Aaron finally made it home around the middle of January and it was time to go get the camper we purchased in early December. The camper may be our home for the summer if Aaron gets on a fire contract. Currently the chopper is still in Puerto Rico continuing their work with FEMA….it could be finished at the end of February or it could stay indefinitely….time will only tell. So the camper will sit in storage until it’s needed! But before that happened, we had to test it out right? So what better way than to take it for a night to Barrett Jackson in Scottsdale! We pulled in a little after 2ish and hooked her all up. Took only about 45 minutes to figure it out then we headed to the festivities. We’ve watched it on TV but it was so much better in person. First it was just great to be there with Aaron and do something together…then to be surrounded by such cool cars topped it all off. We had a fun time and had a good night in the camper…..although a new mattress is a must….that thing was hard as a rock! We set it up in the driveway for a few extra nights (yes not HOA approved) and had the parents over for dinner…yes…in the driveway. Excited to hopefully take it out for a week and really do some real camping….but I think we know what’s coming next…..Aaron’s departure and off once again. 😂

Once again I’m behind the curve but I certainly can’t forget Christmas as it’s one of my favorite times of the year. Aaron was still in Puerto Rico working for FEMA in early December.  I knew he had to go to Australia at some point to go fight fire as it’s their summer season, but we were hoping for at least a week at home to rest up and relax as it has been since the middle of June since he’s been home. So with a glimmer of hope I wanted to make sure the house was ready to go and fully decorated, as we love nothing better than to enjoy our lazy coffee mornings with the Christmas carols playing in the background and hot bread baking in the oven. Well….all those things happened…. only one thing missing……Aaron!  As usual….duty called and no time to make a quick visit home.  So the cats and I enjoyed an overly decorated house, a giant tree, and too much yummy bread. I love a decorated home…but a few days to put it all up and take it down, well I guess I should start earlier and leave it up longer…whew…what a workout.

My my parents got back on the 20th of December from their amazing 80 day cruise so we were able to catch the Christmas Light Show at the Goodyear Ballpark, the Verrado Christmas Tree and of course Christmas Day which we had moms classic lasagne and fresh baked cookies. Lots to be grateful for!