Sedona, Arizona. Take two.

Harry has been planning a long weekend getaway for us for a couple of months now - lining up my parents to watch the kids, making travel arrangements, etc.  I knew we were going away for four nights, but I didn't know the destination until we were at the airport checking in!  I thought we were going to either - San Diego, Santa Fe, Sedona, New Orleans, or Washington D.C.  The winner was......Sedona, AZ, one of my favorite getaway spots! 

I was familiar with Sedona from when I lived in Arizona back in 1998 and 1999.  Harry surprised me with a trip there 3 years ago (after Timothy was born).  That was the first time we stayed at the Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, and it quickly became a favorite place for us to relax and get spa treatments.  So, when we were looking to get away again to RELAX, Harry chose the same spot as 3 years ago.  It was such a great choice, and we had such a nice time!  I have to say that Sedona has grown so much in the last 3 years!  We had such a fun time visiting the local art galleries, looking at jewelry and rocks (minerals), and extensive spa treatments!  We REALLY DID relax a great deal!  Below, are a few pictures from our trip!

Just a couple of views in Sedona of the gorgeous red rocks!

Here is a picture of our hotel - The Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa.  The picture really doesn't capture it's beauty - the sound of water as your walk in the courtyard.  It's most beautiful at night when the pillars are lit up and the sound of water takes you away to another place.  Very peaceful!

So....apparently this is what I look like AFTER a 2 hour couples massage.  It was heavenly, and to be honest, it could have lasted 4 hours, if you ask me!  :-)

It was late in the day by the time we got finished (around 4pm), but we decided to go out on the town for a bit!  Everyone commented on how relaxed we looked!  I guess that's what 3 hours at the spa will do for you!

Just for kicks, here is a picture of Harry and me 3 years ago (March 2008) when we visited the exact same place!  Clearly, we've gotten a little bit better at taking pictures of ourselves over the years!

Below, we just HAD to stop in and buy some fudge!  Notice the disclaimer at the bottom of the window, "Our fudge made from an original 1887 Macinac Island Recipe"....  Harry and I got married in Macinac Island, MI, 7.5+ years ago, so it was kind of a special moment for us...and took us back to when we got married.  (Everybody say, "awe.......") 

These pigs were decorated all over the city!  So cute! 

Back at the room before dinner - just relaxing and sipping on wine.  THIS IS THE LIFE!!!!!

Next day - out and about town. 

Our first stop?  "Exposures" - one of our favorite art galleries.  We purchased the earrings that I have on in this picture, although they don't show up as well as they do in person.  We also ordered some one of a kind wine glasses that are made by a local artist.  I'll update pictures when they arrive! 

I just LOVE this sign "open....most days..."   

They actually were NOT open while we were there, but I couldn't resist taking a picture of the sign.  I love the "idea" of this slow paced lifestyle.

Harry loved this one!   

Harry had his own spin on what it should be called - "Constipated."  HA!  That still cracks me up!

Below, we stop by a wine tasting to give some local Arizona wine a try.  As usual, they got better and better with each taste!  We ordered some and shipped it home!   

It was a fun spot!  Apparently, it is for sale.  A few more tastes of wine, and I would have wanted to buy this place and "retire." 

The beauty of the red rocks just don't show up in pictures, but we kept trying!!!!  This is us, the next day, venturing out and about again - just taking it easy.  Here, we drove up to Enchantment, a high-end resort that a local artist suggested we check out.  It was certainly nice, but we really love our low-key spa resort closer to the locals.

Last afternoon/night.......we head out again for one last tour!

The ONLY McDonald's that doesn't have golden arches!  They are very appropriately turquoise colored!  How cool is that? 

 We are heading out of town - back to Phoenix to the airport.  A few last shots of the beautiful views.

OK.  So when I lived in Arizona, I absolutely loved the tacos at a local place called Ajo Al's!  I frequented the Scottsdale location, and hit the Phoenix one on occasion.  So, I just HAD to have Ajo Al's tacos before getting on a plane back home!  So....we arrived by 10:45am, and waited for the doors to open at 11:00am!

We're inside and we've ordered....  Me?  Three, YES, THREE, beef tacos a la cart!  Can you say, "YUMMY?"  Look at the homemade taco shell!  And...it has shredded beef - none of that nasty ground beef stuff!  (WHERE CAN I GET THESE IN TEXAS?????)

 Last couple of bites!

 Oh, yeah...they are gone!  E-v-e-r-y  L-a-s-t  B-i-t-e!!!!!  Ummm.......  I am still dreaming about them.

Back to home sweet home and all three of our wonderful kiddos!!!!!  Life wouldn't be complete without pictures of them to share.....  The boys show off their watches that we brought them from our trip!

Lily and I spend some time together....bonding all over again!  I think she missed her mommy!  Well, that's what I am telling myself, anyway!  :-) 

......Until the next trip (hopefully soon)! 





HLSR 2011 - Day & Night

Last Friday, we headed to the rodeo to take the boys to the carnival.  We met up with my friends Lauri & Michelle so that all of our boys (and Lauri's one girl) could enjoy the day together.  We were all excited to partake in the festivities.

9:45AM  Below, (L-R) Timothy, Connor, & Benjamin ride the rail to get to the rodeo carnival!  Each year, riding the rail is as much of a hit as the rodeo/carnival is! 

First and foremost, we get all of the kiddos to pose for a picture -- (L-R) Brady, Connor, Kaitlynn, Benjamin, Timothy, and Tanner!   Brady, Connor, & Benjamin all started at Creme together almost 5 years ago, and Timothy and Tanner (Brady's baby brother) were born on the same day and still go to Creme together.  They are best buddies!  Kaitlynn is Connor's baby sister, and she is holding her own with all of these cowboys!!!!!

Timothy looks like a natural riding his pony!

Benjamin won't keep his hat on right - so he looks a little funny with his ears poking out of his hat!  

Our little cowpokes!  So cute!

Tanner & Timothy - best buddies!  And...I DO mean - BEST BUDDIES!!!!

Benjamin and Connor on the slide!  It went REALLY fast!  They loved it!

Timothy wraps up the obstacle course - where his boot got stuck, but he managed to make his way out OK.

Lauri and I have been dieting and this day was a cheat day - so imagine how happy we were to eat funnel cake!  Here, Lauri is smelling the funnel cake before we all dig in!!!!!  We also enjoyed the jumbo corn dog, a few nachos, a bite or two of chicken on a stick, and french fries.  :-)

We did NOT eat anyting from this booth, but a fried twinkie sure sounded good!!!!!!  Only in Texas (and maybe Georgia) will you see a "Fried What!" booth! 

Michelle waits in line with Tanner and Timothy! 

Tanner, Timothy, and Connor - on the flying elephant!  So cute!

Back view of the 3 boys while flying through the air!

Meanwhile, Brady & Benjamin are riding the jeeps!  They look like they are really having a good time!

Timothy, Connor, & Tanner decide they'll take a turn riding the jeeps too!

Kaitlynn has been such a trooper!  But.....she's ready to call it a day and take a nap.....so they head home!

Self Portrait - Harry and me watching the boys ride.

Brady & Benjamin holding hands as they wait to ride the ferris wheel (with Harry)!  So adorable!

Up...Up....and Away!!!!

They REALLY enjoyed the ride - more than Harry, I think.  But the motion also made Benjamin VERY sleepy!  So....it's time for us to call it a day too.

Here we are on the rail back to the car.  We're all exhausted!

2:00PM.  Timothy is asleep before we leave the parking lot - literally!  He was so exhausted!

Not 10 minutes later, Benjamin is out!

So if you didn't think we were already crazy, get this -- Harry and I took a 2 hour break at home, fixed ourselves, and headed out to the rodeo AGAIN that same night with our neighbors and friends, Jennifer and Rodney, to see Lady Antebellum!  Harry was given 4 VIP tickets, and since we love the rodeo AND Lady Antebellum, we couldn't resist going back, even though it was the same day!  Below, are a few pictures of us before heading out!

And last...I never get a picture of me and my girl......so here is my sweet Lily and me.

We had such a fun time - both day and night.  Until next year.....we'll enjoy our memories of HLSR 2011!



WANTED

With the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo going on now, everything at school is about horses and cowboys!  So....we weren't surprised, when this WANTED POSTER came home with Benjamin last week!  So cute!