Thursday, May 21, 2015

Sedona

A few months back, Josh and I took a weekend trip to Sedona to spend some quality time together as Husband and Wife. We had such a blast. We shopped, went sight seeing, and went to some amazing restaurants. I really wanted to try to the Pink Jeep Tours, but we both decided it probably wouldn't be the best idea being pregnant. I love little short weekend trips like this...especially with the love of my life. 













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Friday, May 15, 2015

Staycation

A couple of weeks ago, we took a staycation at a resort in Scottsdale. We have a timeshare that we bought from my Sister-In-Law a few months back and we are absolutely loving it so far. When we want to get away now, we just make it happen and can literally go anywhere. While its nice to take a vacation somewhere out of state, it is always nice to just do a staycation too and just stay in town! We had such a blast together as a family and I feel it happened at the perfect time right before baby Olivia arrives. We got to spend an entire week together and have some real quality family time just relaxing, laughing and have fun. Can't wait for our next family vacation coming up in just a few months. We will then be a family of 4, not just 3 anymore! Crazy!


















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Friday, May 1, 2015

25 Reasons Why You Should Visit Disney World



A family vacation to any destination can build lasting memories that each member of the family will cherish and take with them for years to come. So what’s the big deal about going to Disney World? Regardless of age, interests, or even affinity for Disney culture, there will be something to engage each family member, making this is a great trip for all. If you need more convincing, here are some reasons every family should make the trek to Disney World in Orlando, Florida at least once.

  1. It’s So Clean - There is never a trash can further than 30 feet from you at all times so the parks stay clean. They also don’t sell gum to prevent gum from being irresponsibly stuck to trees, benches, etc.
  2. It’s Huge! - You could fit all of Disneyland in just the parking lot of the Magic Kingdom and still have room to park 500 cars!
  3. Take a Trip Around the World - Epcot’s world showcase includes Mexico, Norway, China, Japan, France, Germany, the UK, Morocco, Italy, the U.S., and Canada. Between the cast members, food, and even the language, you will think you are actually in that country.
  4. The Parks are Historically Accurate - For example, Liberty Square has no bathrooms as would have been historically accurate. Also, their shutters are at an angle, as they would have been during the revolutionary war. At the time all metal was melted down for bullets, so shutters were held open by leather, which gradually stretched out, causing an angle. They even have a large bell made from the same mold as the Liberty Bell.
  5. Costumes are Rewarded - If your child dresses up in costume, cast members have been trained to dote on them. (Buy the costume beforehand to save yourself money.)
  6. Convenient Shipping - Buy souvenirs and have them shipped home for you, so you don’t have to account for the space as you pack. You can also have packages shipped to the Disney resort you are staying at - including groceries from Amazon to save on food.
  7. Fast Passes - If you are concerned about long lines, remember you have access to a certain number of Fast Passes that you can strategically use to cut down on waiting times at the most popular attractions.
  8. Eat in a Castle - Who would turn down the opportunity dine in a castle? This, among many other character dining experiences, makes a trip unforgettable.
  9. Design Your Dream Race Car - One of the attractions in Epcot allows you to design your dream race car and then throughout the ride, it shows you how your car holds up against the race cars the other members of your crew designed.
  10. Stay in a Themed Resort - There are many perks to staying in a Disney resort including more time in the park, resort transportation, complimentary airport service, and discounts on Disney dining plans. There are many different themes so find one your family will enjoy most. Each will have its own fun characteristics like this uniquely shaped pool at the All Star Music Resort.
  11. Meet All Your Favorite Characters - Children and adults alike have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with their favorite characters. They may even have a section of park dedicated to their “world” for more fun!
  12. International Flower and Garden Festival - Taking place at Epcot March 4-May 17, experience displays from all around the world.
  13. Star Wars Weekend - If your family is full of Star Wars enthusiasts, you may plan on going this year between May 15 and June 14 for an added thrill.
  14. Holiday Events - Throughout the year, there will be many events themed around the major calendar holidays.
  15. Electric Water Pageant - A nightly procession in the Magic Kingdom circles the Seven Seas Lagoon, allowing you to experience a 25 ft tall screen of lights!
  16. Frontierland Parade - There are many parades throughout the parks, but the one in the afternoon at Frontierland is an especially fun one.
  17. Swiss Family Robinson Tree - Experience what life would have been like for the Swiss Family Robinson and make connections to the classic book and movie.
  18. Characterpalooza in Hollywood Studios - This is an unofficial and unannounced character meet and greet for 20-30 mins. This is a great time to meet characters without standing in line, as they often walk around and mingle.
  19. Visit Gertie the Dinosaur Ice Cream Stand- This was the world’s first animated film and the inspiration for Walt Disney that eventually lead to developing Mickey Mouse.
  20. Experience the Classics - In Hollywood studios, you can see the actual plane from Casablanca and even recreate your own light post photo op from Singing in the Rain.
  21. Club Cool - Tucked in the back of Innovation West, this fun spot (not listed on the official map) allows you to sample sodas from around the world for free!
  22. Innovation West - Design your own thrill ride and then experience it in a 3-D, virtual reality simulator.
  23. The Seas with Nemo and Friends - This is one of the largest saltwater Aquariums in the world. Guests can even scuba dive for an additional fee.
  24. Tree of Life - This attraction is 14 stories, has 7,000 branches, 100,000 fake leaves and can withstand hurricane force winds. It also has 300+ different animals carved into it. There are many trails around the tree that are helpful for shortcuts and are lighted with animals.
  25. Animal Safari - The animal kingdom also allows your family to get up close and see savannah animals eating from the trees and lions looking picturesque on Pride Rock.

Whether you are interested in seeing Disney characters, visiting a different part of the world, or you want to geek out to your favorite hobby, Disney World is bound to offer the setting for an unforgettable family vacation.

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Friday, March 27, 2015

Lake Havasu in Pictures







 

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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Today...


The countdown begins......

Next Sunday I will be leaving
with my Mom to go back to Oregon to visit!

Road trip!!

I am beyond excited and I can't wait to see my lil' brother.

Every since I started my new position at work....things have been little crazy! 

I feel I need to come up for a breath of fresh air 
and it seems like getting away came at the perfect time...

I'm ready for a much needed vacation.....

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