Sedon-ahhh

We had a most delightful and rejuvenating weekend. Dylan's parents came into town on Friday night, and after spending the morning with them at home on Saturday, we headed north toward the red rocks. Our bikes were loaded on the back, and after a quick Starbucks run, we were ready to spend the night out of town with our young guy in the capable and loving hands of his Guinea and Grandpa. It was the kind of night we needed so badly!

After a quick lunch, we hit the Bike & Bean bike store to get a trail map and some advice, and off we went. I learned two important things from this biking adventure: 1) I'm an amateur cyclist, at best, and 2) The cycling community is friendly and gracious. I heard several times "You got this," or "Just take it slowly," or "Enjoy your ride!" from people whose fun I was obviously impeding on a Saturday while they allowed me to get by on the single track. We asked for a trail of moderate adventure, and it ended being very technical, and very steep, at least for the first half. It was kind of like going on a hike with some extra baggage, that being a bicycle. But the day was as beautiful as the scenery, and we had nowhere to be, so we didn't mind at all. On the second part of our ride, the trail was not covered in boulders or sharp drop-offs, and we were able to cruise smoothly, so that was awesome.

Back at the Hilton, we attempted to hit the whirlpool for a soak, but somebody forgot to heat it. Bummer. So, we did the next best thing and had drinks and an appetizer on the patio after our showers. Then we hit Cucina Rustica where the food was amazing, and our waiter was my most favorite of all time. We slept in till 7 the next morning and woke up to the sound of thunder and rain. So cozy! After breakfast we headed to the outlet mall in Anthem, then it was home to the sweet guy and the Millers.

Throwback to pumpkin carving night with the Palmers

Love these sweet cousins!

Gavin was neither quiet nor polite as a dinner guest that night.

Lunch break!

Selfie Saturday after surviving a few black diamond trails.

Dinner date!

The report we received on Gavin's behavior was: "There were some protests..." Sounds about right for Mr. G, my little bundle of screams joy. He did, however, sleep 12 hours at night and followed it up with a 2 hour nap. A personal best for Gavin, at least in recent months. I missed him, but I think our time away from one another was good for everyone. Man, I needed that break. Thanks so much to Tom and Tilly for taking on the Gavin Challenge and freeing us up to have a night away. It was the best!