6th anniversary trip

Ok, so I am totally going out of order, but thought I'd post about our anniversary weekend: Here is the review I wrote on the place and it pretty much sums up the trip! :)

I'd been looking at staying at Travaasa Austin for our anniversary for MONTHS and luckily travelzoo ran a promotion that we could not pass up. :) From the moment you pull up to the gate, you feel like you have entered an oasis. You drive up this huge winding hill to the welcome center and are greeted by a very warm staff. We were shown to our room that was situated all the way at the back of the property. It was so peaceful. We had a canyon view room, and I believe it is smaller than the trail view, but we didn't really mind. The view from the balcony was breathtaking. We arrived late in the afternoon so most of the activities were over for the day but we decided to head out to the hiking trail. It's 2.5 miles if you do the whole thing, and not only a great workout, but very pretty as well. Such a peaceful way to start the trip! We opted to eat dinner on the property that evening and were amazed at how incredible it was! I loved how the nutrition information was listed on the menu as well. We had been told to make a reservation so we did, and there were only maybe 3 other tables in use. The next morning we had another incredible meal, this time out on the terrace. I took a Pilates class with Heather. What a workout!!! I think often times people think of Pilates as just a lot of stretching, but it really challenged me. It was great. Lunch was again fabulous and so fresh. I also spent some time at the spa, and opted to get the honey massage treatment with Amalie (sp?). It was beyond relaxing, and a great combo for someone looking for a massage and not necessarily a full facial, but something that incorporates it. The mask left my skin so clean and healthy feeling. She even sent me with the leftover and told me how to use it! Another great thing about this resort is that yes, it is 4 stars, but you see people mainly dressed in workout clothes and even spa robes. There is no expectation of needing to be dressed up. This part was especially appealing to my husband. Ladies, especially those with a "Texas boy" type like mine, will appreciate this. :) The second night, they once again recommended reservations, but we didn't take them too seriously, as the night before there were so few people. Well, we should have listened that night! There was a farm to table dinner with several chefs fom the area coming to prepare meals. We really wish we would have listened as I'm sure it would have been incredible! We wound up going into downtown Austin that evening, as it was not too far (maybe 30 minutes). The next morning we had to leave and we were so sad to go. We both agree we can't wait to return! The ONLY negative was that the first night the wind was so bad that because of my husband's allergies we were forced to use the AC and it was beyond loud (like something I'd expect in a 2-3 star hotel) that we woke up every time it kicked on. Luckily the 2nd night we were able to open the windows and get some sleep. If you go during the summer, bring earplugs. In the winter, hopefully you will be fine. All in all, can't wait to return. We left feeling sore from the workouts (love this!) relaxed, and like we'd had a true vacation! You won't regret going!

 

                                                             View from our room

                                       Adam with his "why are you taking my picture" face

                                                                       Hiking trail

                                                             A rare photo of me!

                                                                  Sunset on the trail

                                                                       Our building

 

Path to the main area of the resort, felt like camp!

AZ Trip May 2012

Yep, I am that far behind on blogging! Sadie and I got to go to Arizona for a week in May to visit family there. She did sooo great on the plane. I was very proud of her. Both ways people commented how good she was. She did not make a peep the whole way, just sat quietly with her headphones on watching her movie. We got to Phoenix mid-afternoon and my parents were there waiting for us. We went straight from the airport up to Anthem to check on our house there. We met our renters, who were very nice. It was weird seeing someone else living in "our house." Then we headed over to my dear friend Genea's house. She was a wonderful hostess, as always, and we enjoyed some hors d'oeuvres while the kids played in the backyard and had ice cream. They had a blast! We then headed up the mountain to my mom and dad's. 
My parents graciously offered up their home to allow some of my friends to come up for a visit. They put together a great BBQ. To all who came, thank you!! My sister happened to be in for a work related visit, and was able to drive up to spend the night also. That was a lot of fun to see her. My friend Genea brought her kids up and they stayed the night as well. The next day we spent time at the park and the pool in the afternoon. Just love where they live-so many awesome amenities! The next night we went to my grandparent's for dinner and had a great time. Sadie especially enjoyed getting to watch a movie in the theater room. :) Lucky kid! 
I also got to do a little photo shoot of my parents and Sadie while there. So much fun!
The last night we stayed in Scottsdale and had a fabulous boat ride. Love Arizona sunsets!
Of course, as is usual for Sadie, she came down with a sinus infection while we were there and I had to take her to urgent care, but at least she got started on meds a couple days before we had to fly back. We can't wait to be back in December for Christmas!
Enjoy these photos!