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.

Words for Wednesday

So true. Even though I haven't lived with my family in Michigan for a long time, that will always be home. I feel the most at home when I'm surrounded by my family and close friends. Can't wait to head back home this weekend for a week of vacation on Lake Michigan. Lots of good family, sun, beach and cocktail time :)

And how cute is this print? You can get the free print here!

The Weekender

I love my Summer Fridays at work, but I'm thinking we need to add Summer Monday's as well... Anyone agree?! I had a really fun weekend with my Dad. He drove back from AZ to Michigan this weekend and stopped in Chicago for a few nights. Seems like it would be a lot easier for him to just fly home for the Summer, but he insists on doing a road trip. I admit, I do enjoy getting to be a pit stop on the trip!

After a weird cold and rainy spell Thursday & Friday, Saturday turned out to be a sunny and gorgeous day. Perfect for a walk on the Lakeshore path. The view never gets old.

Enjoyed our tea outside on my new patio furniture!

And hit the first roofdeck of the season. One of my old standbys, The Terrace at The Conrad.

Hope everyone had a good weekend too. And the countdown to this weekend starts...NOW. Here's hoping for a fast work week...

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 :)

Pure Michigan

I've been a little absent from the Blog lately - mostly because I've been enjoying Summer so much! And spending plenty of time back home in Michigan. I wanted to share a few pictures of my favorite beaches in West Michigan (taken by sister, of course). I've been going to the beaches in West Michigan since I was a baby, but the more time I spend in the city, the more it feels like an escape to head for the beaches in Michigan.

What's so nice about these beaches is they are a short 3 hour drive from Chicago. So if you're ever thinking of a mini-retreat from the city, head over to Grand Haven. They have tons of cute B&B's, it's just a great summer town perched right on Lake Michigan. What could be better?! And unlike the Chi side, the water is much warmer and you can catch a gorgeous sunset over the water.

Gorgeous Rosy Mound... Little Brother was happy as a lark playing with drift wood all day.

And a few more pictures my Sister took from Holland State Park, south of Grand Haven.

Ahh, little slice of paradise. When I'm sitting at the beach, with some sun, a good book and family, there's not much that's better.

Words for Wednesday

In honor of Mother's Day this weekend...

And speaking of becoming your Mother, I was both frightened and amused when I saw this picture of me and Mama from St. Thomas. I thought we looked so much alike. Basically, I can look at her and see where some of my wrinkles will be :) Of course I can also look at her and hope that I am half as good a Mother as she is. Here's to you 'Sugar', can't wait to see you this weekend!

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.

Gingerbread tradition

Every Christmas my sister and I make gingerbread houses with our little brother. We always joke about who our judges will be for the year and which one of us will win first place, although we never really officially judge! My sister captured the houses in the making, here they are. For more details on how to make the gingerbread, see my big sis' blog here.

  The Village in all it's glory

My Pink Palace

I thought my little brother's was so precious. Look at those little square windows! "Kris, can I make windows with hubba bubble like you?" Bless his little heart. He kept get frustrated and at one point said, "Well, I guess I won't be able to do a gingerbread house this year." But he managed a come back and I thought his turned out wonderful, definitely a win in the 8-year old category! (My sister made the snowman)

My sister, Ali's house, quite the comeback from last year...ahem.

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 :)