Some of these blogs can be hard to write - some because the events happened months after I finally have time to write, or sometimes the pictures of events bring back mixed emotions. This is one of those mixed emotions kind of trips. I have a work conference in Scottsdale AZ - this is the launching point of what could be lots of exploration and a great couples trip for us. But we are having some other struggles and Chris almost opts out of coming to be home with our crew. We had friends helping here and there, but just weren't in a place where we both felt comfortable leaving the kids without a parent or family member with them. I was really crushed to not have that support. I know first world problems right? But surely you will see lots happy photos here. its the highlight reel that I truly hate about social media. so here we are documenting a trip that we are finding the fun and somehow torn for other reasons.
Took this photo for Drew - this was the Bradley airport
We didn't make it to the first hotel until REALLY late. This is the part I was beyond thankful to have Chris. Streets were rolled up, everything was closed and out hotel acted as if they didn't have our reservation. The hotel was like a complex too, so walking between the different buildings. Either way, we finally got our room and were in bed by 2am. Here is the sunrise the next morning. Didn't take into account the time change
Of course we need to start the day with a breakfast taco breakfast
Love how AZ does Christmas decorations just a bit different.
Super fancy hotel booked by the conference
Checking out the area to include the nearby course.
These decorations feel like something Chelcy could pull off.
So festive and fully of texture too.
Random birds of prey around the hotel. Love that I captured this photo of Jay too - He is one of the reason I try to attend the conference. He is one of the most knowledgeable there - I feel like I get smarter listening to him. If only I could really remember everything he says.
With the conference over, Chris and I went exploring localy. Its impressive what is nearby. First stop, Arizona State!
We had lunch at a great Taco bar with margaritas in a plastic cup! My kind of place!
very unique football stadium too.
Next stop was exploring Ambassador Downs - the mobile home park that my Grandparents lived in and I grew up visiting. My grandfather managed the park and lived in the stand alone house, that apparently was developed.... sad to say, but likely necessary.
So we went onto Coronado Park which is where they moved to when they stopped managing. I remember this Mr. Sun - lots of the mobile homes had them. My folks even brought one home one year.
My grandmother religiously did water aerobics and using the pool was always a highlight. This surely was the landscape.
Its been a few years
Next up - visiting my God Mother Anne!! This was surely the silver lining in our trip! She was excited to host us Friday night! I have never stayed in her home in AZ - she was always such an energetic, curious fun loving mother figure. She had fun having us in her house, buying a few beers for Chris and I, We had just arrived and sent this photo to my mom. I really loved the relationship she had/has with my mom - gets her out of her comfort zone!
She just had cataract surgery so was wearing her fun glasses.
We spent the evening touring her place and even grabbed dinner at the restaurant in the community.
The next morning we got the golfing tour and to meet her sister Alice.
Thanks Anne - that such was the highlight! We told everyone we were headed to hike Camelback mountain. They all gave what we would consider the typical mom warning, drink water, be careful. Anne gave me the added bonus of a great sun hat!
They aren't lying!
I quickly learned, its not a hike, its a rock scramble.
all the way to the top
With my fellow mountain goat husband.
Today was a special day because look who else was hiking to the top!
Merry Arizona Christmas Santa! Heart candy cane and all
Lots of these prickly cactuses and my stylish sun hat
Landscape and rock formations were unique - just such a different landscape.
Beyond thankful Chris was with me on this adventure.
With the hike complete - he mentioned there is time for a round of golf. I could be the cart girl. Again the scenery and how happy he was to be on the course.
the sunsetting behind the mountains.
We were lucky to be spectators at a evening wedding. The scored the beautiful evening!
It was coming to and end. We grabbed airport fish and chips (yes, we were those people) and got on the red-eye flight home.
We landed just before 6AM and raced home to go back to bed on the couch before the boys got up Sunday morning - that was the genius idea! We did it, the boys did it Delayed opening and all.
The next morning we got the golfing tour and to meet her sister Alice.
