Christmas in Arizona

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Christmas 2025 saw the Mellmann family back together as a foursome but in Arizona.  Since this may be Patrick's last Christmas in Arizona (he pans to relocate to Chicago in the spring) we thought it would be a good time to visit, especially since Jörg and Katherine have never been there.  We decided to make it a road trip and we celebrated a couple days early since Patrick would be flying on the holiday.

Patrick's "front door".

He took us to his favorite sushi restaurant.

And we enjoyed a relaxed time chatting in his apartment.

Patrick wanted to do all the things that were traditions during his growing up: Ausstecherle/plaetzen (Christmas cookies), a family picture in front of the tree, red bow ties, singing, and fondue.

One evening, we went out for dinner at a Korean barbecue.  While we waited for our table, we sat outside (yes, in short sleeved shirts...one of the wonders of living in Arizona in December).

Korean barbecue.

When Katherine needed a little social break, she found the perfect spot outside on Patrick's porch.

Family picture in front of the...no Christmas tree this year but we had a lovely fountain with cactus plants on either side.

We gave Patrick's kitchen a bit of a stress test.  Who needs serving bowls and utensils when you live alone?  It was very fun.

A secondary objective of this road trip was to drive back with his motorcycle.  Patrick has reached that phase in life when he's either working, doing chores, or catching a little social action with friends.  His motorcycle wasn't seeing much action (particularly because it's a bit of a gnarly drive to get out of the city to where the good riding is...and the good riding season - when it isn't so hot that you cook in your gear - is extremely short) so he sent it to Montana with us.  Now he can fly in during the summer and we can do some fun rides from the house.

Patrick lives right on the flight path of the Phoenix airport.

With another Christmas in the books, the three of us - and a motorcycle - head back to Montana.

Now all the motorcycles are together again.  Good thing we have a three car garage.

Patrick sent me a few pictures from his "retro" digital camera with a slightly blue haze to the images.  Singing was fun this year because everyone participated...even Katherine who, until this year, kind of mumbled along (especially on the German songs) just waiting for it to be over.

 

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