Phoenix

"Arizona is gorgeous. The sunshine in Arizona is gorgeous red."

Cecilia Bartoli

We ventured away from the Grand Canyon in high spirits having met interesting new friends and enjoying an amazing view. From Northern Arizona we headed a few hours South - the view and weather in Arizona is amazing! We were greated with open arms, paws and wings by the Colley family. They have an amazing array of pets and are just fantastic company. Bobbe made us a yummy dinner, and with David gave us a tour or their beautiful and eclictic house. We didn't stay up to late, it had been a long day and we were looking forward to exploring phoenix in the next few days.

The next morning David was already off to work by the time Rachael and I got out of bed. David is a pastry chef and teaches at a local high school and college. Bobbe spent time with Rachael and I in the morning and then we all headed over to a nearby resort they belong to. It was a sunny 70 degrees. We used the gym, swam in the pool and sat in the hot tub and steam room. So relaxing.

The next day we took a long walk around the area to the post office. While there Rachael spilled water all over the floor while singing along with the post office radio. Love it!

We did the spa thing again the next day. This time I laid by the pool and soaked up the sun and it was glorious! I could defintely live in Arizona in the winter. When we got back we decided to head over to the Arizona Biltmore. We had been invited by two sweet ladies we met in the grand canyon to come and have a drink with them. However, we couldn't get in tough with them so we just decided to go and see the hotel by ourselves. It is listed as one of the 1000 things to see before you die. Frank Llyod Wright advised the project and the architecture and layout was really beautiful and super luxurious Rachael picked a comquat right off the tree and ate it, and then of course I had to try it and it was yummy!

Heading back to the house Steve, Sarah, Adrian and Audrey had arrived! Hoooray! They are precious. It was really good to see them for the evening. Audrey is still uber tiny and Adrain getting taller and smarter all the time. Bobbe made margharitas that were to die for! and we all got to visit. We presented Steve with his super hot hot sauce from the chili pepper institute and everyone tried it that night at dinner on our tamales. They Manganos left the next morning for the zoo and to visit friends and we headed to California.

We loved Arizona and the Colleys. They are amazing and our time was fantastic. We will definitely be returning to Arizona sometime soon!