Israel, Day 1 - Traveling

We had a wonderful Christmas week with my whole family, but it came time to say good-bye and travel to Israel!

It was hard for me to leave! Not only was the house full of people I love, but my mommy sense was on overdrive and the reality if leaving my kids for 10 days to be across the globe made me a little emotional.

However, I know my kids are in great hands and I am so grateful for my family who will be taking great care of them. 

So, we are going to enjoy this trip to the fullest! We know it is a trip of a lifetime and it is a great opportunity.

We boarded "El Al" airlines and it was officially the biggest plane I have ever been on.

We got a nice surprise because it was a full flight but we somehow got the only empty seat next to us, so Jim and I were able to spread out a little on the 15 hour flight.

I spy Tel Aviv!

The guidebook says "you should get by with knowing only English". Good thing!

We have our rental car and we are off!

After a long travel day we made it to our first destination outside Toberius. We are staying two nights in the "Shavit Family Guesthouse" in Arbel. The owner, names Israel, is an amazing cook. We enjoyed lamb casserole for dinner, which was osso bucco lamb roasted with onion, garlic, pear, potatoes and carrots in a ceramic dish. Also had some cabbage salads and fresh crostini bread with house made bruschetta-type spreads to go on top. So yummy!

Bridger is seven!

Bridger is 7 years old!

We were in Arizona for the big day and celebrated with pancakes spelling out his name.

After some fun and games at home we headed for the pool for a pizza party.

We had family pictures scheduled as a group, so we got cleaned up.

Smile!

We headed to the Mesa LDS temple for Christmas lights and visitor center time.

Caught a beautiful sunset.

We finished the night with special order chocolate-chocolate Dilly bars.

Yum!

We also celebrated Bridger's birthday before we left with a friend Star Wars pizza party.

We had a paper airplane throwing contest, hide and go seek in the dark, ate pizza and cake, opened presents (lots of Star Wars and Lego stuff!) and even turned on episode 4 for a bit.

Bridger was thrilled and had a great time. His teacher also recognized him in class before Christmas break let out, which meant a lot to him.

Happy Birthday Bridger! You are a smart, happy, helpful, wonderful boy! We love you!

Christmas in Arizona

Christmastime is here and we had my whole side of the family gather under one roof for some family togetherness.

We had 9 adults and 6 kids all under one roof!

Enjoying the sunshine!

We had enough kids for an official kids table! They loved it!

We role played the Nativity story. Kacy took her duties as Mary very seriously.

Grand kids with grandma

Christmas Jammie's!

Christmas morning!

We enjoyed multiple trips to the pool.

We had great for hiking. 

Bridger climbed up to the top of hole in the rock twice.

The kids loved the train park.

These kids turned into part fish with all the swimming we did!

Cannonball competition!

It was a great week in Arizona for Christmas!