Monday, March 22, 2010

Our Spring Break STAY-cation!

Last week, Cade said, "Mom, let's not go to California again. Let's go someplace different for Spring Break." I'm not sure that he meant Phoenix and Camp Verde, but that worked for us!

On Monday afternoon, Casey and I loaded up our stuff (including our kids) and headed southwest to The Arizona Grand Resort for 2 days of watersliding and lazy-river floating. On the way, we stopped at the theater to see...

And after the movie, we checked into the resort and spent the rest of the evening at the pools, followed by pizza in bed while watching back to back Ultimate Cake Challenges on TV.
The next morning, we ate breakfast at the resort cafe, went on a walk around the grounds, and then went back for more of this...

When the kids had had their fill of sun and water, we packed up and headed to lunch at the Farm at South Mountain, just around the corner. If you haven't been...run, don't walk. I have been there several times, but this was Casey and the kids' first time. They were sold. Cade- on the egg salad, Casey- on the carrot cake!

That was Tuesday. On Wednesday, we woke up bright and early, packed a picnic lunch (including green chips, green grapes, and green Oreos to celebrate St. Patrick's Day), and picked up Grandpa Peterson for the drive up to Out of Africa in Camp Verde...well worth the drive! The kids were loving how close they were to such amazing animals, like tigers, grizzlies, giraffes, and Boom Boom the Rhino. They even got to pet a 4-foot monitor lizard!
Sofia, my own Dr. Doolittle, was in animal heaven.
 
 


I was even able to convince Casey to fork out a little extra dough so that we could do this...

(Can you see the strings of slobber connecting his tongue to my hand? Lovely.)

All in all, our Staycation was a success.
Now, what do I do with these kids all summer?!

6 comments:

Lindsey Wood-Felstead said...

Super fun for you all! How was Alice In Wonderland? Would it be too scary for my little boys?

Brianne Skidmore said...

It's not scary...just a little dark. They'll love the leopard-thingy!

Ty (JuxtaPalate) said...

Your staycation sounds lovely! Have you been to dinner at Quiessence Restaurant at The Farm at South Mountain?

http://www.QuiessenceRestaurant.com

Spring is the perfect time of year to visit this restaurant. The menu change every night depending on what is available from the local farmers that morning! A gem!

Also, check out the rustic spa on property. Charming and restorative!

Great blog, cheers!

t

Brianne Skidmore said...

We definately will. I'll post my review, soon;)

Your restaurant tips are so appreciated-

Tasha said...

Sounds like you guys had a great spring break! I LOVE the Farm it has such yummy food. Our spring break is over Easter and Soren is getting baptized so we will be having a 'stay-cation" as well.

Sara said...

I couldn't pass up the chance to let Lance see the giraffe pics. He was predictably grossed out! I love the giraffes, though.