Long time no blog….
I just returned from my very first vacation <by myself to see my brother> in over 15 years! Crazy talk, right? My wonderful hubby and some amazing friends made this possible. But, now it’s back to reality. And, not just in one way… The one I am having the hardest time adjusting to is the weather. I left Virginia and it was Fall (October 31st) and came back to Winter. Brrr!
Virginia Cold. Tucson Warm.
I had such a great time bonding with my new niece Camillia Rose. New baby snuggles are the best!
Camillia and I snuggling.
My brother Jim is an amazingly talented tattoo artist in Tucson. He owns Istari Studios, the best place to get beautiful tattoos! So, yes, I got two new pieces done on my forearms. Anyone who has played around on the blog may notice my fascination with starfish. Hence, the new starfish tattoos on my left and right forearms.
My sister-in-law Rachael is also a talented Aesthetician at Ooh La La Lashes in Tucson. She used her red LED therapy lights to heal my tattoos quicker and with less pain. Gotta love family!
We also tooled around Tucson and I got to be a tourist for 9 days! We took the time to shop at La Encantata (an outdoor upscale mall), checked out Buffalo Exchange (awesome consignment style store), dressed up for the All Souls Procession in downtown Tucson, ate out at some amazing local restaurants, hiked in Sabino Canyon, and drove up Mt. Lemmon to be awestruck by an Arizonian sunset.
Rachael and I on the tram in Sabino Canyon. A must see in Tucson.
My brother, Jim and I at one of the vistas on Mt. Lemmon at sunset.
All in all this trip was a wonderful reset. It was a time to reconnect with my brother and spend invaluable time with my new niece and beautiful sister-in-law.
I secretly think that this trip also made my role of mom, taxi driver, chef, and wife more precious to my 3 boys and husband.
Now back to reality… #momof3boys.
I will dream about those relaxed days in Arizona for months to come. Maybe one day we can all go visit.
The XFit Midwife 