We had a decent night sleep in our lovely resort room! Of course I was pleased because I got to cook in my mini kitchen last night. The sink, frigy, stovetop, micro…all the things, they were a dream to have! Whole Foods helped us too since I had to buy all the ingredients. Man, I sure love cooking our own food vs. buying some unknown ingredienty-type food.
SO…. the morning was lovely! We got up, I made our coffee, and we swiftly readied ourselves for the gym. BTW, the gym was HUUUUUGE and glorious.
Ok, so Tot got ready with Woody!
Tatum jumped right on to the rower and worked her lil fanny off. Literally.
Doug and I powered through our workouts, and Tatum didn’t stop! She usually just putts around playing with the plyo-balls.
As we headed back to our room to head to the hike, we enjoyed the beauty of the grounds.
Tatum picked a load of daisies for our room!
Ok, we picked a short hike since we were ready to just enjoy the day at the resort.
OH, the views!
Later, we headed back to our hotel to venture out. They had a mini golf course and a pickle ball court! Our first time! Ok, but first, we happened upon this river in the back.
I sat on the rock of DREAM. Yes, we dream of new adventures without sickness!
Tatum of course had to venture INTO the lake.
Golf~
We had many holes in one (ahem…)
And then.. our first attempt..and I mean ATTEMPT at Pickleball! So fun! We chased more than hit, but our court buddies didn’t mind. (?!?)
We did the usual with the rest of the day. Swam, played games, cooked, and read. The next day, Williams!
We LOVE going to Sedona. We love going to Sedona when everyone is LEAVING Sedona. That is why we planned on getting there the evening of Memorial Day. (Everyone is going bye bye back home! HA!) The beauty of the architecture, the red mountains, the serenity of the water, the people…it’s just a true vacation. This time, I figured it would be fun to stay at a different place with a kitchen and a resort feel. Our plan was to go first to Flagstaff and surprise Tatum to go on a gondola. Ski season lasted until MEMORIAL DAY this year! So we headed to Snowbowl first.
BUT…of course, the drive:
Guess who joined us on the road? YUP! Our little songbird…no this one:
WOODY!
He sang to himself as he slept.
We stopped at Circle K to get ice, and Tatum got to have a treat. I say on vacation, she can just enjoy, so granola bars got a thumbs up.
The car rides are always a new adventure; between marriage and family podcasts, Adventures in Odyssey podcasts, TobyMac music, or just plain talking and games, we make it a fun experience. I am grateful I can get work done in the car too! Thank you GCU for that opportunity!
Tatum enjoyed having Woody with her! He did so well just riding along on her shoulder. I said she could look at the map on her phone while he enjoyed the view.
We arrived in Flagstaff midday, and Tatum still had no idea what we were doing. There was still snow on the mountain, so she wondered why we were headed up that direction. I knew this would be the last day to experience the winter gondola, so we hoped it would work!
When we arrived, there was one big party. Shirtless snowboarders, drinking, smoking, music…the works of the last day bash. Ugh. The lifts were closed too (for a while) and we figured we’d not wait, so we headed to the gift shop! HA!
And OH this was a great idea! Everything was remarkably marked down. We got Doug and Tatum an amazingly warm, insulated winter ski jacket. Original price for Tot’s was almost $200, but we got it for less than $59! WOW! What a deal. So, the whole trip was worth it.
After our lunch at Wendy’s and McD’s (ice cream of course), we headed to our hotel in Sedona.
After 3, we got to Los Abrigados Resort! Oh, wow. Right in the heart of Tlaquepaque!
As you know, we greet every Sunday. This Sunday, we met Cooper! He is one of the volunteer’s small dogs who joins every week in our service. He is a bright boy..so much that he needs shades! HA!
Well it just got brighter as we discussed strongholds that may be inhibiting our walks with Christ. Man, there are so many SNEAKY ways that devil can invade our space.
What areas?
We were all captivated as we prayed through what was personal for us. REPENT, RECEIVE, REBUKE, and REPLACE. Daily! he will not win. The name of Jesus is all he needs to flee. “Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
As we sang, Tatum went through her EVANGECUBE (Bob gave it to her! SMILES)
It shares the Gospel in a fun, cubey way.
Tatum’s walk continues to grow. A little bit at a time….I’m so grateful for our church, our family (who is so imperfect but has so much grace, pointing to our total dependence on Jesus).
On my birthday which fell on a Friday this year, Tatum had a birthday party (Noah’s to be exact which trumped mine!)
So, I asked if we could celebrate on Sunday. Friday, I still had a great day! Pretty flowers, a lovely card, and so many lovely wishes from friends, Mom, and my dear brother. Tatum also gave me a sweet little card! (Smart girl! 30? HA!)
Sunday was so perfect too. We had such a great service, and then later that day, I enjoyed my favorite: A hot fudge sundae, pool time, and then some lovely gifts.
And…my lovebug sees my stomach issues as beauty. OOPS into GOOD!
Of course, Doug never listens, and he always enhances the experience. Just look at these! Mind you, he didn’t buy them like this; he went to the extra effort to vase them himself. His engineer side comes out often! heehee
Tatum was scheduled to sing at both services this morning. Oh, she sure did bless me! They sang my favs too: Holy Lord God Almighty, Glorious Day…
Derek was our leader today…wow.
Afterwards, I just wanted to squeeze her!
She shared with my how powerful the Holy Spirit was in her that morning. Heart melt.
Later, they both spoiled me with cards and gifts…and a toast!
Here is my card!
My sweet honey spoiled me with his card.
And a DELICIOUS candle! (oh, and a PERFECT gift card to my fav store: SBC cafe! THE BEST home gifts ever!
