We recently took a vacation back to our home state, Arizona. Anyone who travels with kids knows that vacation with your kids isn’t always relaxing. But, to visit so many of our family and friends, was worth it!
Both Ian and I grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona. We love coming home to where we’re from. I think no matter how long we live in Texas, Arizona will still be what we call “home”. We have family spread out all over the state. So our visit has many destinations and various homes that we’re privileged to stay in.
Our first stop was Tucson.
The first morning we arrived there was snow on Mt Lemon and it was amazing! What a sight coming from our slightly above sea level home. We enjoyed time with Grammy and Pop-pop and even Great Grandpa who came to see us.
Next, we moved to Ian’s brother Joel’s house and had a lovely visit with his family. We got to see old friends from way back, meet his sister’s sweet adopted children and see the most Christmas decked out neighborhood ever!
The other Jorgensen’s also took us hiking in Sabino Canyon. Oh my how I missed nature, hiking and the fresh air! It was so gorgeous. The boys were in heaven romping around the trails with their cousins.
I even had time to squeeze in pedi’s with my nieces. Two of them had never had their toes done before and it was such a treat for me to be with them. Having four boys myself, I am always in need of some girl time 
After that, we made our way up the hill to chilly Flagstaff. We stayed with my mom and got to see my sisters and brother. We had a wonderful time visiting with Ian’s parents who were in town as well. Ian got to spend some time with his brother, Brandon and I got to hang out with my friend, Elizabeth. It was so wonderful being with people who have known us and loved us so long.
Grammy and G-Daddy and a few of the Carsey cousins.
Christmas Eve with cousin Aiden (and the matching pj’s from Aunt Lindsey)
Of course we enjoyed the time with family but the real star of our trip was the beautiful snow! The boys loved playing everyday in it. They had fun sledding in it with my mom and sister as well. Coming from our sub-tropical climate, this was a real treat for us.
We enjoyed our time and visit so much, we rarely get to do that. Seeing family was such a joy for us. At the end of the trip, as we made our way back home, we reflected on our time in Arizona. While feeling so grateful for the love of family members, we realized, this is our family now. Ian, Angie, Jacob, Nathan, Austin and Evan. We have made our own decisions, choices and lifestyles that make us our own little family. It’s what the Bible refers to and “leaving and cleaving”. As you grow up and move on, you start your own family dynamic and memories. So, we made our way back home to our life in Pearland, knowing that we are truly blessed with extended family and yet, so happy to return to the ins and outs of our own little family and the community around us here.
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