Whew. It’s been a whirlwind two weeks. Easter weekend, we were in super-chill Arizona with Jeff’s fam, and last weekend, Southern California with some friends and co-workers. I tell ya, it’s amazing what a dose of sunlight will do to perk up us rain-weary Portlanders!

Meeting little Easton

Arizona, for us, equals pure relaxation. Jeff’s snowbird parents have a sweet condo in Fountain Hills, nestled in a small community with pools, tennis courts, a spa and fitness center just a few blocks from home. The weather is insane: every day is sunny, beautiful, dry. Like blissful clockwork. Usually, the guys escape to a local golf course while Amy, Chris and I lounge by the pool or get spa treatments. Hard life, right? I sorta feel like a Real Housewife of [fill in the blank] for a few days. 🙂 Anyway, this visit was especially fun since we got to spend some mega quality time with the Krass fam: cousins Phil and Meleah (who just celebrated their one-year anniversary), Lindsay and Shane, the couples’ adorable kiddos and Uncle Dick and Aunt Barb. We celebrated kids’ birthdays, met sweetie-pants 10-month-old Easton and soaked up the Masters golf tourney.

Jeff’s ‘rents also pulled out a surprise: A day trip to Saguaro Lake, a canyon-flanked reservoir on the Salt River. Amazing! Cruising a pontoon, spotting bald eagles, searching for rams (no luck there), parking on the beach, skipping rocks…it was super cool.

Another cool activity: Touring the bird rehab/refuge center Jeff’s mom volunteers at. It’s home to eagles, barn owls, ravens and a whole slew of hurt or orphaned birds. Chris led Amy and me from cage to cage, calling the birds by name, describing their injuries – she’s becoming quite the bird pro!

Since it was Easter weekend, Sunday morn we rose at 5:30 a.m. to catch the sunrise service at Fountain Park. Beautiful way to celebrate the holiday and thank God for the great people (and dog!) in my life. 🙂

Let’s get this party started! Heading out on Saguaro Lake

Chris and I getting enjoying the lake views (and a Coors Light)

Beautiful Saguaro Lake tucked among canyons and mountains

The Krass fam pontooning! (And no, Jeff’s not sporting a chef’s hat…)

Pulled up for packed lunch on the beach at Saguaro Lake

The beautiful scenery on the quiet Saguaro Lake beach

Look at that form – skipping a stone (you can see the skips!) in Saguaro Lake

Jeff and his mama hanging out on the beach

Of course, paid a visit to the Scottsdale Nike store 🙂

Poor hurt owl at bird refuge

Hurt bald eagle at the bird refuge

The hourly fountain action at Fountain Park

Krasses relaxing at Phil and Meleah’s for the kiddos’ birthday party

Maggie, Meleah and Bruno coloring Easter eggs

Little Easton scared to touch the turf in Phil and Meleah’s backyard

Happy birthday to Hayden and Parker!

Sunrise Easter service at Fountain Park