This year for Spring Break we made a super last minute decision to book a room at the Scottsdale Plaza. Abe was already planning to be there all week for a conference so we decided to join him. We checked into our room Sunday afternoon and went straight to the heated pool!
The boys were super excited to be in the water again and absolutely did not want to be still for a photo! It was a little cold for me so Audrey and I just hung out watching the boys play with Daddy.
Monday morning Abe went to his lectures while I took the kids to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
We have never been here before but it did not take long for us to fall in love! There is so much to do. We rode the train and the carousel before making our way over to one of several play areas. The boys had so much fun climbing all over these structures! Audrey napped so peacefully in her stroller and I was able to read for a bit. It was such a relaxing couple of hours!
Abe finished up his lectures and was able to walk over to the park with some lunch for us. The park has so many beautiful shady areas perfect for laying out a blanket and enjoying a picnic lunch. Being outside on this gorgeous day with my family was so good for me. I reallllly needed a day like this.
After lunch, the boys really wanted to take Abe on the train. While we were waiting in line we realized some friends of ours were at the park, too! Connor was so excited to see his school friends and ride the train together.
After the park, we went back to the hotel for some more pool time. It was a bit warmer out so Audrey and I got into the water this time. She LOVED it. She was kicking her feet and trying hard to lick the water. 
The boys would have stayed in the pool all day if they were allowed. They absolutely loved being back in the water. I am really excited to get them back into swim lessons next week. The goal for the beginning of this summer- swimming without life jackets!
Tuesday morning we met my cousin at the Phoenix Zoo. The boys and I have been here one other time but it has been a few years. We were excited to see some animals!
I was so surprised how brave the boys were when they got up on this camel. You can see Noah was a little nervous but he did it anyway! I am so proud of these boys!
We had so much fun feeding the giraffes. The boys each got to feed her 2 pieces of lettuce and I fed her a couple treats, too. The treats I had were much smaller so when I gave them to her she wrapped her tongue around my fingers. So gross but the boys thought it was absolutely hilarious!!
We had the best guide for feeding the giraffe! She helped the boys and made sure they got the most out of their time. She took photos and video for me and even spent several minutes afterward telling the boys interesting things about giraffes. We really enjoyed our time with her.
Tuesday afternoon we hung out at the pool with our friends Kevin & Jane and their sweet boy, Judah. We really love whenever we get to spend extra time with them. We grabbed dinner with them at Picazzo’s. Jane was so super sweet to call ahead and confirm that the restaurant is very allergy-friendly! Not only did I have an amazing, super delicious dinner- I also ate dessert! It was so yummy! Thanks, Jane 🙂
We got back to the house Wednesday afternoon and were greeted by two giant piles of rock! We had 32 tons of rock delivered for our backyard. Ugh. Staycation over! We spent the next four days shoveling rock. We have never been so sore!
Even though we had to end the week doing yard work, it was a really nice Spring Break. I really needed this time with Abe and the kids. I feel recharged and ready to take on the last 10 weeks of school!
What did you all do for Spring Break? Do you go somewhere every year or stay home? After this week, I have decided I really love staycations.
