Two and a Half Years

…plus two months, if we’re getting technical.

That is just how long my friend Caitlin and I had gone without seeing each other in person until this past weekend! The last time we were together, we were dancing the night away at my wedding. I was so happy when she told me she was planning a summer trip that included Phoenix.

The great thing about our friendship is that despite not seeing each other for so long, it was like no time had passed once we finally reunited. We began our weekend with a road trip to the one and only Sedona. This is my absolute favorite place to take people, not only because it’s like entering another world (one where normal desert rock is suddenly replaced by an abundance of red everywhere you look), but also because it’s a great example of the variety of environments Arizona has to offer. The fact that it was 10 degrees cooler up here was also a nice perk!

We decided to start with lunch at Taos Cantina, which is located on the main drag in the heart of the city. The restaurant boasts an impressive margarita menu, so we knew immediately that we’d be ordering a pair to celebrate.

With the exception of Mama Bender’s delicious concoctions, this may have been the best margarita I’ve ever tasted! For my entrée I chose the chicken tacos, which were served with flour tortillas and generous amounts of sour cream and guacamole.

The black beans and rice on the side were also some of the best I’ve had. This restaurant was great!

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around and browsing the various shops off the main street. One of the coolest was the Sedona Candle Gallery, which literally handcrafts these amazing looking candle designs and fills them with wax right in the store. You’re able to replace the interior candles once they burn down, too. I didn’t end up getting any but after reading these reviews, I might just have to go back sooner rather than later!

The next day of Caitlin’s visit happened to be Eric’s birthday (thank you all for the sweet comments). We spent the morning hanging out at home and lounging in the Arizona sunshine before meeting up with the 20-year-old, Bobby and my parents for a celebratory dinner at Sapporo. After a delicious meal they brought out a few slices of red velvet and chocolate mousse cake for the table to share.

The guest of honor got his own slice complete with a candle for wishing on.

After dinner we headed to the theater to watch Man of Steel. I’ve heard mixed reviews about it, but overall the group really enjoyed this new take on Superman. The best part was that Eric loved it!

The next day, Caitlin and I lounged around again in the morning, then headed to In-N-Out Burger to pick up our picnic lunch! Because nothing says picnic like a cheeseburger and fries, right? So yummy.

We walked around Scottsdale for a bit in the afternoon and happened to stumble upon a pair of dresses that were 40% off. It seems like every time Caitlin comes to visit me this happens – I remember a similar story when she came to Minnesota after our freshman year of college.

Oh well. 😉 It was a great bargain-priced way to end a wonderful reunion trip!

Thanks again for coming to stay with us, Caitlin! I had such a wonderful time and know that it won’t be another two and a half years before we see each other again. We’ll make it happen!

Abrazos,