Tourists at the Grand Canyon

Shhh...do you hear that? It's so quiet. It has been a few days since Jer's family left and I flipping miss the chaos of having nine people under one roof. The chit chat, the laughter, the skateboarding in the house, the trying to control our dog so she didn't eat the little one, the constant nagging for the girls to hurry up and get ready...I miss it all.

It was everyone's first time to Arizona so we played tour guide for the week. Their main request was to visit the Grand Canyon. I mean, who wouldn't want to see one of the seven wonders of the world, right?!? This would be a first for everyone since we had yet to visit.  

Jer took it upon himself to watch a very informative YouTube video and he advised he had our whole day planned out. We packed up the van and headed north to the South Rim of the canyon.

 

Ghost Town of Jerome

Once a bustling mining town with a population of 15,000 people, Jerome is now one of America's largest ghost towns. We made the short drive from Phoenix taking in the picturesque views on the way. One of my favorite drives. 

 

Arizona State Fair-Vlog

October is one of my favorite months here in Arizona. The weather starts cooling down(except, of course, for the day we actually decided to go to the fair) and fair/festival season starts heating up. 

     PRESS PLAY:

            

Beach Vibes

Ah, the Outer Banks. The perfect place to unwind, unplug, and eat your weight in Duck Donuts! Am I right?!!? 

We made the long drive to spend the next four days with family in Duck, North Carolina. Hurricane Hermine just passed through and left a little bit of a mess but we were greeted with sunshine and smiling faces from two of the cutest little boys. 

Home Sweet Home

Last week was the first time Jer and I have been home together since we made the move to Arizona, over a year ago. I was put in charge of dropping off the pup (for the first time) at the boarders for her "holiday camp". I now get all the emotions when moms drop their babies off at kindergarten or camp and start crying uncontrollably.  Yeah, that was me. Don't judge.

We arrived and hit the ground running. We were all over the place; dinners, football games, meet ups with friends, birthday parties, and late night drinking with family all in 2 1/2 days. We were exhausted. 

We did manage to squeeze in time for my, highly anticipated, ride on my boy Flash. My dad was breaking him in for my arrival and was one of many highlights of our trip back home. 

Wright On

Husbands and significant others, listen up. When your other half asks what you want to do for the day and you say, "Whatever". Know, that this gives your other half free rein to plan whatever the fuck she/he wants.

And so starts our Saturday. I've been wanting to check out Frank Lloyd Wright's "winter camp" since we moved here over a year ago and just never got around to it. Perfect timing this past weekend when we did not have any plans and the other half was down for "whatever".

We arrived and made our way to the book store where I thought we bought passes so we could roam freely around the grounds. Turns out, you must do a guided tour that lasts about 1 hr 1/2. Tickets were $36.00 per person. I glanced at my other half and received the head tilt and the death stares. I shrugged my shoulders, gave him a little smirk, and proceeded to pay. We ran to catch up with our tour since it had already started. 

Unplugged

Living in a digital world, the amount of time we spend behind a computer and on our phones is excessive. 

For me, working from home has definitely increased my usage. Jer will come into my (home) office and remind me that I have not moved for five, six hours(yes, sometimes it is that long). He then likes to boast about all the times he was able to get up from his desk, walk around, and how sitting for so long is not good for you...blahblahblah.  I know, I know. But, when I'm in the zone I find it hard to walk away (working on it). 

It is refreshing to step away from everything. Take a road trip and unplug from it all. 

We drove up north to Flagstaff for a quick getaway. I can't tell you how nice it was to finally feel a cool breeze.

Luna was in her element and was all smiles when she exited the car. Instantly taking the lead.

We were on our way to Bismark Lake. This is such an easy walk with the pine tree covered mountains as your backdrop. Now, finding the trail head is a different story. We ended up taking the scenic, off-roading route. We were praying the granny mobile would not get a flat. She held up like a champ.

We raced to the lake...

{Body Suit-Here}

To quickly find out that it was completely dried up. With only a small puddle to distinguish it's previous existence. So we had to come up with other things to do...sword fight anyone?!?!

Luna was watching intently. Secretly cheering me on. Jer will never admit it but she likes me best. 

I may have taken it a bit too seriously...

He was legit terrified. (It's a stick babe, relax.)

Leaving him in the fetal position, I walked away triumphantly. (Who runs the world, girls!) 

Boys will be boys.

The clouds started to roll in and we felt a few drops so we packed up our stuff, took in one last view, and headed home.

Chill Out

One of the many things I love about Arizona is that you are pretty much guaranteed sunny days. I can not tell you the last time I actually saw rain. If it does happen it's like you blink and miss it. Now, we will just ignore the fact that it soars above 100 degrees at the moment. But, it's a dry heat?!? Ha.

This 4th of July we brought out the big guns and cooled off at home.  

Hiking Napali Coast

We found it! Our last day on the island we decided to head back and tackle the Kalalau Trail. And let me just say that we were so glad we did. The views speak for themselves. Insane. 

Kauai-Tunnels Beach

Kauai- Waimea Canyon

Getting lost was becoming the theme of our trip. We woke up early to
hike the Napali Coastline. Instead, we found ourselves on the opposite side of the island and stumbled upon the magnificent Waimea Canyon (aka the Grand Canyon of the Pacific).

June- Book Recommendations

There is nothing I enjoy more than lounging by the pool with a cold beverage and a good book. My summer reading list is growing rapidly. I thought I would share a few that I just finished. 

Kauai-What Dreams Are Made Of

"The earth has music for those that listen" - William Shakespeare

Welcome to Kauai- Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

We arrived late to the Grand Hyatt Resort Kauai due to a 13+ hour flight delay. We anticipated having a nice relaxing afternoon by the pool. Instead, we spent it restaurant hopping in the Phoenix airport, catching up on our shows, and hoping that we would make it to the Garden Isle to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. 

Once we arrived at 1:30am we picked up our Jeep and headed to the resort unaware of the beauty that surrounded us because of the night sky. We were greeted with warm smiles, fresh leis, and were escorted to our room where we immediately drifted off to sleep. 

When are you having children?

When are you having children? Ah, the loaded question that I have encountered numerous times throughout my 20's and especially now in my 30's.

Desert Light

Spring has become my favorite season here in the desert. It comes alive with the cacti blooming and the smells of fresh flowers immediately hit you when you step outside. 

Last month, my mom came to visit and we took a trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens for some music, the popular Bruce Munroe exhibit, and to gather some landscaping inspiration for our backyard. 

Welcome to The Henry

Saturdays are my favorite day of the week. The Mr. and I both have off so we lazy around in the morning, take the pup for a long walk around our hood, and then head off to brunch (my favorite meal of the day).

The Henry, known has the "Greatest Neighborhood Restaurant", is the perfect spot. The interior is industrial, yet cozy. They did an awesome job at creating unique spaces. High top seating for those that want to grab coffee and work, to intimate nooks for those wanting to settle in with a good book, or those (like us) who grab a booth and await the grub. 

Jer ordered his coffee and a Brown Butter Salted Caramel Roll from the bakery. The caramel roll had the perfect caramel glaze all over; slightly gooey and slightly hard created the perfect combination.  

Jer ordered the Spicy Sausage Scramble with chicken sausage, organic eggs, zucchini, spinach, and havarti. It had a nice kick. 

The Hueves Rancheros was so good with a crispy corn tortilla,charred tomato salsa, black beans, and queso fresco. One of the best I've had so far in the area.

With all of the aromas of fresh brewed coffee, I had to get one for the road.(The Dropout-chocolate, caramel, espresso,Colombian drip, au lait) We stopped to enjoy the beautiful scenery and glorious weather. 

If you find yourself on E Camelback near Paradise Valley stop in. 

That night, thanks to my mom, we headed to Glendale to cheer on the Flyers (our home team). We had so much fun (ate way too many Wetzel Pretzels-buttery goodness) and were shocked to see that we were surrounded by a sea of orange. Even though they lost (to the Coyotes!!!)and the fans were a little more tame then what we are used to in Philly, it was nice to have a little taste of home.