Who knew Presidents’ Day weekend could be this much fun? We were thrilled when Amy told us she had booked a flight to Phoenix for a weekend getaway over Presidents’ Day!

Our Saturday morning began at a very early 6:30am (thanks to our effective alarm clock–Silas Clark). A breakfast of Strawberry Stuffed French Bread and Orange Julius was a fun way to start the day. We piled in the car for a drive around the White Tank mountains on the very secluded Sun Valley Parkway. Wickenburg was our destination as Amy hadn’t visited the quaint, authentic western town yet. By happy coincidence we were visiting Wickenburg during its famous Gold Rush Days celebration! A parade, panning for gold competition, rodeo, carnival rides, arts & crafts vendors, and BBQ lunch made the town swarm with people wearing all sorts of western garb. In case you’re wondering, the BBQ lunch was dee-licious! We topped of the afternoon with homemade ice cream from the Chaparral ice cream parlor.

Our three day weekend was filled with shopping at Arizona Mills, driving to Dobbins Lookout at the summit of South Mountain, exploring downtown Phoenix and the state capitol grounds, playing fast-paced Rummikub (great idea, Amy!), watching movies, making and eating sweets, and getting in some super fun aunt/nephew time!