There is an Arizona

Last week, I traveled to Arizona for a few days. I went husband free. I went kid free. I went for me. It was incredible. Beyond the feeling of freedom from responsibility, it was stunning! My mom is a snow-bird, and living outside of Phoenix while it’s cold and miserable in Minnesota, so that’s where I headed.

My goals for vacation were to relax, drink cocktails whenever I wanted, explore outside and enjoy the sun! All were achieved and then some!

We took a boat ride through Saguaro Lake, this is a lake created in the mountains from a volcano that exploded itself into a canyon! The views were incredible – they said that ride is the best view of the Four Peaks you can get – and it was amazing! I love everything about the mountains, they make me happy.

The next morning, we headed to the Arboretum. It was unlike any I’ve been to – while some paths were manicured and perfect, there were plenty of “natural” trails through the desert to explore. I wandered off on my own while my mom stayed on the nice paths with a guided tour. I felt so alone, in a good way. Just me, some cacti, a few palm trees and the mountains.

One of the coolest things I did was climb up Hole in the Rock. This is a huge rock with a giant hole in it. The hole was created by nature and used by early inhabitants of the area to track the sun (like a sundial). It wasn’t a hard climb, mostly trails, but it’s not something I would normally do.

We enjoyed a ton of delicious food, lots of local craft beer and a couple of amazing desserts – including a special birthday treat Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. I tossed in a half-day of pampering for myself as well, a haircut, pedicure and eyebrows – things I never make time for at home. I slept in (well, slept in for me), sat in the hot tub, had a margarita with my breakfast (it was made with orange liqueur and called a breakfast margarita) and didn’t worry about anything.

I have never left my husband home with the kids this long before. I have never escaped on my own for a sanity saving adventure. I wish I had known how relaxed it would make me. How much a few days off of everything would rejuvenate and refresh me. How much of a better wife and mom I could be if I just took care of myself. I recommend the break. Vacation is always worth it!