Jake saw some other people doing this and decided they had to do it too. Patrick said it was not nearly as bad as it looked. I'm not sure if you can get the full perspective but it was enough for me that they were not on the trail but instead on the rock face. P said Jake enjoyed hearing comments from people on the trail down that were all, "Hey that's the kid that was climbing up there!"
Playing around on the rocks while waiting for Dad and Jake to stop being crazy.
Carter loves his grandma! We were resting here and decided we weren't going to go any farther. Grandpa had a cold and the rest of the hike was even more steep than before. We felt satisfied because the view from where we stopped was amazing!! So we pooped out with about a half a mile to go but decided we would definitely come back and finish it another time. We live here, after all!
Dylan's chillin' like a villian. I think Uncle Chris made that one up!
I love my hubby!! He takes us on such awesome adventures and is so easy-going about everything that we all can't help but have fun!
Fresh off his rock climb, studly Jake takes in the view. Is he starting to look super grown-up or what?!
I absolutely love this picture of my parents!! I love how they were totally up for the hike. They are so great with the boys - always having fun and never losing their patience, which is amazing. They are such great examples to me and I am so lucky that they are my parents!! Christmas with them was so nice and we just loved the attention. Can't wait until summer!
Six years ago today, this sweetheart entered my life! He had a great birthday and I had a fun day reminiscing. He decided that a fun treat would be for me to bring McDonald's to lunch at school. So spoiled!
Dylan's kindergarten class at lunch. Going to visit him at school is my favorite! It is seriously so cute.
I got in trouble for trying to take pictures of the birthday boy at recess (parents aren't allowed on the playground) so I convinced him to come and sit at his desk for a quick photo. He requested doughnuts for his classroom treat which he said all the kids declared awesome.
Totally wicked! My own Wii controller! We had a nice little family party tonight. We grilled for dinner then Dylan opened his presents. He was super excited about the money he got in the mail and Life game he opened. He also got a Wii controller, nunchuk and Shaun White snowboarding game. Then it was time for cupcakes and ice cream.
Here Dylan is making the best wish ever - or so he says. He'll have his friend party on Saturday which of course I will also post about.
So here's where I get to reminisce. This is about as far back as the pictures on my computer go - I know, I need to get the older ones on here. Look at those eyes! I swear he looks exactly the same today, just in a bigger package. I wish I could climb in this picture and give this two year- old a squeeze. Those cheeks are begging to be kissed!
Dylan was easy from the beginning. He was my easiest labor - not the shortest - but the easiest. I was relaxed and ready to meet this boy. There is never a dull moment with Dylan around. He is curious about everything and always talking. He loves life and finds fun in every little thing. He is sensitive and kind. His kindergarten teacher says the girl he marries will be one lucky woman - according to Mrs. Hummel, she will definitely be treated like a princess! I couldn't agree more.
Dylan taught me a lot about being a mom - most importantly, that it was possible to take care of more than one child (I was nervous!) and possible that your heart would nearly explode with love. I was so much calmer the second time around and found myself enjoying more of the little moments. When I think back to the baby he was, I can remember quiet times when we sat nursing or lying next to him on the floor while he practiced his airplanes. The toddler that he was in these pictures was silly, busy and always laughing. Dylan is to this day, never quiet!! And never, ever still!! But truthfully, I wouldn't want it any other way. I love my crazy, happy, funny little (big!) boy. Happy Birthday Dyls!
Choosing a favorite ornmanent is tricky. I have a lot of favorites! I love all my ballet ones - it doesn't feel like Christmas without some Nutcracker memories. I also love my Waterford crystal ornament that Peg gave me the year before Patrick and I were married. It made me feel like I was part of the family even though we weren't engaged just yet.
My new stockings! In my family, the siblings draw names (spouses included) and my SIL Carrie made 
I hadn't gotten to be Mary in I don't know how long. Do you love that the closest thing we had to a doll was Woody?
My favorite was that our 3 shepherds then magically turned into 3 wise men. Worked out good, didn't it?
Our new sweet set-up! You can totally come over and play if you want. The boys got some great games - from G and G Motley and Aunt Sara - and they set out to play them as soon as Patrick could get it set up. They played so much that first day it was ridiculous!! 
Jake had played before so he was a pro. Very serious Guitar Hero face.
A little tricky for Dylan and his smaller hands but he had the sweet moves for sure. He definitely moved like a Guitar Hero! He has since gotten a lot better and has beaten three songs as of yesterday.
Amy had to be induced nearly four weeks early as it was discovered that Emma was not growing well in her uterus any more. Her doctor and a specialist decided she would do better "on the outside" and she was quickly induced. We were all a little nervous but felt confident all would be well.
I love this picture of her new little family. She says she got choked up right before her husband took the picture as she realized these were her 
