While Brian presented at the CLE, the boys and I enjoyed our morning walks around the Biltmore Estates. The "Estates" are mansions located around the golf course. Each mansion looked different, but they were all meticulously maintained and had beautiful gardens. Apparently roses grow quite well in Arizona (as opposed to Illinois). I loved looking and smelling all the roses along our walk. It reminded me of my rose garden in Washington.
After our walks we would head to the pool. Jackson made a lot of new friends. The main pool area had three pools -- one with a big slide, one by the cabana bar and another pool with a hot tub. Surrounding the pools were private cabanas complete with misting water to keep the guests cool.
Eventually the boys got tired and we'd go back to the room to clean up and get ready for dinner. The first night we ate at Frank and Alberts on the resort. The garden chess board was right next to our outdoor table, so the boys played while we waited for our food. Jackson actually played the games, but Charlie had a ball kicking the pieces and running around like a maniac. Henry, thank goodness, is still in the "purse stage" and isn't mobile -- yet.
After dinner we walked the grounds. The Arizona Biltmore is quite charming. Lights are strung on the trees, fire pits are lit, and people settle into the Adirondack chairs, which surround the main fountain, and sip their glasses of wine while people watching. The boys made s'mores and took a few bags of popcorn back up to the room for a late night snack.
I loved the Arizona Biltmore. I only wish we had more time! I would love to go back (with or without the kids) to play tennis, hike up Camelback Mountain, shop and spend more time in the sun.
Enjoy the pictures!
Henry-- all smiles to be in the sun -- and out of the car!
A view of our wing of the resort. Note the chairs lining the garden/fountain area.
Jackson and mommy in the evening by the fountain.
Jackson with some roses on our walk through the Biltmore Estates.
Some of the gardens at the Arizona Bilmore.
Jackson and Henry in the gardens -- I love them in blue!
Jackson, Charlie and Henry.
Mommy and her boys.
Enjoying a stroll in the gardens.
Playing chess/checkers.
Jackson -- check mate!
Nightly s'mores.
Jackson by the slide at night.
Charlie relaxing poolside with his "nite nite" (blanket from Grandma).
Jackson and Charlie. They would stroll around the pools once or twice a day "chit chatting" with everyone. My kids have never met a stranger.
Waiting for dinner at Frank and Alberts. A band was playing outside and Jackson asked me to dance. We had a wonderful evening.
Mommy and her boys!
Sadly, our trip had to come to an end. We spent our Sunday and Monday driving 2/3 of the county to get back to Peoria -- a feat nonetheless with three kids, two of which are under 2. While we originally had planned to stop off at the Grand Canyon, we opted to save that experience for another time -- perhaps when we have more time. We made it from Phoenix to Amarillo, Texas on Sunday (arriving at midnight). On Monday, we traveled another 13 hours through Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois. We hit St. Louis at sunset. The arch was lit up in the sun's pink light. It was very pretty.
All said: 8 days, 6 states, 5 hotels, 3 time zones and 3939.2 miles! What a great trip!
We saw a lot of country. Brian and I both agree that the drive through Missouri is probably the prettiest. I would say that the drive through Oklahoma is my least favorite, although there is a stretch of I-10 through Southern Texas, which is relatively boring as well. One thing is sure -- this is a BIG country with a lot of land. There is no shortage.
We love our road trips. We have more planned! Perhaps a drive through New England in the fall? For now...a trip from Illinois to Washington is more likely. Now back to planning!
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