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Arizona: Part Two

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We spent our week in Arizona at the The Westin Kierland Resort . I had the chance to stay there for a conference the year before and I knew it would be the perfect spot for a family vacation. It’s beautiful, with mountain vistas and meticulous desert landscaping. They have pools at the condos and a full waterpark experience at the hotel. They also have one of the most unique features I have ever experienced at a Westin, bagpipes at sunset. On the last green at sunset every night they play while kids dance to the music and people stand watching in wonder. The night we watched, Maggie was awestruck. She clapped at the end of each song and loved being with her grandparents. We made alot of memories on this trip, but this night was magical.

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Arizona: Part One

Last week we took a family vacation with my parents to Arizona Here is part one of our trip.

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Our first night in Arizona, we stayed in Flagstaff and had an incredible breakfast at La Bellavia Restaurant just off of Route 66. With more than 10 types of Eggs Benny, well, it had my vote from the beginning (the 147 4 star reviews from Yelp didn’t hurt either). We sprung for a larger SUV and the drive up to the Grand Canyon was spectacular. It was sunny and as we climbed up higher the vistas began to be more and more beautiful.

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It was my mom’s first experience at the Grand Canyon. Although, I had seen it before, I was awestruck again. It is breath taking. Literally.

I can only imagine what it was like for Garcia Lopez de Cardenas when he discovered the Grand Canyon in 1540. Did he stumble upon it? Did he see it during the day or make a frightening discovery at night? Did he stand and look at it with the same awestruck wonder. I bet he did.

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However, I will say it is harder to enjoy the experience with a 2-year-old. Especially one that is off on her sleep schedule and views this “wonder of the world” as a hole in the ground. I did get a chance to take a few photos, see my mom sing “How Great Thou Art” and take a minute to realize how amazing this world is. So even though this was a very different experience from my first visit, it was one full of memories, laughter and awestruck wonder.

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America’s best roadtrips: route 66

Today, a co-worker and I were talking about an upcoming trip of mine and he mentioned he would like to use one of my guides. We started opening up some files (San Francisco, Scottsdale, Alabama and Route 66). Our cross-country roadtrip in 2008 is one of my favorite family memories. The sunsets we witnessed driving along route 66 were breathtaking. Some of the highlights include the tourist traps (world’s largest – just about everything…), random art installations (cadillac ranch) and mountain vistas that help you see the fingerprint of God.

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We are headed to Arizona in less than a week and a couple of things I can’t wait for:
1. The view looking over the grand canyon. I think I am going to cry, again.
2. A hug from my mom. I dream about the safety of her hugs. I really have missed her since Christmas and I hope Maggie will love my hugs as much as I love my moms.
3. Seeing my dad look at Maggie with love that only a grandpa can give.
4. Doug and I enjoying a beautiful Arizona sunset together, building more memories and experiencing another adventure as a family.

Invincible Summer

Invincible SummerThis is the 5th snowiest winter in Michigan’s history. When the cold seems too much it is always good to remember that this is a season and if you think about it, summer is only a sweet memory away. This state is one of the best ones to experience the beauty of every season but there is nothing like a Michigan summer. So when the next inch of snow falls, let us all remember that within each of us is an invincible summer. Thanks to Candice for sharing those words of wisdom with me today!