Well, seeing as I have only written on the blog once since our whole adventure started, I figured I was due!
I hope that each and every one of you had a wonderful Christmas that was spent with those that you love. Shawn and I had a great day that started with some gift opening, web-cam and telephone conversations with our family and friends, and a yummy breakfast!
It was definitely a strange feeling to be so far away from our family and normal Christmas traditions; however it was neat to have “our own” Christmas morning. After a little cat nap (I worked Christmas Eve night) we were off to Stacey and Joey’s house for Christmas dinner. It was a great afternoon spent watching the boys play Guitar Hero on the Nintendo Wii, and being thoroughly entertained by Isa (their 2 ½ year old). I even had a go with the Wii, and I do have to say it was pretty fun! Joey’s parents and brother & wife were also there, so it was great to visit with them as well.
On the Saturday before Christmas the Toronto Raptors were in town taking on the Phoenix Suns. So we took in the game down at the US Airways Center. It is literally a 10 minute drive from our apartment so it was super easy to get to. Before the game started we were able to go down courtside and watch some of the Raptors warm up. It was pretty cool to be that close to the players. Chris Bosh was out there and we were even really close to being able to get his autograph but he stopped signing right before he got to us.
Shawn’s highlight was “fist bumping” Chuck Swirsky, his favorite TV/Radio announcer for the Raps…it was pretty funny. Unfortunately the Raps couldn’t pull out a win, but overall it was a great night! My highlight came at the end of the game when we went back down beside the court. One of the Suns dancers was one of the last 2 ladies on the TV show “The Bachelor” and to my delight I was able to get my picture taken with her! Now, I know to many this may seem kinda strange and silly…but watching “The Bachelor” was a staple event among my girlfriends back home and it brought back many memories of times spent with my girlfriends laughing and eating Breton Brittle :)
Sunday took us up the I-17 north, through miles and miles of cacti to a town called Sedona. This area of Arizona is famous for its red rock, artisan boutiques, and hiking paths. We spent the afternoon walking through the uptown area, browsing in shops and eating the so-called “world’s best” hotdog! We enjoyed the beauty of the red rock and then visited the Holy Cross Chapel. This chapel is built into the side of the rock and gives you a beautiful panoramic view of Sedona and the surrounding red rock area.
Sunday took us up the I-17 north, through miles and miles of cacti to a town called Sedona. This area of Arizona is famous for its red rock, artisan boutiques, and hiking paths. We spent the afternoon walking through the uptown area, browsing in shops and eating the so-called “world’s best” hotdog! We enjoyed the beauty of the red rock and then visited the Holy Cross Chapel. This chapel is built into the side of the rock and gives you a beautiful panoramic view of Sedona and the surrounding red rock area.