Getting into the routine now, early morning peaceful swim before the family emerges. Then its a couple of cups of coffee, hopefully before everyone gets up. Aimee joined me this morning and we managed one cup of coffee before bedlam commenced.
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This bird was sitting on the wall when we went out this morning. There are a number of Thrashers with this curved bill but internet research seems to point to the aptly named Curved-Bill Thrasher, native to Arizona.
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Breakfast then
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Christmas presents (this is our family Christmas get together though I plan on having Christmas, independently, with both of my kids families in December)
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Christine is an accomplished gift giver, books and
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quick dry towels for everyone.
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Cousins ready to go into the pool area.
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| Lots |
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| of |
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| fun |
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in the pool
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| and |
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the hot tub
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with the Mockingbird wondering what all the noise is about.
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Packed a picnic and then about a half hour drive to Lost Dutchman State Park
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It didn't take long to get beyond the sprawl of the Phoenix area and into the natural landscape.
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No fancy Palm trees here, just low scrubby shrubs and magnificent
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| Cacti. |
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We ate our picnic at a Ramada (a shelter in Spanish)
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and then walked a short trail.
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It was very hot and Chris wanted a picture before we all got sweaty.
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While walking we saw a Rock Squirrel, Road Runner and a group of Gambel's Quail. All were too fast at diving into the protection of the undergrowth for me to get pictures.
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There was ample reading material
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and I loved seeing the Cholla Cacti again (last seen in Joshua Tree Park in California)
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Brown Thrasher.
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The trail was just long enough to give us a feel for the environment but not too long for the little ones.
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Then it was home to put River and Cigi down for naps while Aimee, Maya and I hit Costco for simple, "we are on holiday" meals.
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Watching some screen while
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waiting for supper.
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A lovely sunset, a rarity here
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as there are usually no clouds in the sky.
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Then Maya and
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Mike had an evening swim.
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The low light resulting in impressionistic photos.
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