A few months ago Joel looked at me and said, “I’m taking the family on a vacation this summer!” So, we made a few phone calls, did some research and decided Phoenix, AZ was the destination! The Graif’s agreed to take all 5 of us in to their lovely home (thank you guys so much—you are the best!) for the week! We packed the sunscreen (love that Irish skin) and we were off!!
The vacation, however, started off a little rough—-some major turbulence over Denver, CO had Charlie, Claire and Joel nauseated and sick! Thank goodness for efficient flight attendants on those puke bags! Then, an expired license at the car rental??? Nothing that we couldn’t handle, right? How about the car rental exchange/return—how was I supposed to know the car didn’t have A/C??? That is another story for later! Nonetheless, we had a FABULOUS week in Arizona! There are so many memories to share, but here are the highlights. I have so many pictures to post, but I’ll pick out a few of my favorites! The kids couldn’t have been happier! I am just bursting with joy and will never forget our fun vacation in Arizona!
Day 1: Relaxing by the pool!
Some pics by the pool! When I asked Claire what her favorite thing about the vacation was, she answered with “swimming”! Of course.
I love this one of Claire!
This one is priceless of Will!
I had to take advantage of the Graif’s beautiful front door for a fun photo shoot!
Day 2: More relaxing by the pool!
Will just fell in love with Maggie! He followed her around and pulled her tail. Thank goodness she didn’t mind.
Will fell in love with Mrs. Graif (Katie) as well! Who wouldn’t???
Day 3: Off to the Zoo and the Diamondbacks game!
Charlie S, Charlie G, Tommy, Will & Claire at the Phoenix Zoo!!
Charlie so deep in thought as he tried to figure out where we were on the map!
There was a fun waterpark inside the zoo! Claire and Tommy were having a blast! Who said they needed a swimsuit??!!
Tommy and Charlie “flying” on the carousel!
Thanks, Jay, for scoring such a great deal on the tickets! I love this picture outside the stadium!!
One of Charlie’s highlights of the week was the Diamondbacks game! Doesn’t he look excited to be there?? Really, I think he was sad
that they lost to the SF Giants—-8 to 4. Bummer.
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We love outdoor stadiums!!!
Day 4 and 5: Off to Sedona, the cabin and Sunset Crater Volcano
We drove north of Phoenix. The drive and the mountains are just amazing! Here is beautiful Sedona. It really is breathtaking! We found a chapel in one of the mountains and purchased a cross as a keepsake. It is simply gorgeous.
It was so peaceful up at the cabin. We were able to ride the golf cart around town. The kids thought it was hilarious that we got to ride the golf
cart to dinner that evening! We had the best pizza at Lone Pine.
This one cracks me up of Will!
The cabin had a cowboy western decor/theme and the kids were in heaven! They had a blast dressing up!
Joel and the kids are crossing the bridge to Sunset Crater Volcano! The kids were amazed that they
were able to see and walk on the site of an old volcano. It actually was quite interesting.
The kids and myself on the trail of the volcano remains.
Day 6: Our 10yr. anniversary
June 12th marked our 10 yr. anniversary!! Wow! Katie was so kind to take the kids and let us have the morning to ourselves!
We decided to hike up Pinnacle Peak! We really enjoyed it and found it very invigorating!
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That afternoon Claire got her ears pierced! She was so brave! She is so proud of them!
What a fun memory to have on our trip.
Sarah Graif got her doubles! A cute picture afterwards of the two girls and their new earrings.
Our last evening in AZ the kids planned a surprise Anniversary Cafe to celebrate our 10yrs of bliss together. It was just darling. They dressed up to serve us. The table was set so adorably for us (most things came from the Dollar Store). Thank you, Charlie G, for coming up with this idea and thank you, Katie, for directing this event. We will never forget it! Here are a few pictures of the table. Champagne, flowers, candles and the works!
Kiss the cook!!
We were instructed to write “love notes” to each other during dinner. How sweet is that??
Look at this adorable cake! The figurine?—Dollar Store!!!
The evening ended with a “play” of our lives! It was just too much! This one is of “us” getting married played by
Claire and Charlie!
Day 7: Return home to MN
This photo was taken at the airport as we were ending our trip! What beautiful memories.
This is our “welcome home” from the “hood”!! It is so good to be home sweet home!!
Filed under: Uncategorized by lousalzer
Great post! I am glad you all had such a wonderful time. The pictures are beautiful, as always. I love that first one of you and Will and that last one of Claire and Charlie. Do you think you could e-mail me that last one of C&C? – I would love to have a copy of it.
great post…maybe think of adding a few pictures when you have a chance;)