An Affair with Sedona

Chris and I have been to Sedona twice before, but this time we got to introduce this magical place to Jackie.  Our Love affair continues and I look forward to many more trips to Sedona in the future.

(That's the moon, by the way.  Photo taken from The Enchantment Resort's dining patio - more on that later)

Our road trip across the desert was as good as a 7 1/2 hour drive with a 3 year old can be.  It was generally uneventful and we had no car troubles (a first!).  Nana and Papa and Uncle Steve and Aunt Kathy (from Texas) met up with us there.  We all stayed at the same timeshare resort - The Hyatt Pinion Pointe.  First time we stayed at this particular resort.  It was in a very central location (ie. walking distance to Starbucks for Chris' morning iced coffee and my chai tea latte) and had amazing views of the surrounding mountains.  I always think I should take pictures of the room BEFORE we dump our stuff in and destroy it.  I never do.  But, we had fantastic views from our room and a large balcony!

Jackie was awake almost the entire drive until shortly before arriving in Sedona so she missed the surprising drive into the valley.  After staring at stretches of boring flat dry desert, it is always a breath taking change to see these gorgeous mountains and green trees.

Here is a picture of Jackie sitting in a chair watching the driveway, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Nana/Papa/Steve/Kathy.  She was more excited about seeing them all than looking at that amazing view.  But she was vibrating with excitement in general.

I have to admit, I didn't pull out my camera as often as I should have and wish I had gotten more photos of all of us together.  After looking at this one and realizing Chris and I were wearing the same hat, I wore my other hat for the rest of the trip.  Ha ha.  Notice Jaclyn is clutching a stuffed animal.  That is Giraffey.  She became a favorite in the days before the trip so she came along.  Now, nearly a month later, she is still the favorite and goes EVERYWHERE with Jackie.  This is a first.  She has never before latched onto a stuffed animal for this length of time.

Pink Javelina's - what's not to love?

Our first full day there, our friends that live in Phoenix drove up to visit with us.  We all went to lunch and explored a bit.  Jackie was super excited to see "The Lucidi Girls".

After our friends headed back home.... it was time to hit the pool!
The resort's pool has the best real estate of the whole resort with views all around.  I mean, look at the view from the hot tub.

 And it had just been refurbished.  There was also a one foot baby pool.  Jackie had a great time playing in the pool with Nana and Aunt Kathy, while mama got a little alone time.

And then it was back to their "room" - really a two bedroom condo! - to cook dinner.  The resort, being a timeshare trade, was comprised of one bedroom and two bedroom units with full size kitchens, so we were able to cook meals and eat all together a few times.  Such a great way to spend time together.  Thank you Papa for taking some of the pictures!  As the designated photographer, he is rarely in the photos.  I know how that feels!   

Well.... there is definitely more to show and tell about our week in Sedona.... so stay tuned.