From the North Pole to Lake Havasu

Last week, (I know it's not like me to post so late, but I've been busy okay?) we had the exciting opportunity to go to the Polar Express in Williams, AZ with almost all the Hafens. We went 3 years ago when Erick was 1 and Rachel 3. For Brian and I it was exactly the same, even the food! The kids on the other hand, had a different experience than last time because of their ages. This time they loved Santa, last time they cried when they saw him. This time they listened and followed along with the book, last time they were crying and tired during the story. This time they ate only the desserts and noodles, and last time they ate only... desserts and noodles. (okay not that different.) Anyways we had a blast! Brian, being the great dad he is, took them swimming in the not-so-heated indoor pool before our dinner and train ride, which was fun! Not to mention we love staying at hotels and eating out, who doesn't right? The next morning we hadn't had enough excitement and adventure so we decided to try something new and extend the trip a little by going to Lake Havasu. There we visited the London Bridge (actually brought over from London,) ate pizza by the lakeside, rented paddleboats for 1/2 hour, (which was good because Brian made me do all the pedalling in the hot weather while he relaxed,) then hiked down the beach to the model seaplane show. The Lake Havasuians took that event very seriously. All in all it added another 1 1/2 to our trip and gave us a good four hours in return. I think we experienced all the seasons in a 24 hour period! Maybe we'll try that again in another 10 years!!!