We're back and getting up to speed after our trip to Scottsdale last week. It was a whirlwind of a week leading up to our trip (getting ready for and throwing the Clayton's going away party, then turning around 5 hours later for AZ), but it made me appreciate the days that followed so much more. It's funny how relaxing a vacation can be on the heels of busy, busy, busy!
We had a great time basking in the desert heat (however, I could have done without the leg burns on Friday, followed by a high of 107 on Saturday! 107 is brutal.)
When I was pregnant with Abigail, we considered a going on a "babymoon" but the concept seemed a bit silly
(what is a vacation without sunset happy hours and drinks by the pool?!) and while this still holds truth, getting away one-on-one for a week was just what we needed. I forgot how much fun we have on vacations together (without an oh-so-cute, but high maintenance baby in tow). Our last solo trip (exceeding a few days) was our
honeymoon.
The yearly getaway will be a requirement in years to come. I missed "us"!
The week started with a relaxing few days by the pool, followed by a trip to the Grand Canyon and Sedona, then back to pool life by Friday morning; just enough time back in Scottsdale to unwind before traveling home.
 |
| Day 1: lazy river |
 |
| The beloved J-Dub (Marriott) |
 |
| Aloha Happy Hour at Roy's (with the weirdo guys in the background) |
 |
Our (almost) daily shuffle board game.
I won every time :) |
 |
| The quiet pool, where most days ended. |
Wednesday and Thursday were the highlight of our trip. We left Scottsdale Wednesday morning for the Grand Canyon and stayed the night in Sedona. It was the perfect 24 hour getaway, and both the Grand Canyon and Sedona far exceeded our expectations.
We'll be back. For sure!
 |
| Road trip! |
 |
| On the open road with mah man |
 |
| Trading Post pit stop (and tee-pee photo opp) |
 |
| Bitsy Girl as Pocahontas? Yes please! |
 |
| First glimpse at the Grand Canyon |
We weren't sure what to expect. We half thought we'd get there and think
"okay. yep. that's a big canyon. whelp, let's go" but it was awesome. We could have spent all day (even a few days!) at the park hiking around and taking in the sites.
For those interested in
staying at the park, there are several cabin-style accommodations as well as a few lodges. Our next Grand Canyon goal is to raft the Colorado River.
Someday!
 |
| We will see you again, Colorado River.... Mark. My. Words. |
 |
| Goofing around on our bus ride back to the lodge (free bus stops throughout the park) |
 |
| We almost bought it! |
To say it was magnificent, grandiose, awe inspiring, even
"the greatest natural wonder of the world!" are all understatements, but alas, it was time to head to Sedona.
(and boy did we have a treat in store for us!)
 |
| Driving in on AZ 89 |
 |
| More views from the road! |
 |
| Checking out the red rock |
The best way I can describe Sedona is magical. And given it's New Age, Vortex happy vibe, I think that sums it up quite well.
We spent the remainder of Wednesday relaxing at our hotel (
Sedona Rouge), roaming around town, eating local fare, and taking in the magical, red rocked sites. Our biggest trip fail? Not brining the Canon. None of our phone pictures did this place justice!
Thursday we enjoyed breakfast
Mesa Grill, followed by a massage at the hotel spa, then a trip to the quaint little town of Jerome on the way home.
 |
| Our hotel lobby |
 |
| Tlaquepaque Village |
 |
| Happy Hour with a view |
 |
| Overlooking Sedona |
We had planned to take another route back to Scottsdale, but we were pleasantly surprised by the suggestion to head over Mingus Mountain via Jerome, AZ.
I'm glad we did! Jerome is an adorable old mining town. Tucked away at 5,000 feet with sprawling views of the valley below, it's worth the trip if you find yourself in the area.
 |
| The view from town |
 |
| tossing coins into the old saloon |
 |
| Heading over Mingus Mountain |
The remainder of our trip was spent poolside at the Jay-Dub (JW Marriott).
(which is when the infamous burn and 107 degree heat happened...)
 |
| he reads the Wall Street Journal. What a smarty pants :) |
 |
| The burn. And the bump. |
 |
| Proof |
And to top off an awesome trip, Kay and Hakan invited us to their place for dinner on Friday night.
We had so much fun relaxing by their pool, catching up over dinner and drinks, taking a tour of their beautiful desert oasis, and learning about the Sonoran Desert's less friendly creatures...
 |
| me and Kay |
 |
| Kevin learns his cactus lesson the hard way... |
By Saturday evening we were ready to come home (we dearly missed our Bitsy Girl!) That's the downfall of having kids; while it's great to get away and travel, you heart is always a bit removed.
Either way, I am so happy we got the chance to take this trip and reconnect before we're back "in the thick of it" again :)
Much love, AZ.
Comments