Life is a Vacation

Can life just be one big vacation?  I know everyone loves a good vacation, but I think it is as necessary as sleep, water, and a roof over your head.  When I plan my next vacation, my days are more vibrant and I have something to look forward to.  It breaks up the monotony of the daily grind and provides a much needed excuse to relax and indulge.

What do I love about vacations?  Lots of picture taking and plenty of new places to appreciate and enjoy.  This is from the Madrid metro.

Family time and smiles.  I don't get to see my family very often, and vacations are usually planned around who we will see and when.  

I love trying new food and people watching.  This little cafe in Madrid is well known for hot chocolate and churros.  It was great, but we actually had some for my sister in laws bridal shower that knocked my socks off!  

Did I mention castles, museums, and things you just don't have at home?

I am already dreaming up my next vacation.  This has been a good year so far.  

January: my girlfriend came to visit and it was like a mini vacation for me -we went sledding on Mt. Lemmon, hung out giggling, and caught up on good times

March: my mom came to visit - we had a fabric shop hop, ate fantastic food, and went on a great hike!

May: my husband and I went to Maine for a wedding and a relaxing vacation

July: I went to Germany and Spain for my brother's wedding and a great family vacation!  I got to spend a lot of time with my parents and my grandparents.  What a treat.  Who can say they have traveled Europe with each set of grandparents more than once??  ME!  

Next UP!  September-  Sedona???  :)  

I love planning vacation!

Back to Blogging and a WEDDING in Spain!

I have been away from the blog for a while, taking a break to refresh and renew.  A lot has happened since I have been gone. I went to Spain and Germany for a vacation and a wedding and I got a puppy! My brother got married in Spain and it was a beautiful ceremony full of family and fun times.  Our new pup is 10 months old this week.  A German Short Haired Pointer.  (plenty of pics to come soon!)

Lots of eating olives in Spain and cafes.

Tons of tasty bottles of wine.

A beautiful bride.

What a beautiful ceremony, exchange of books instead of rings...

More to come on the wedding festivities and vacation fun.

Portland, Maine

Last week, I went on a fabulous vacation to Portland, Maine for a family wedding.  I have never been to the East Coast and it was beautiful!  The coastline was rugged and rocky, the atmosphere in Portland - artsy and young, and it was so nice to get out of town!

We took a boat tour and got to see lots of the area that you couldn't get to by car.  These sea birds were basking in the sun and I loved the sight of it!

Lobster, Lobster, Lobster!  Isn't that a Maine staple?  The little bay cruise we took told us they used to serve lobster to the inmates because it was so cheap and plentiful.  Poor man's food, oh how the tables have turned!

Shopping in Portland was in no shortage.  The original Stonewall Kitchen, tons of boutiques, and a massive kitchen store.

Did I eat ice cream a few times on vacation?  You bet I did.  I love this vintage style sign in the window.  Sold, you got me.

There was even a shop that sold only popcorn.  Imagine that huh?

My mother in law and niece have a little heart to heart at the rehearsal dinner.

Le PAUVRE!  Lobster bake.

Beautiful lighthouses were plentiful on the coast.  We drove to this one and looked out at the ocean.

This little one never stops eating.  SO cute.

Rich in history and sights to see.  More photos to come!  What a great trip to get away from the heat of Arizona.