Arizona - Sept 2011

Right after Labor Day weekend, Eric had a conference for the week in Phoenix that spouses were encouraged to attend.  You don't have to ask me twice, I booked my ticket in no time.  We left early Tuesday morning and flew directly into Phoenix.  We rented a car and planned to head to Sedona about 2 hours away.  We heard it was beautiful, we read it was beautiful, but nothing compared to how it was  in person... just breathtaking.  I wish I had brought my other lenses to take some better, closer shots.  It was just so different from anything we've seen.  

We ate at Red Rock Cafe, then we ventured to Slide Rock State Park which was essentially a natural water slide...at a cool 64 degree temperature.  

At the entrance of Slide Rock State Park

Below is a video of Eric going down the natural water slide...hilarious!

We spent a bit more time there and then it was time to head back to Phoenix and check in to our hotel before we had a cocktail reception to attend that evening.  

  

Bri and Julie come to Texas-August 2011

My good friend Brian-who actually I met through my friends Marie and Joe, who I met in Italy studying abroad.  Bri, Marie, Dan and Joe all went to Marist, which happens to be in the town where I grew up.  It was a funny way to all meet, in Firenze, and we've remained friends since 2002.  So, anyhow, I met Brian through them after we returned home.  

Brian emailed me a few months prior asking if he and his then girlfriend, Julie (now fiance) could come to visit on their way back from Vegas.  He also asked me not to tell her because it was a surprise.   So, it came as no surprise to us when they arrived in Houston and Julie had a new piece of jewelry, an engagement ring!!  So, we got to celebrate with the newly engaged couple on their 4 day trip to Houston.  It was so wonderful to hang with them again.  We had such a good time and are so grateful for their visit.  

They arrived Thursday so we headed, of course, to Cross Fit for a workout.  Eric and I recently started Cross Fitting and Jule and Bri are huge Cross Fitters, so naturally they wanted to try out our gym.  We worked up a good sweat, came home to a protein shake, made my Bri, and then a delicious paleo-friendly meal that Bri and Julie made.  

On Friday we headed to the zoo.  Eric had to work so we checked out the attractions at the Houston zoo. 

 Oh yes, Julie and I are children. 

That night we celebrating the engagement with a steak dinner at Pappa's Steakhouse.  

I really liked my steak!!! 

 Bri and Jule got a kick out of this. 

The next day we headed to the famed Saint Arnold's brewery for the indoor picnic.  Last time we went, we arrived too late and had to sit on the floor.  Bri kept telling me "this is the day" for us to get a seat..and he was right...we only had to leave our house at 9:30am for the 11 o'clock opening.  But, we made it.  We were right in the front of the line...yesss!

 We got a great seat right in the middle at one of the tables.  Oh yea!

 Julie and her newly purchased Saint Arnold's pint glass....lawn mower, awesome.  

 I heart crossfit!

 Eric's fave

 Crowded much!?

 Love Julie's shirt

We then got into a pretty serious game of Texas Hold'em.  As you can see, I was pretty serious about it.  Bri and Eric were sharing their chips with Julie as needed but me, no way!  I was winning..and was not sharing!  Sorry Jule!!

That night we went out for some Tex-Mex and then off to Liberty Station, one of our favorite bars in the area.  They've got chimichanga (or corn hole, whatever you call it) and jenga...yes, gigantic jenga.  

 This bar is always a highlight on Washington where lots of beer "crawls" or rides start.  

 This is the pedal party.  There is one person who steers and the rest pedal while partaking in some beverages. 

 Chimichanga

Group shot.

We had a great time with Brian and Julie visiting us in our new home.  You are welcome back anytime!!  Congratulations to you on your engagement!!  We can't wait to celebrate at the wedding!!