The new year began with a wonderful sleep-in, a few rounds of washing, a 4klm run, coffee and the start of our repacking. We skipped breakfast and headed out to lunch at a place called "In and Out Burger" (yes plenty of burgers, to make us look like burgers when we get back home). Will suggested the 'double-double' - a burger with two meat patties, two lots of cheese, tomato and lettuce, with a side of fries and a soda (yes the American language is taking hold). Lucky it was breakfast and lunch together ....... AND I had been for a run!!!

It was afternoon and Peter was determined to get to Arizona Mills, to purchase sunglasses. After spending a little time at Kohls (pronounce Coles - yes we thought we were going grocery shopping) which is a department store much like KMart but a little better quality (just a little) we hopped in the car to drive 20mins to this much-revered outlet shopping place.

We entered in through a place called Sports Authority, yes plenty of shoes but then there it was ...... a complete rack full of kids gymnastics leotards!!!! Hayley had died and gone to Heaven, and so we spent probably 30mins trying on an array of outfits, to end up only purchasing 4 (2 that fit now, 2 that fit later). We moved on in search of the elusive Oakley or sunglasses shop. We entered a Sunglasses Hut .... hmmm no specials and "no this isn't it, I am sure there is an actual Oakley shop in this centre" grumbles the now shop-a-holic. We go past shoe shops, begrudgingly stop and allow Hayley to try and purchase some cute slip-ons .... there was pacing.

We exit and keep walking, then finally "there it is, there it is....I knew it was here, I just knew". Well, he was like a little boy in a candy store ... "We don't have much time .... there is a sign saying 40% off clearance items! but where are the clearance items! how can you tell" .... slight frustration sets in. "How about", I calmly suggest, "I ask someone" .... too busy to answer, too busy trying on glasses. "The clearance items are all marked with a red sales tag and are right in front of you" suggests the assistant .... sheer excitement unleashes. Okay, so perhaps a slight exaggeration on the sheer excitement; but the 'Imelda Marcos' of Sunglasses certainly outdid himself with genuine bargains.

So the purchase of 5 sets Oakley sunglasses with replacement lenses for his old ones (and yes one new pair for me), we spent a mere $55 per set. Yes, that's correct, Oakley sunglasses for less than $60!!!!!!!! And now for the apology to the entire family for 1. Not having enough time to get your each a pair, and 2. Not actually thinking of any of you while we were in the shop!!!! Please forgive us!!

As the Barmettler's could finally get to their cabin, which meant we were all busy packing, we planned to have dinner out at their favourite Mexican restaurant after the kids lit their fireworks in the front-drive. Arizona, two years ago made the purchase and lighting of fireworks legal during the Christmas and New Year period. After January 2nd though, it was no longer legal. So the girls had gone with Tim, Will and Ally to purchase a firework each with some sparklers, which they did. A highly enjoyable and unique experience -> the fireworks aren't the really big ones (that would be very dangerous); however, the ones they each selected were very impressive. We had ones that shot up into the air with loud bangs, ones that consistently popped with colours, little tanks that shot sparks and others that whizzed around on the ground.

After a very large and delicious homemade a margarita (picture enclosed) which unfortunately I just couldn't get through before dinner, we headed out to enjoy a beautiful dinner of chicken fajitas. The girls enjoyed a combo plate which had a selection of tacos, tacitoes, flat tacos, rice, beans, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and chips. Suffice to say we were very full, again - a common theme at Christmas and New Year across the globe it seems.

Our final night and our final goodbyes to a simply wonderful and homely stay with such a beautiful family. We are so blessed to have made such wonderful and lifelong friends. Tomorrow, we fly out (on Barb's birthday) to continue the last leg of our adventure. Can you believe in 14 days we will be on our way back to Australia?