Out Of Africa Wildlife Park

We took a day trip to the "Out of Africa" Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, AZ. It took us about two hours to get there but it was worth the drive. Inside the park we rode a bus without windows while our tour guide drove us around the park. Before we left, everyone got a carrot stick to feed either, Pilgrim, the giraffe or, Humphrey, the Camel. We had to wave our carrot sticks like crazy to get their attention and then they came over and ate the carrots right out of our hands. We could have put the carrot sticks in our mouths and gotten a "kiss", but only a couple of tourists decided to do it. The animals were beautiful and came so close to our bus. It was amazing to see.

Waiting while Grandpa purchased tickets.

We've got our carrots and we're ready to go!

 Pilgrim, coming over for a snack.

The last carrot he eats is mine :)

White Bengal Tiger taking a nap.

This Zebra was also looking for snacks so the tour guide tossed cookies out. We weren't allowed to feed him because he bites. 

Humphrey, the camel. He got some carrots as well, but we had already given ours to the giraffe.

Our tour guide, Chris, with Chili Pepper the Ostrich. 

Getting hugs.

Andrew and Maddie watching water buffalo nap.

"Tiger Splash" show. The trainers used various toys to show us how tigers use their instincts to hunt and play. 

Watching the show.

Lunch time.

A female lion resting. She had been roaring to other females before we got to her.

Going to see, Lazarus, the lion.

Lazarus taking a nap as well.

Festival of Lights

Tonight we saw the "Festival of Lights" or as Sydney called them, the "Vegetable of Lights." I took a few photos and then a video since we were all inside the van, following the path of lights. Sorry the video is so shaky from the bumps on the road!!

 An airplane.

A ballerina.

Baking with Grandma

Tonight the girls made cookies for Santa with Grandma. They loved it!! We also said goodbye to Frosty the Elf. Sydney and Maddie were happy to give him hugs and kisses goodbye after a month of not being able to play with him!!

Maddie making a star cookie and stopping to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

Maddie looking at her cookies while they cool.

Sydney's turn...

Drinking hot cocoa and waiting for Sydney's cookies to cool.

Decorating...

Maddie's cookies 

Hugs to Frosty!! 

Sydney gave Frosty candy canes to take back with him to the North Pole. See you next year Frosty!!

Zoolights

We saw Zoolights tonight at the Phoenix Zoo. We've done Zoolights in DC and Boston, but this one was by far the best. There were tons of decorations everywhere and got to pet Sting Rays in the warm petting pool.

In the ticket line, with our fun gifts from Grandma.

Snowflakes

Lights across the pond.

These trees changed all sorts of colors to music.

Maddie loved lying on her belly and reaching for the Stingrays.

At the playground

We are spending Christmas this year in Arizona with Andrew's parents. We are having a great time so far and enjoying the nice weather. Today we took the girls to a nearby playground to burn off some energy.

Learning to slide down...still a little scared.

Not scared anymore :)

Saving the mermaid!

Burying treasure.

Being like Daddy.

Bowling Party

Sydney was invited to a birthday party today for her classmates, Jayden and Hunter, at the bowling alley on base. The kids had a great time and even Maddie joined in on the fun.

Ready to bowl!! 

Sydney bowling 

Maddie Bowling (she got the 2nd highest score!!)

AJ, Sydney and Domenic 

Sydney and Cynthia 

Birthday Cake (Cars Theme) 

Jayden and Sydney