Shangri-La

Not quite in the Himalayan sense but otherwise the same idea — a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world. Mary's villa in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Ever since Mary invited us to come at Christmastime, I had been looking forward to this spring break trip.  (Literally, ever since Christmas.)  Although we were somewhat second-guessing our decision to fly with TWO small children as we were in the Albuquerque airport, we had a wonderful time once we landed in Phoenix.

Kaden with he & Owen's little suitcase in the Phoenix airport

Highlights from our Scottsdale trip: 

• Beautiful scenery

• Golf.   Ben brought his clubs on this trip and played for two days at both Indian Bend & Continental Golf courses. 

• I mentally prepared myself to go for a long run and I, Kristin Dow, did a 10.2-mile run!   I think a lot of it had to do with the breathtaking beautiful scenery to keep my mind occupied as well as the fact that outside temperature was perfect & there wasn't ANY wind/dirt blowing.

• Kaden & I went swimming at the Las Villas pool. I think we BOTH enjoyed the "hot pool" more than the regular pool.

Kaden's new frog floatie

• Great food! (Mary's cooking, Frank & Lupe's)

Kaden eating his quesadilla that he ordered at Frank & Lupe's Restaurant. 

Creamy Poblano Chicken Enchiladas... Best enchiladas I've ever had... possibly ever.

• Hanging out with Mary & Doug

Kaden found a new nap buddy and took his naps with both Mary & Doug in their bed.

• A trip to the Phoenix Zoo.  We all really enjoyed this particular morning. 
• 
I discovered a new way to wear Owen in my Moby wrap (facing out).

Looking at the giraffes in the distance. 

 flamingo

baboon enclosure

 lioness

climbing on top of the bighorn sheep

• NO set adjenda; we did whatever we felt like doing and it was relaxing.

 Brothers in the bed

No, I don't want your nuk!  Thanks though...

The next time we plan a trip to see Mary & Doug, we are definitely going to stay longer!