Sporting Grandma's hat!

Alex loves swimming!!!

Ironman Tempe, AZ

Michael completed another Ironman Triathlon in Tempe, AZ in November (3X finisher to date!). Both boys ran through the finish line with him this time but they weren't supposed to. I didn't tell them they couldn't - we were hoping he wasn't going to be disqualified.

Tempe Ironman was one of the best spectator-friendly triathlon routes by far, but we did ALOT of walking back and forth between 'Daddy sightings'. I think we were as exhausted as he was by the end of the day.

The boys take a break to climb this rock formation alongside the triathlon bike/run route.

Late afternoon alongside the water's edge where the swim took place.

The boys also skateboarded to kill some time in Ironman Village and along the route of Tempe town.

We left Tempe on Monday to spend Thanksgiving week in Scottsdale where we stayed at the Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott.

A partial view of our abode - we had both wings which had outdoor decks where we enjoyed breakfast or a cocktail in the evening.

I have to say this was my favorite vacations with the kids, topping any beach or ski trip we've taken recently. We sampled some excellent restaurants in AZ, visited a popular Scottsdale skateboard park, The Wedge, a couple times and another one in Sedona where we took a day trip and did a 3 hour hike at one of the Red Rock trails that we discovered as we drove north.

One of the two great rock formations we hiked, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock south of Sedona.

Jack Malmgren skatepark in Sedona.

We also hiked Scottsdale's great natural landmark, Camelback Mountain, which was exhilarating for all on Thanksgiving day.

Camelback Mountain (named for its two formations (not shown here) - one is the camel's hump and the other is the head.)

More than a mile hike trail up a very rocky terrain and sometimes steep but relatively easy.

The summit is at about 2700 feet, Scottsdale's highest elevation.

Our last night in Scottsdale.