Yearly Archives: 2015

Christmas at the Princess

Fire Pit & S'Mores - what more do you need?

Fire Pit & S’Mores – what more do you need?

What a festive place to kick-off the holiday season!  Our December cluster meeting was spent at the Scottsdale Fairmont Princess Resort where they really know how to decorate for the holidays!   During the evening, we enjoyed watching holiday lights dance to music on an enormous Christmas tree, laced up skates and tried ice skating, sat by a camp fire sipping on hot chocolate, and even tried our hand at roasting the perfect marshmallow for s’mores.

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Merry Christmas everyone!

Who said it never rains in Phoenix?

IMG_6693“I’ve got a great idea”, I said to the AuPairs.  It’s November and the weather is gorgeous, let’s go to the Fountain Hills outdoor art festival and walk around all afternoon!  The day before was 81 degrees, sunny and absolutely lovely.  The day we went to Fountain Hills, it was gloomy, rained all day and was 65 degrees!   We still walked around – briefly, then spent the rest of the afternoon in a Chinese restaurant waiting for it to stop raining.  Oh well … all of our events can’t be perfect …

Stand-Up Paddle-boarding in the Desert?!

Sitting or standing - it was fun!

Sitting or standing – it was fun!

Another hot summer day in Phoenix, so we headed to Tempe Town Lake and learned how to Paddle Board.  Everyone had it mastered in a matter of minutes so we made good use of our time and paddled all around.  Swimming isn’t really allowed in Tempe Town Lake, but if you “fall” off your board, I guess you’ll have to swim a bit.   The water felt great!

 

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There was also a fabulous tribute to those who lost their life on September 11 — one flag for every victim — including their bio.  It was touching and a great remembrance.

 

 

 

But it’s a Dry Heat!

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It’s August in Phoenix … and it’s hot!

Our cluster meeting this month was a road trip to Saguaro Lake for a hike (very short), picnic (Subway sandwiches) and a dip in the lake (ahhh). The scenery was beautiful – blue water, blue skies, rocky cliffs, wild horses and a not-so-sandy beach.  It was little crowded with lots of people swimming and picnicking – however, we had the hiking trail all to ourselves (I wonder why?!).  After two cases of over-heating, socks getting blown away, and one bee sting, we decided it was time to climb back in our air-conditioned rental van, and head back to town. Good company and a good day!   Quote of the day:  “Ladies, it’s string cheese, not bite cheese”.

Summer Fun – poolside!

Hot Summer Day - but we're Cool by the Pool!

Hot Summer Day – but we’re Cool by the Pool!

Our June cluster meeting was spent pool side with Linn’s host family.  They hosted a yummy BBQ, and it was the perfect day to be pool side.  The event was bitter sweet as we said good bye to Linn and Marlena, but they are off to new adventures in their home countries and we wish them Safe Travels!

 

Community Service in April – Andre House

IMG_5006Our team of AuPairs was welcomed warmly by the staff at Andre House in downtown Phoenix.  We were there to provide assistance where ever they needed us, and we were quickly put to work preparing the dining room for the evening meal.   We helped serve over 300 meals (yummy meals, I might add!) that night to some amazing people with amazing stories.  God bless.

Pizza in Payson

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Cluster Meeting Road Trip:   On January 25 we loaded up our rental van and headed to Payson.   Between singing with the radio, and playing the “Here’s 3 things about Me, but only 2 of them are True” guessing game, the 90 mile drive went quickly.   The weather was perfect when we left Scottsdale (sunny and 70), and as luck would have it, the weather was equally beautiful and sunny in Payson.  We went straight to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park for our first stop.  We’d read about this natural wonder, but it was so much better than we expected.  The hike was short but steep, and once we got under the waterfall, it was a little slippery.  One pair of sunglasses, and one pair of sneakers took the plunge, but we managed to keep everything else nice and dry.

Following the hike, Guarado’s Italian Restaurant was our next stop for pizza, calamari, pasta carbinaro, and yummy little doughy-things covered in sugar & cinnamon. The owner of the restaurant couldn’t have been more delightful!

We made a quick stop at the Candle Factory in town and enjoyed meeting Carol, the owner.  Fun day – fun group!