The Syring Family Blog: Best X-Mas Weekend Ever!

Mara & I had an awesome X-Mas break. Mara has been studying hard since her break, so she needed to get up and be active, and I had a 4 day break from late nights at work so we definitely took advantage of the time off and did a TON of activities, and even learned some new ones. To sum it up we had a run-climb-run-drink-hike-drink-run-climb 4 day break.
We started off Wednesday evening by making one of our favorite dishes (scallops, shrimp, spinach, & tortellini), and had a good wine and relaxed for a night. Thursday we started the day off by running 3 miles to AZR, climbing for a couple of hours, then running 3 miles back. Then we headed over to Greg's cousin Tony's new house to spend X-Mas eve with the Caldwells. It was a lot of fun, and their family is a lot of fun to be around. Rohan was passed around for about 2 hours, getting a ton of attention, and giving Mara and I a little break to mingle.
Friday (X-Mas morning) all Rohan wanted to do was climb a mountain. He said so, we swear. We packed everything up and hiked up Camelback Mountain in central Phoenix. The Echo Canyon Summit Trail is about 1.2 miles, with an elevation change of about 1300 feet. It was one strenuous climb, but the view was absolutely worth it at the top. There were about 30 people or so, and even Santa made an appearance. On guy even said it was his 31st consecutive X-Mas making the hike! Rohan did great up and down, and EVERYONE was giving Mara compliments on hiking with Rohan on her back. Most people can barely get up with out adding an extra 20 lbs. We headed back home where Rohan opened his gifts (thanks for being practical!). We've already used most of them, and Rohan had fun eating paper, playing with box lids, and eventually realizing there was something else in the box. We capped off X-Mas with having a martini X-Mas at Greg & Nico's house. Rohan loved the hat, scarf & blanket Nico made. We decorated some cookies, which turned out to be misfit cookies we probably shouldn't broadcast. If I can clean them up a little I'll post some...:) Rohan did surprise us and started walking even more, taking 12-15 steps at some points. He also REALLY liked the stairs at the Caldwell's.
Saturday we had a relaxing day. We had breakfast with Greg & Nico, then headed home to catch up on 6 loads of laundry, and also give Rohan a break. He has a TON of snot & drool and a little cough so we wanted him to get some sleep (since he slept horribly at Greg & Nico's). He had intermittent naps, and usually ended up crashing on a pillow in the living room instead of his crib. Eventually we went and ran our 11.5 mi run around 7:00, which he slept on the whole time, so he got a good nap in then. Rohan did get a balloon from the clerk at Trader Joe's. He has now become infatuated with them. It's hilarious to see him smacking himself in the head with it.
Sunday Rohan was feeling a little better. Our friend, Eric from AZR, had invited us out to do some outdoor climbing. We headed to Lookout Mountain, which is close to our house, and climbed for 5-6 hours. It was a TON of fun, and there were a lot of climbers so we got to see some great climbs. Mara and I did some of the easier ones (5.7 & 5.8) but the best part was learning to lead climb. Most climbing is top rope where the rope is looped above you to the belayer (person securing the rope if you fall). Lead climbing is where you clip in along the way up. There are longer falls, but still not too bad, especially on easier walls like this. It was really exciting to learn a new technique and we are already looking forward to climbing out doors again!
We wish we could have been with more family this year, especially with Josh, Debora & Thomas back from Germany, Sally & Scott having their new baby, and Larry's 60th (oops, I mean 59th...:P) birthday! We hope everyone had a safe break, and didn't get stuck too bad due to weather.
Being such a busy break, we had TONS of pictures & videos (and even more we didn't post). Hope you enjoy them!

Rohan Discovers The Joy Of Balloons: