A weekend in Sedona.

24 weeks pregnant at L'Auberge.

Your typical tourist photo.  We had to.  It's an extraordinary spot.

It's been a month already, but I'm playing catch-up on my blog here.  So back in April, Kevin and I hadn't been away for a vacation since Chloe was born, two and half years ago.  With another little lady on the way, we knew this would be a great time to relax and recharge.  My sweet Kevin planned the whole weekend and set-up just enough adventures to leave room for travel spontaneity and relaxation.  He even spoiled me with a prenatal massage at the resort.  It was a beautiful, relaxing trip and extra special because of all the thoughtful planning my love did ahead of time.  I was thrilled to just pack my bag.  Such a treat!

We delighted in the opportunity to drink our coffee while it was still hot each morning, enjoy each others conversation uninterrupted, indulge in delicious food and an afternoon nap on a whim.  Sedona is special place and we were so thankful to explore some of it's sights while we are still Arizona residents.

A HUGE thank you to Kevin's parents who flew out to spend the weekend caring for Chloe.  She had a blast and I'm certain they did also.  We are lucky to be surrounded by such thoughtful, helpful, loving grandparents.

A girl and a horse.

This goat was sweet, but kinda creepy in this photo.

Chloe asks daily to ride a horse.  We don't have a horse, but boy does this girl want one.  She is an animal loving girl and horses are at the top of her list.  Back in April we decided to brave the 95 degree weather and go to MacDonald's Ranch for a few hours, simply to indulge her with a pony ride and visit to the petting zoo.  She was so serious about riding, she cried when he ride on "Stormy" was over.  I have a feeling we will be saving up for riding lessons in the future.  Oh and this goat was not a bit shy.  I made sure Kevin was close by, just in case.

And a special thanks to our sweet friend, Isley for handing down the darling pink boots!

Lately.

Life lately is mixed with the relief of cooling fall weather and the longing for days past.  Days when my mama was a phone call away and her comfort was something I innately knew.  The funny thing about the year anniversary of her passing, right around the corner is that, some days it feels like yesterday.  Other days I feel like I'm forgetting bits and pieces of her that I don't want to leave my mind and heart ever.  I'm praying and trusting that I'll remember what is important and that I'll also be reminded of lovely times I had forgotten.  I'll be honest there is a lot about her time ill that I'd be glad to forget.  The pain of it all is too much sometimes.     Though it never makes me miss her less, knowing she no longer suffers gives my heart ease.

I've made few plans for the next week because I'd like to have some space to give my feelings the time they need to work through this week ahead.  Finding my way through the past and looking forward to a new future.  That I know is bright.  I am cherishing the days at home with my little bloom, playing, crafting, looking for adventures.  One thing I know so well now, is how much I was loved by my mama.  I feel it when my heart aches like it will burst with love for my sweet daughter.  That's the thing about becoming a parent, you learn so much about the love (and frustration) of your own parents.  What a revelation it is.

So, here we are.  Soaking up the fresh fall air, looking for ways to have fun and spending time just being together, us three.  And I'm so happy to have my little bloom and her Dada beside me.