Tucson Trip Recap

I spent MLK weekend in Tucson - best. decision. ever. I booked that trip quite a long time ago and it really was so fortuitous that I planned it in January as I was in dire need of a getaway! Now if only I could have brought the sun and warm temps back with me!!

The flight to Tucson was, well, not so great. Let's just say it reminded me why I avoid connections. I nearly missed my connection in Denver but luckily they held the plan for me. I had landed 10 minutes after my flight was supposed to leave, so I was so sure I'd be sleeping on the floor of the airport in Denver. Phew, I was relieved when I made my connection as that was not appealing.

On Saturday morning, Abby and I hit the road and headed north to Phoenix to visit one of my best friend's from college. She had a baby on December 15th so I got to meet baby Elle when she turned 1 month old! Oh my goodness, she is such a beautiful baby. She has perfect, porcelain skin and is just so petite! She even had a special "Paris" outfit that she wore!

Heidi and I with baby Elle. Look how bright it is and check out all those lemons! Color me jealous!

We headed out to lunch and were able to eat outdoors! It was so great to catch up over lunch! Heidi brought along my birthday gift - she got me the Paris plate I have been coveting for over a year!! I can't wait to serve some macaroons on it at my birthday party!

I'm so glad I got to meet my faux niece while she is a still an infant! She'll be back in Minnesota this summer but she'll be 6 months then so will be in such a different stage so I am glad I planned my trip shortly after her birth.

After lunch, Abby and I headed back down to Tucson. It was nice to have the car rides to catch up! I love being around her husband and treat him like he is a brother, but there's nothing like one-on-one time with my sister, which is very rare since our family is so big! I don't remember the last time I had her to myself - it was probably the night before her wedding!!

When we got back to their house, they brought out some champagne and we toasted to the good things to come in 2011, like my new job. :)

After drinks, we headed out for some sushi at a local sushi restaurant. The temps were mild so we sat outside. I feel so cooped up due to our cold winters - it was awesome to eat outdoors!

On Sunday afternoon, we headed out to do some hiking. Hiking is one of my favorite things to do, so I am glad I was able to enjoy the beautiful weather while getting a good work out!

I really should have taken a picture of the trail we hiked. Ay yi yi, it was steep! I was sucking wind like nobody's business. I barely talked during the ascent because I really could barely catch my breath. I am going to blame the altitude...

The steep hike was worth it, though! There was an awesome canyon that we hiked to. This picture doesn't do it justice, unfortunately! We rested for a bit and then headed back down that steep, steep trail! I definitely felt it in my glutes the next day!!

After the hike, we drove up Mount Lemmon to a look out area to take some pictures!

Abby and Ryan

Isn't the view incredible?

That night, Abby made butternut squash risotto and Ryan grilled some steaks. Yum! I don't get to eat grilled food during the winter so this was such a great treat (and the risotto was to die for). After dinner, we watched the Golden Globes together which was so fun. Then Ryan asked if we thought we had room for some frozen yogurt and Abby said, in the words of our late grandfather, "There is always room for ice cream!" So we headed to a self-serve frozen yogurt place where I ate a ridiculous amount of ice cream + fun toppings. Mmm... Part of me wishes we had self-serve yogurt places in Minneapolis... part of me knows it's probably a good thing we don't!

And there you have it! It was a short trip, but I had a wonderful time!