If you've read my last travel entry on our visit to Arizona, you'll know that my kids and I spent a few days with my mom and stepdad. We started off our trip at the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix. For our second outdoor excursion, my parents wanted to take us to see the Red Rock formations in Sedona. The drive was about 3 hours away and my kids weren't really too thrilled. Along the way, we made sure to visit a couple rest stops for bathroom breaks, drinks, food, etc. About halfway through our drive, we ended up stopping to get some fresh air, restrooms, and - the kids' favorite - hit up the vending machines. Although it was just a rest stop, the boys were loving the views as well, taking selfies or photos of the landscape to post on their social medias. If it's one thing I love that I've passed on to them, it's their love of travel and taking in new sights. Many of their peers - especially in this day and age - don't care for stuff like that. Once we got back on the road, the kids started to notice there were less cactus and more trees that looked like, well, actual trees. The higher the elevation, the less cactus due to weather conditions. Red Rock State ParkComing up on the entrance of this popular hiking area with bike trails, we were welcomed with a few formations. The formation pictured below is the Courthouse Butte (pronounced byoot, NOT butt. LOL). Seeing these in photos don't do its beauty justice, you'd have to be there. These rock formations were once at sea level and formed by the water and surrounding winds. Chapel of the Holy CrossOne of Sedona's popular landmarks is the majestic Chapel of the Holy Cross. We drove about 20 more minutes to this popular site and parked, then walked up to the entrance. Walking up, there were views of homes sporadically spread throughout the area with more rock formations in the background. Every way you'd turn, you could see these landscapes. It's a little surreal, actually...it felt like you walked into a spread seen in the National Geographic. Getting to the actual chapel, you'd find many tourists taking photos or going in to light a few candles and say their prayers. Downstairs, there's a souvenir shop of religious items - my eldest son bought his grandmother and I our early Christmas presents, in fact - a dainty choker gold necklace with a small cross pendant. Very "me" but definitely not my mom's style. HAHA Apparently, it seems there may be actual mass that takes place in this tiny chapel. The presiding pastor is listed on a plaque right outside the chapel doors. Inside the chapel, you will find two columns of pews where you could sit and reflect. Much of the interior is built with predominantly natural materials to coincide with its natural surroundings. Everything is well-maintained to welcome daily visitors. Coconino National ForestWe had lunch at a nearby restaurant in a town about 10 minutes away from the chapel. Since we had to drive a few hours back to Phoenix, we decided to head back before it got dark. Going through the Coconino Forest, there was a viewing point right next to the bridge we had to cross and decided to do one last stop. Since my mom was a bit tired, she decided to stay in the car. Ava stayed behind because she thought it was too dangerous. My stepdad, boys, and I decided to do the steep hike down. Normally, I probably would have stayed behind but I had my sneakers on. The views from at the base of the bridge did not disappoint... If only we had more time, we would have visited Slide Rock - a popular attraction that people go to wade in the flowing waters. Unfortunately, we had a late start in the morning. Still, this is definitely an excuse to come back - this time, with my husband. Hopefully, we're able to make another trip out in the next few months. ~ XOXO, Mari
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My mom and stepdad live in Arizona - a place we’ve never been before last year and a completely different place from what we’re used to here in the Pacific Northwest! Every time we board the plane, our daughter gets so excited to see the changes...from wet and gray weather to hot and bright, cloudless skies; pine trees to cacti; green, lush landscapes to rocky, sandy desert; and gray, steel buildings to tan, stucco structures. The differences are night and day! On our last trip to Arizona, it was only the kids and I because Vuong (my husband) couldn’t get time off from work. It was the kids' winter break and we wanted to spend the 1st part of Christmas in a much warmer part of the country and Phoenix was the perfect spot. Not only was the weather going to be warm (yet mild), we had family there. The flight time is comparable to that of flying to Vegas (about 3 hours?) but we had a layover in San Diego so it took well over that. Once we landed in Phoenix, my mom and step-dad picked us up not too long after. We only had a few days in AZ so we chose a couple places to visit. First stop was the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, which, was about 30-45 minutes away from my parents' house. Being a member of the botanical gardens ensures you get a discount on pricing; otherwise, it's regular price. EntranceWe set aside half the day to tour this beautiful desert garden oasis. We arrived fairly early to find good parking (which, to our luck, wasn’t too hard to find). Right before entering, the pathway was lined with the different plant species that we would come to find in the gardens. Chihuly glass sculptures sprouted out from the landscapes and were lighted (though, it was a little hard to see in the day). ArtAll throughout the gardens were a few massive head sculptures propped up on a metal table surrounded by botanicals and desert florals. The heads were crafted by Japanese-American artist, Jun Kaneko. I’m only featuring 3 because my battery was running low. These were truly beautiful in person and really gave the place some added life with their bright colors and commanding presence. Walking further in, you could find an occasional fountain placed around the property surrounded by native plants, botanicals, etc. Each fountain had an organic, modern vibe to them so that they blended into the gardens. Colorful sculptures such as the wall of glass seen below, was one of Ava's favorites because the way the light filtered through created a rainbow-like effect in the area. It reminded her of some kind of candy land. WildlifeThere was a butterfly garden that seemed to be a little bare of butterflies; however, I was able to catch a couple photos. Native species were seen throughout the property especially around the little cafe we stopped at for for lunch. Birds such as the woodpecker and hummingbird were seen throughout, as well. If only I could get a photo of the hummingbird, you could see how magnificent these little tiny forces of nature are up close. Cactus EVERYwhereIf you've ever watched any of those old Woody Woodpecker cartoons as a child (again I'm showing my age here), this place definitely reminded me of my childhood. The woodpecker. as mentioned early, is native to Phoenix and I remember seeing cactus in quite a few episodes. The Saguaro cactus seems to be the popular type throughout - these are the tall ones that appear to have several arms raised - but we saw other species as well such as the round, ball shapes (barrel cactus) and the flat, fan-like cacti (the prickly pear). Huts/StructuresThere were several huts that depicted the different types of shelter built by natives way back when. As you can see, the kids had a great time pretending they lived in them. There were little informational placards telling you a little about each structure which posed a few questions from each. Not only was this trip educational, but it helped the three bond by prompting some forms of discussion - both silly and serious. The stucco building with beam detail you see behind me in one of the photos is common in modern-day Arizona with its Southwestern rustic charm. Lookout Points and TrailsThere are many trails and lookout points throughout the property to add to the learning experience for all so make sure you wear comfy shoes and load up on your sunscreen (see my tips at the end of this article). The kids were able to see the different, rocky mountains and small towns around the area. Very different from the abundance of hills and greenery in Washington, indeed! Lanterns!You've probably noticed some of the little yellow boxes lining the property in some of the photos...otherwise known as Las Noches de las Luminarias. According to one of the employees we had the pleasure of speaking to, some of the staff members light each and every single one of the 8000 lanterns on the property for 21 straight evenings during the winter months of November and December (check the site for exact dates). Warm cups of cider or cocoa is available as well as the ability to dine alfresco (so definitely a great outing for anyone of all ages). Various band ensembles add to the ambience and is perfect for anyone wanting to have a relaxing evening in the desert. Unfortunately, we weren't able to experience this because the kids were tired so the adults made it a point to come back and watch the magic happen. Maybe Vuong will be able to join us the 2nd time around. Christmas in the DesertFor some odd reason, Ava thought that Christmas would be a little bit different in Phoenix because of the lack of pine trees but it seems that the place followed through with this massive tree found at the gardens. It made Ava feel like we were home in Washington (she was feeling a little bit homesick because she missed her daddy). TIPSYou're going to do lots of walking in the heat so make sure you do the following:
No doubt we'll be back next Christmas to spend time here as a family in the evening so that we get the full experience of the grounds. For more information on this beautiful place, check here: www.dbg.org/ - XOXO, Mari
2018 and our first big trip! This year marks our 16-year wedding anniversary and hubs received a special room rate at the Palazzo. I'll be honest, Vegas isn't my 1st choice to spend such a momentous occasion because it's so tiring and busy for me but I could see the twinkle in his eyes upon receiving that little treat in the mail. So, we booked our tickets and we were on our way to the city of sin. We flew in the evening and had the WORST turbulence ever - we legit thought the face masks would fall right in front of us because a few people gasped out loud (me included) - but before we knew it, we made it! PalazzoI googled the rooms at Palazzo and I admit I was pleased. They looked bright and spacious and had good views. I agreed to the thought of spending our time in Vegas but only if we got to see a show and eat really good food. HA! Somehow I have a feeling he knew I'd give in because I'm a sucker for nice digs! Upon check-in, Palazzo's manager left us a nice welcome note, thanking us for choosing Palazzo for our anniversary stay. 'Course I had to get some shots of the interior details! Every inch was beautifully styled in a grand yet feminine way. Flowers and curves were seen everywhere...in the decor and details. My husband asked about an upgrade and the only one available for the evening was a room at the Venetian with a superb view. I was hesitant because the rooms at the Palazzo enticed me to head to Vegas in the 1st place. When we walked to the upgraded room, we ended up getting lost about 3 times because there are different towers - a nice group of guys tried helping us but they couldn't figure it out either. Once we got closer to our room, we started to see that the decor was becoming more ornate. My husband looked at me and KNEW. I believe there are different decor styles to choose from at the Venetian and the room we were assigned creeped me out, quite honestly. The decor reminded me of my house as a kid as it always seemed haunted. Now, normally, I would just bite the bullet and deal because I HATE to complain or seem high maintenance but knowing I'd be left alone in there periodically didn't quite sit well with me. I'd be looking over my shoulder constantly! HAHA! So, my husband asked the front desk if we could switch back to the Palazzo and they were happy to accommodate us. BLESS HIS HEART (and bless the front desk's heart for that matter). I wrote a review on our room at Palazzo so click on the link to our suite here: palazzo.html Canyon Ranch SpaLocated on the 3rd floor of the Palazzo, this place was convenient for me to get to (had we stayed at our upgraded suite at the Venetian, it would’ve taken a LOT longer). I booked their Canyon Ranch signature full-body massage and scalp treatment. Hubs knows massages are one of my guilty pleasures and I’d never pass up an opportunity to get one. NOTE: at check-in, ask whether there's a special of the day. I got $50 off my service, which, helped out a LOT! YEAH! I hung out for a couple hours after my treatment and utilized their co-ed areas - SO KEEP YOUR ROBES ON...I read a magazine in their simulated evening outdoor ranch conservation room; relaxed in their wave room (this has waves of water projected onto the ceiling with sounds of nature playing in the background); and salt room (good for opening the sinuses). On the women's side, you'll find a hot tub, steam room, igloo, herbal room, sauna, and experiential rain showers. I'm usually okay being alone but I felt like visiting all these specialized rooms would've been better had I brought along a friend or one of my sister-in-laws! For information, visit www.canyonranch.com/las-vegas/ Cirque du Soleil Beatles LOVE showThis show was probably one of the more colorful ones we’ve been to. Many of the songs were familiar to me (Hey Jude), some I didn’t know they sang (Revolution)...I think you’d have to be a true fan to know. My husband, on the other hand, didn’t know most of the songs. We actually wanted to see Britney, Boyz II Men or Michael Jackson’s show but they were either not playing for our time there or booked solid. Still, we weren’t disappointed. Like all the other Cirque shows, this one had acrobatics, aerialists, and performers interacting with the audience. I wasn’t able to take many photos because any type of flash photography is strongly discouraged as it could distract the performers while doing their stunts. Plus, I’m not too keen on the idea of getting my phone confiscated. For more info on this show, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/beatles-love Walking the StripWe walked the strip a few times to work off all the food we'd been eating. Our 2nd day, we had a craving to eat at Serendipity but, sadly, it's NO LONGER THERE. However, we did find Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen restaurant! The good news is they take walk-ins - depending on how busy it is (and it was busy as heck); the bad news is it would be a 2-HOUR wait. We arrived around 11:30 a.m. and the next available table would be around 1:45 p.m. Needless to say we didn't eat there but it's definitely at the top of our list when we go back. If I could have taken photos of the beautiful dining space, I would show you in a heartbeat but I'll save it for next time. We ended up finding another restaurant (which, of course, I'll write about here a few days after I publish this entry). We walked back to Treasure Island since it was directly across from our hotel and hubs could play some video poker (CHA CHING!!!) ;-D Here's a link to Hell's Kitchen in case you visit: www.caesars.com/caesars-palace/restaurants/hells-kitchen?utm_campaign=Yext&utm_source=yext&utm_medium=local&utm_term=CaesarsPalace&utm_content=Restaurant#.WnOPP6inE2w You can find info on Treasure Island here: www.treasureisland.com/ Our last day, I ended up getting sick so my husband was rushing to the nearest Walgreens to get me medicine. We'd also heard that there was rain and gray skies to come home to. Our daughter was itching for our return and, although, I was ready to go back, hubby didn't quite feel the same way since he had to immediately go back to work. LOL - back to rainy Seattle we went. Despite all the rainy days we have, looking down from above, we sometimes take for granted how beautiful the Pacific Northwest really is. Would you agree?
~ XOXO, Mari Every summer, we try to go on a week-long family getaway right before the kids start school as a way to recharge for the year. It's been a long-standing tradition with us and we hope it continues until we're old and gray and our kids have their own families. Our getaways consisted of, more or less, “staycations” - where we’d book something nearby that we could drive to...for example Seaside, OR or Lake Chelan, WA. On these trips, we often invite other family members to join in the fun. This past year, my husband wanted to fly someplace where we knew no one so we could connect better as a family. What better place to do so than Hawaii! We settled on the island of Maui because, unlike Oahu, it was slower-paced and seemed to be more family-friendly. The kids didn’t quite take us seriously because “we never go on big trips like that.” So, we did what they thought was the impossible - we booked accommodations, our flight, and car rental. WELL WHADDYA KNOW. Needless to say, they were ECSTATIC. I mean, who wouldn’t be? Hubs and I started shopping, eating right, and working out trying to get bikini-bod ready. Meanwhile the kids excitedly told their friends about our upcoming trip and even started planning what to pack. Our flight was early in the morning and we had to arrive at the airport around 3 AM to get through security checks in a timely manner but the kids didn’t mind one bit. In fact, THEY were the ones who woke us up to get ready for the airport! Once we arrived in Hawaii, the first place we hit up was the beach! Palm trees, plumeria, sun, and surf?! We were literally WALKING. INTO. PARADISE. We stayed at our timeshare/resort in Kihei Maui. Amenities were well-maintained and our unit was nicely decorated and spacious. We had walking access to restaurants, shaved ice stands (Ava’s fave), food trucks, and, most importantly, the beach! Ava's favorite shaved ice spot in Kihei is S & Q Coffee & Shave Ice: mauishaveshack.com/ We have yet to find a place that makes better shaved ice than Hawaii. They've got it down to a science! LOL For the 8 days we were there, we ended up at the beach, most times. despite all these plans of doing major sightseeing. All 5 of us were constantly on-the-go and we really just wanted to relax and laze around. However, I still found myself cleaning up our unit, doing laundry, or packing up our necessities daily because I can’t just not do anything...still, I was able to hit up the beach or the pool with the fam a couple times a day! A couple of the coolest things we did/witnessed at the beach:
For major outings we did as a family, we went through Boss Frogs - a local vacation agency chain found throughout the island. We contacted them via phone and our rep, Sarah, was super sweet - you could feel the warmth in her voice. I couldn't help but book a couple excursions through her - a luau and dinner cruise. We received discounts as well as our tickets via email. Boss Frogs Dive & Surf can be found at: www.bossfrog.com OR www.hawaiidiscountactivities.com Te Au Moana Luau at the Wailea Marriott Beach Resort & Spa www.waileabeachresort.com Upon arrival, the grand setting and expansive views were the first things we noticed. The luau was beautifully set in a tropically landscaped area behind the resort, overlooking the ocean. Once we checked in, all the guests were "lei'd" and had the chance to take photos with one of the night's performers... The luau lasted a few hours complete with songs, ancient stories, traditional dances, buffet goodness, and various family activities. Not only were we all able to witness another glorious sunset, couples in the audience were able to get a slow dance in or two (NICE TOUCH, MARRIOTT)! Our Boss Frogs rep, Sarah, mentioned this was her favorite luau on the island and I believe it! What a great time we had...we met other people from different parts of the world. (the people we shared a table with were from Europe). The kids even had opportunities to mingle (in fact, our eldest son saw a couple of his friends from WA there)! Overall, we had the best experience. Just make sure you wear comfy shoes because you'll be doing quite a bit of walking to get to the luau from the lobby. You'll be taking a few sets of stairs down and you'll be walking pathways that aren't totally flat and smooth. I ended up going barefoot most of the night and, holy cow, the ground was burnin' up because of how hot it was. LESSON LEARNED. As we were leaving, my kids spied this cool architectural light fixture in the lobby and knew I’d love it! Of course they were right, so, I had to snap a photo! QUICKSILVER DINNER CRUISE on the CALYPSO Find it here: maui.hawaiidiscountactivities.com/activity/quicksilver-dinner-cruise/ My co-worker at the time told me about this activity because he and his wife did this on their honeymoon. When I told the kids, they were totally down for it. They loved that it was something different. The kids led us up to the 2nd deck to sit, in front, so we could have a better view of our surroundings. HEADS UP - despite the warm weather, it gets chilly so bring a sweater or jacket. LiWHAT TO EXPECT:
DINNER MENU:
If we were to do it again, we would NOT get outdoor seats to eat because of how windy it was. NOTE: there are dining table next to the windows in the covered areas so you're still able to enjoy the scenery. We didn’t get to savor our food properly because our dishes got cold and we were busy thinking of ways to keep our plates and drinks from flying off into the wind! See the short video below to get an idea of how crazy the winds were: LAHAINA / Home of the BIG Banyan Tree This was another suggestion by my co-worker! This charming town was filled with tourists and had an abundance of boutiques, restaurants, and historical buildings. The banyan tree located in town is HUGE - there's absolutely no way to miss it. Walking towards it, the sound of birds chirping got louder with each step. As we went underneath it, we noticed hundreds of them sitting on the branches towards the top. All we could think was "please God - don't let us get pooped on." Thank goodness, we didn't! So, we took our photos as quickly as we could to avoid any possible accidents. TIP: bring some wet wipes because your hands will get soiled with dirt (or maybe it was sap?) if you happen to touch the bark of the tree. Towards the end of the night, we ate at The Cheeseburger Restaurant, an open dining area with live entertainment, overlooking the streets of Lahaina. This place has some of the best burgers on that side of the island: cheeseburgernation.com/ MISC Excursions For these outings, we just kind of went with the flow and what felt right at the moment. We visited the local mall (Christian is a clotheshorse plus I needed to get flip-flops since I forgot mine in WA). My brother and sister-in-law recommended Geste Shrimp and mentioned they have really amazing crab salad. Of course, they were right - it's one of the best we've tried! If you like shrimp, this food truck is one to try. The menu isn't extensive but sometimes that's better because you're not overwhelmed with having to choose. This truck is located across from the University of Maui and is literally parked on the side of the highway: www.gesteshrimp.com/default.html The boys talked about going snorkeling so my husband booked the activity through one of the local agencies down the street from our timeshare. Ava and I decided to forgo the trip so we stayed behind and lounged at the pool. While the boys snorkeled, their dad stayed on the boat because he said he "almost drowned" - the water went down his breathing tube and he ended up swallowing a bunch of seawater. The swimming lessons we put the boys through when they were younger definitely paid off! FINAL Outing: HIGHWAY to HANA Yes, another suggestion by my co-worker (if you ever read this...THANKS AGAIN, JOSH)! Be sure to keep your whole day open if you plan on doing this drive. We left a little later than usual because we slept in. Unfortunately, we weren't able to do the whole drive through but we made it about 3/4 of the way. The highway is only about 60 miles long (give or take a few miles) but the many hairpin turns make the drive a lot longer than it should be. Also, there are a couple areas (we were told) that people are forbidden to drive through due to unsafe roads, so, plan accordingly. We decided to stop at only a few places due to the circumstances. We were a little bummed but, looking at the bright side, we can always do the drive again if we ever come back. :-) 1st stop: Twin Falls Beware the mosquitoes so bring your bug spray! If you forget a can, they sell bug spray - along with food and drinks - at the small trailer parked near the entrance. You may also want to arrive early enough so that you can find parking. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike so parking spots can be hard to find. And you'll want to wear comfortable shoes because you'll be taking a short hike down to get to the falls. HALFWAY POINT A great place to pick up banana bread (which, we did) and other fare. There were several (much smaller) stands serving similar items but the stand at the halfway point supposedly had the best banana bread of them all. The highway passes through many tropical areas featuring waterfalls and lush greenery. With some areas, you are absolutely surrounded by nature. Once you get deeper into the forest, you'll notice that two lanes will suddenly turn into one. Take great precaution when driving through...the locals tend to drive a little faster than the tourists - perhaps because they're used to the roads. OR maybe they're tourists trying to re-enact scenes from one of the Fast and Furious movies?? Who knows. Below is a video showing you what to expect when driving along this famous highway: 2nd Stop: Hamoa Beach Known for it's high waves and crystal-clear blue waters, this beautiful beach is a popular destination for surfers. If you're going to swim here, watch out! If you go out far enough, the current can be strong and, since it's connected to open water a.k.a. the ocean, you can easily get pulled out to sea. The waves reached up to about 6 - 7 feet high and we were totally engulfed in them - scary yet fun...I don't think any of us experienced high waves like these up close and personal. The kids were having so much fun, we ended up staying for a couple hours. Also, the dry sand gets super hot to the touch so you better be prepared with water shoes or sturdy flip-flops. Mine didn't hold well so I braved it and ran through the hot sand barefoot only to cool them down in the water. 3rd and Final Stop: Wai’anapanapa State Park “Black Sands Beach” We were absolutely in awe of this place. Not only for the greenery, tropical flowers, and private graveyard along our walk but for the natural rock formations, hidden caves, and "black" sand. The sand wasn't really sand at all and was actually formed by lava. The granules ranged in size - from what looked like coffee grinds to smooth river rock. Any time the surf rolled in, our feet would sink into it - deeper than they would had they been on regular sand. It was a bit difficult to walk in so there was no point in walking along the beach with your flip-flops on as it would get caught by the tide, pulling them into the sea - we almost lost ours a few times! It was here we decided to drive back to our timeshare. It was late afternoon and we wanted to avoid driving in the dark since there seemed to be a lack of street lights in many areas. We were so tired and the kids slept for most of the way back. If you read this far - CONGRATULATIONS! It was a long entry but I felt compelled to write about this trip as it was truly one for the books. THE MOST MEMORABLE FOR US ALL. I'd been struggling personally and, though I didn't know it at the time, it was what I needed to open my eyes. Maybe call it a "mid-life crisis" but I wasn't happy with where I was in life. I was doing way too much at one time and I had to lessen the load, if you will. Also, seeing the kids in their true state - not with their YouTube, video games, and influences from (some) questionable peers - they finally seemed to get along with one another in what seemed like forever. It made us realize to cherish our family as it is now before they grow up - believe me that it's true when they say it happens in the blink of an eye. Slow down and just live each day with zest and vigor. There's this saying "I wasn't born only to pay bills" or something like that. Now, this doesn't mean we would just slack away - we still need to handle our responsibilities, just that we need to find something we truly love and put our hearts and souls into it, whatever that may be. So, here is where I end this lengthy blog entry. I hope you find the inspiration to do all you can to live life to YOUR fullest and to never take your health and families for granted. ~ XOXO, Mari
Casinos...one of my husband's fave places to be (he's super into Poker). Now me, on the other hand, do not find joy in gambling but whatever floats your boat. Normally I wouldn't be too thrilled whisking the family away for a weekend at a casino, but I made an exception for this place. Not only does my husband get his poker fix, but I get to relax at the T-Spa (I always get a full-body massage) and the kids get to enjoy the indoor pool! As if it couldn't get any better, the whole family can try out the various restaurants found in the building as well as get some shopping in at the designer outlet mall within walking distance, just north of the casino. Now, it's been a year or two since the whole family has stayed at the resort and, since that time, the rooms have gone through some major renovations. It's always been considered "luxury accommodations" and the designers have stayed true to the meaning - trends currently popular with interior enthusiasts exuded everywhere. The bathrooms are more modern yet elegant; rooms were upgraded with new technology; and color schemes have changed from jewel tones (if my memory serves me right) to more warm, passionate colors (hello red!). Not only does the interior follow modern trends but they've made sure to incorporate elements of the local tribe's culture and history within the decor. Most of what I'm going to feature are photos of our room and the pool area because it's illegal to take photos in the casino, according to the staff. When trying to book a 2-bed room here (for a family of 5), prices were around $380/night; however, a friend recently informed me that it's $200/night and you can earn you a free night's stay or discounted rooms (it really depends on how much gambling you do). Hubs booked the room for the weekend so I'm almost sure we booked for a better deal. He said "don't worry about it, it's taken care of." Suh-weet. As soon as we walked into our room, we were greeted with soothing music. The kids ooh'd and aah'd and immediately made themselves at home. Of course, I had to walk around and admire the new room designs. Bathrooms are always the first places I check out because that's where I normally put my makeup on (some would say "duh" but I know women who like to get ready in front of the window)... I mean, check out the sexiness of the space! I don't normally gravitate toward warm colors anymore but this works for me! Beds were outfitted in simple white sheets, plush pillows, and red accents. Tribe elements could be seen throughout the room. Meanwhile baby girl is showing off some moves she has (apparently) been practicing on a daily basis...I gotta say, we were all impressed! I've been waiting to use my 2pk Calpak set ...I was so excited to be able to use 1 of them for the first time. The small case here can fit a bunch of stuff. I usually pack our toiletries and essentials (1st aid kit, flat iron, lotion for the whole fam) etc. in these smaller cases. I still had so much room that I was able to fit a couple pairs of shoes as well (my heels and sneakers)!
And would ya look at that...my luggage matches the counter top....LOVE. The kids (and adults) were able to enjoy the pool for a couple hours and loved every second of it. Thought it was a nice touch to add the faux mountain with water fall. This was blocked off by a bridge to ward off any climbing. There's a tree off to the side topped with a nest only fitting for a baby pterodactyl. LOL - bringing the outdoors in seemed to give off the illusion that they were actually, well, outdoors. I was the 1st one up every day so, naturally, I snapped a photo of everyone else asleep. Look how comfy they look in those beds.... The weekend flew by and it's back to reality for some of us. Mommy & Daddy back to work and the kids back at home making the most of their summer vacay. Until next time Tulalip - keep stylin'! DEUCES. ~XOXO, Mari |
Meet MariWelcome to my blog where I share my inner thoughts on life and all things I love - beauty, home decor and design, amazing food, our family travels, and fashion! Archives
October 2023
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