Valentine's Weekend

Being the jet setters that we are, we decided to get out of town for the holiday weekend since I had Monday off.  We spent a few days in Arizona, Scottsdale being our home base, and drove through much of the northern part of the state.   For Valentine's Day Neal reserved us a table at what has been named "the most romantic restaurant in Phoenix," a Tuscan villa called Sassi.  But before dinner, we decided to embark on an adventure, and an adventure it was!

Neal had never been to the Grand Canyon, so we decided to

try and make the 7 hour round trip drive there before our

8:30 dinner reservation.  Here we are on our way, snow-

capped mountains in the background, driving behind a fire

red Porsche.  It just doesn't get any better than this!

After stopping in Flagstaff for a leisure lunch, we made it

to our destination.  How beautiful it was!   I had only seen

the Canyon in the summertime, never with snow.  The day

was so crisp and clear - the view was amazing. 

All in all we got to spend about 10 minutes enjoying the view

before we had to head back for dinner (which was fabulous!).

Sadly, we had a little accident while we were rushing around

the look out point.  The ground was slippery with ice and I fell.

Luckily I escaped with minor injuries but I can't say the same

for my old camera.  It hit the ground with me and has now been

officially laid to rest.  All this before I had a chance to take

a picture of Neal for his first time at the Grand Canyon.  We're

just grateful that old faithful gave us a few good shots before

the accident (one of many!) that finally did him in.

On Sunday we were able to spend some time with friends

Adam and Cindy and their four beautiful children.  We had

a really fun time and as always, can't say enough about the

delicious, home-cooked Italian meals that Adam prepares!

(Photos compliments of Adam & Cindy)

Neal and his godson, Amadeo - sooo cute!!

Adam and Cindy are great about encouraging their

kids to learn new things, especially when it comes

to music.  Between the three older kids, there are

piano, guitar, violin, and cello lessons going on at

all times.  It's wonderful!  Since Neal has been known

to play a little violin, he joined in the recital the

kids put on for us.  Thanks to these guys, we realized 

how much we miss playing an instrument, and are thinking 

more seriously about getting a piano of our own

(since we both grew up playing)! 

Retreat

Today Neal and I spent the day at a retreat with Michael Brown.  A former journalist and lukewarm Catholic, he is now a devout teacher of the faith and author of 20 books.  His conversion story is a beautiful one that he describes with great passion.  You can find it on his website, spiritdaily.com.   He has become an expert in the areas of the afterlife and end time prophecy, his thoughts on which we found very interesting and insightful.  As Catholics, we don't always take the time to stop and evaluate the situation of the world - in politics, in science, in relationships, in religion, in spiritual warfare.  There is so much going on right under our noses and if today did one thing for us, it was wake us up to the importance of taking an active role in our faith.  Now, more than ever, the world needs believers, people who have the desire and the courage to help effect positive change.

Wedding Weekend!

One of the most surreal things about getting older is watching your childhood friends get married and start families of their own.  That was my experience this weekend.  Mary and I met in 7th grade at La Reina and have been friends ever since.  We've seen each other through some of our best and worst times in life, and we can definitely tell some good stories about the boys that we've seen each other date over the years.  It's been a long journey for us both to find our knight in shining armor and we have been blessed to share in that special joy together.  This was Mary's, the day the fair maiden married her prince.  And a beautiful day it was!   

SATURDAY

L to R: Sarah (Mary's younger sister), Mary, and I

After going to get pampered with manicures and

pedicures, we went out to lunch at one of our

favorite places - Baja Fresh.

Since Mary and Sarah were both in town this

weekend, they decided to throw Sarah a baby

shower so the family could be there.  This, too,

was a reminder of how quickly the time has

passed, as I've known Sarah since she was 8.

SUNDAY

The bride to be - she looked so beautiful!

Mary wanted a beach wedding in California, and boy

did she get lucky with the perfect day!  Mandalay Beach

couldn't have been more picturesque as the sun shone

down through clear blue sky.

Leading her out to meet the groom

(is it just me or do we look like Men in Black walking here?)

When Shawn saw Mary he told her she looked

like an Egyptian princess.  It was so romantic watching

him take her hand to lead her toward the water.

Picture perfect

Old friends   :-)

The reception was at Macaroni Grill, where Shawn and

Mary had their first date.  It was a good way to end a great day.