Leaving on a jet plane . . .

Happy Friday! I'm leaving for Arizona this afternoon to see this cutie and soak up some dessert sun with big sister. Couldn't be more excited!

Ice Cream stop this Summer with World's Cutest Brother

AZ, March 2012

Hope everyone has a good weekend and week next week. See you back here in a bit.

Back to Reality. . .

I've been on vacation in Arizona for the past 9 days and got a big dose of reality when I came back to cool temps and my job today. Oh right, that thing I report to 5 days a week that involves a desk and laptop... Kinda forgot about that last week.

But I missed the blogosphere while I was gone! I thought I would blog a few times from AZ but laying on a raft in the pool turned out to be more tempting! I've been catching up reading all my favorite blogs and getting a few new posts ready for you guys! I should be back with something a little more exciting tomorrow, but just wanted to say "Hi" today :)

Definitely not in Chicago anymore...love this view of the Four Peaks mountains.

Saguaro Lake, Arizona

A week and a half ago I was in the middle of a great vacation in Arizona! Hard to believe, considering I'm now back to the daily grind and woke up to 40 degrees outside this morning! My sister and I usually go out a few times a year to see our Dad and little brother who are out there for the Winter (and school year). We had a great trip and mostly wonderful weather. For all the times we have been out, we've never gone to Saguaro Lake, which is only a 15-20 minute drive from the Scottsdale area. If you're ever out there, it's definitely worth the trip.

Saguaro Lake is located in the Tonto National Forest, which covers almost 3 million acres! It is the fifth largest forest in the U.S. We had a great day for our boat tour and were in awe of the sights. It was beautiful! The mountains, the water, the cacti... I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

So odd seeing cactus and water!

Everybody had a good time on the boat! From 9-year old brother all the way up to 90-year old Grandpa!

 

Pops, taking in the scenes.

Big sis and world's cutest little brother

Grandpa, almost 90. Ethan, 9

Back to the gorgeous scenery...

Four Peaks Mountains in the background, the tops covered by clouds.

Heading home after a day on the water. I love the desert scenery. So different than my concrete jungle in Chicago :)

Blooms in the desert

This week's blooms are coming to you from Arizona! I was happy to see the pots my sister and I planted in December were still going at it. Gotta love a climate that lets you grow annuals pretty much all year round.

A shot of the Four Peaks...see 'em?

And because sister is infinitely better at taking pictures than me, here's a better one of the Four Peaks and the loveliness that is the pool. It's clear who wins in the point and shoot vs. Nikon DSLR battle.

Headed to the desert . . .

I'm having trouble concentrating on work today. It feels like such a Friday. Flying to Arizona shortly to see a few of my favorite people. Sister is on her way too, meetin' up at the Phoenix airport. Cannot wait!

Looking forward to seeing these two...Pops and Bro

And the family patriarch himself, my 89 year old Grandpa. Is he not the most precious thing?

And just for good measure, one more from a 2008 visit. Lots of little brother love.

Here's to 2010

Happy New Year! Long time, no blog. I just got back today from a trip to Arizona and I was without my lapper for a good five days!! It's going to take hours to catch up on all the news in the blogsphere :) Can't wait to catch up on what everyone did over the holidays. I have tons to post on too! Sister took lots of great pictures, and I've got a few projects I want to put up. Andddd, it's my birthday tomorrow, Mama D is making me a favorite dinner and then I've got to get on the road to Chi-Town. Ugh, back to the real world Monday. Did I mention that I've had close to two weeks off from work?? Monday will be rough. Anyway, more tomorrow.

              It's about time I get a "real" camera, photo courtesy of sister.

Excited for. . .

This, no further explanation needed.

Seeing these 3 cuties, three generations of Italian boys!

And one more for him, little brother. Bless his heart.

Leaving bright and early tomorrow morning for Arizona, so excited! Meeting up with sis at the Detroit airport and then we're off for a week in the sun. I know you're worried sick about no posts from me, rest easy, I'm sure I'll be updating from there :)