50 states: Mom, meet Arizona: Part II

I finally got around to posting more pictures from my Mom's trip to Arizona. 

We took her to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona. It was definitely a lot packed into one weekend, including celebrating the fiance's birthday, but it was fun. Seeing the Grand Canyon was something I've wanted since the fourth grade. 

The majestic landmark is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World for a reason. We spent the afternoon at Grand Canyon National Park and ended the day with a ranger sunset talk. It was amazing to see people from all over the World brought together by one place. 

The next morning we headed south to Flagstaff, where we stayed the majority of the day. Downtown Flagstaff is such a cool place, complete with historical buildings and local restaurants, shops and businesses. 

We perused a farmer's market and left with some yummy cheese from Fossil Creek Creamery and apples. We had fondue and a sampler from Beaver Street Brewery. This is a must-visit if you're in the area. The Bramble Berry Brew is worth it alone.

After lunch, we made our way down to Sedona and the pretty red rocks. The fiance and I roughed it last time we were there and didn't go to any of the shops. This time around, we did the tourist thing, which was OK. I prefer camping in Sedona, though.

And my Mom finally got to see an Arizona cactus. 

Five for Friday

Today's installment courtesy of Banana Boat's Aloe Vera. Last weekend's travels were amazing, but taught me that sunscreen is my friend. My face didn't get that memo, though.

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1. Head north: Destination: Slide Rock State Park (above) in Oak Creek Canyon. I'm totally looking forward to the natural water chute. We're also going to Flagstaff for the day on Sunday.

2. Taste: Oak Creek Brewing Company in Sedona and Beaver Street Brewery in Flagstaff are home to award-winning adult beverages. We'd be crazy not to experience them.

3. Face a fear: Since moving to Arizona, my once-indifferent attitude toward snakes has turned into a full-blown fear. Especially when it comes to rattlesnakes. If I'm going to share the outdoors with these slithery creatures, I need to realize they're just as scared of me. Repeat three times.

4. Cool down: I've come to accept we live in an oven. But temps in Sedona and Flagstaff are supposed to be 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. It's a welcome reprieve from the 110 degrees we've been baking in.

5. Catch up: There are so many topics I need to blog about. LeBron James' ridiculous hour-long special and the latest tunes that have found a home in my iPod come to mind.

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