Scotland Road Trip

As much as we were sad to say goodbye to Edinburgh, we were excited to venture out and start exploring Scotland's vast countryside. 

Touring Edinburgh

It's been awhile since my mom and I took a trip together, just the two of us. We were due for a girls trip. We decided to immerse ourselves in our Scottish roots and take our mother/daughter trip to Scotland. 

We arrived to Edinburgh in the morning and headed straight to our hotel. Our room was not quite ready so we freshened up in their spa changing rooms, then hit the ground running. 

Island Life of Hvar

Our next stop on our Croatia road-trip was the island of Hvar. We arrived to Hvar by car ferry from Split and settled right into island life. 

Well, it took us a while to actually find parking. Then, even longer to find the hotel as we roamed aimlessly around town. Once we finally found the hotel we were advised we needed to move the car. It was parked on a cliff that we (when I say we, I mean Jer) would have to climb an abundant amount of steps to reach. With the help of the hotel staff, to assist with the luggage, Jer went on a mission to move the car. Upon his return, he was dripping in sweat. I offered him a nice refreshing cucumber water. Then settled in. 

Split Walking Tour

I'll admit, I underestimated Split. It was not high on the list of stops I was most looking forward to on our road trip. Merely, a stopover before getting to the good stuff. 

We decided to take a walking tour, since I had done little research on this area, and I quickly fell for this coastal gem. 

Getting In Trouble at Krka National Park

It's a fact that I'm horrible at making decisions. It came as no surprise that I could not decide between visiting Plitvice National Park or Krka National Park while in Croatia. So, I said screw it and visited both. 

Plitvice National Park - Rain Or Shine

Three years ago we booked a dream trip to Croatia that we ended up having to cancel due to our move to Arizona. Since the flights from Phoenix are not ideal it took us a while to book again. But...

Three flights, a full season of Ozark watched (highly recommend if you haven't watched), and 16 hours later we made it to Zagreb! After proceeding through customs, we picked up our car to head to Hotel Degenija. This hotel is located about two hours from the Zagreb airport and is just minutes from Plitvice National Park. Pro tip, make sure that your GPS is not set to avoid toll roads or it will add an extra hour to your journey from the airport (learned the hard way). Thankfully, Jer was driving because I could not keep my eyes open and fell fast asleep half way through. 

We arrived late with our stomachs growling. We dropped our bags in our room and rushed to dinner. I had my first of many pasta with truffles. Satisfied, it was time for bed. 

The next morning we woke to overcast skies. I checked the weather and there was a ninety percent chance of rain. I'm so used to never having to check the weather anymore because it rarely rains in Arizona. I was not going to let a little rain damper our day. Rain or shine we were headed to Plitvice National Park, umbrella in hand. 

Saguaro National Park

Every year, when I was younger, my mom would pack the car and we would set out for a road trip for a week. This was the only time that my sister and I would fight over the back seat (long before kids had to be in their car seats until the age of 12). The lucky winner would make themselves comfortable for the long journey ahead. Arranging the back with sleeping bags, pillows, books, games, their Nintendo, and their trusty Walkman. Yup, remember those?!? Madonna would be on repeat while I belted out Lucky Star for the 50th time ignoring all comments to shut up. Yes, I was the annoying little sister and I wore the badge well. The other would look back at the cozy setup with pure jealousy, asking "Are we there yet?" 

Not much has changed since then. I'm a lover of road trips. The difference being, that I no longer have to fight over the back seat and we have even better technology to pass the hours. 
   

Weekend in Joshua Tree

Chasing Autumn

You know the saying "Early bird catches the worm"? Well, this weekend it proved to be true. 

Post Cards from Fiji

After 12 hours of flying and watching a full marathon of Survivor on the plane, which left me sleepless, we arrived to paradise. We were greeted by our driver who was waiting with a big smile and a friendly "Bula!" (not hola, unbeknownst to Jer)

Are You Calling Me Fat-Fat Man's Loop and Elden Lookout

The initial plan for the weekend was to take a leisurely hike in Flagstaff on the Fat Man's Loop trail. That was before I started working out the week before. 

I started going to a Pilates studio on the megaformer. Now, I chose Pilates because I thought the majority of the workout would be on my back. Sign me up, right?!?! Jumping around and lifting weights just isn't my thing. 

Boy was I wrong. My first workout I walked in and took a spot next to a lady, who, I would say was in her 60's give or take. Her arms were so toned and I could tell this was my spot. Get me arms like that while lying on my back, yes please! Halfway through the workout I had yet to be on my back. Sweat was pouring down my face. Music was blaring. I was cursing under my breath, "Fu*k me." My legs were shaking like I never felt them shake before. I stop, thinking that I'm going to pass out. I look over at, let's call her Betty, and she was going strong with a huge smile on her face. I felt like an out of shape loser. It was then that I told myself that I would be back and that my goal was to keep up with Betty.     

Cosanti Originals- Ring My Bell

Driving through Paradise Valley, passing by many multi million dollar homes, you would not expect to find this hidden gem.

Amelia Island

It's 2am and I am being cursed out by my husband (under his breath) wanting to know why I booked a flight so early. Well, because it was free (with miles) so wakey wakey. 

I am one of those annoying people (according to my husband) who actually get to the airport on time. Meaning, two hours prior to departure for domestic flights. He has a field day with this; I receive constant eye rolls and lectures of how he arrives to the airport with less time and has no problem. 

This particular morning, we arrived to the airport nice and early. We made our way to security. There was only one TSA line open due to the early morning hours. At first glance, the line looked manageable. But, after twenty minutes we had not moved. Twenty minutes became forty minutes and I proceeded to give the look. You know, when your head tilts down, your eyebrows are raised, and without having to say "I told you so", he knew. We ended up making the flight with no time to get food or drinks.

We were on our way to Amelia Island for a family vacation. Being so far from family, makes it all the more sweeter to see everyone when we get the chance.

Watson Lake

After a full week of non stop rain, clouds, and being cooped up in the house I was eager to get outside. Thankfully, Arizona has unlimited options for outdoor adventures/hiking trails. 

We drove a little over an hour north to Watson Lake near Prescott. The temperature dropped about 30 degrees in that short amount of time. So, although, I received a few strange looks at our local gas station the parka and snow boots came in quite handy.  

Exploring Telluride

There is nothing quite like the first sight of snow and the crunch beneath your shoes to get you excited to play in a winter wonderland. 

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.

 

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.

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.