For the past 4 years, that's right FOUR years, I have either been pregnant or nursing. I just finished nursing Isla, so it seemed like the perfect time for a girls-only weekend getaway. DJ was the biggest proponent of this plan, so that encouraged me even more. Cousin Shana, being the fan of weekend getaways and excellent planner/facilitator that she is, took on the challenge of finding us, including her roommate Erika, the perfect retreat. What we had in mind was simple - sun, pool, spa treatments, relaxation, great dinners. Well, we got all that and more. Shana booked us at the
Miramonte Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, a location she and I have frequented many times for one-off spa treatments, but one that I have never actually stayed at. Grant and Stacy stayed there for a weekend as a pre-honeymoon getaway and really enjoyed it, so I knew it would be good. We got a Saturday through Monday stay-and-spa deal, in which each of us had a spa treatment every day and shared a gorgeous, spacious room with a large patio right out to the gardens in front of the pool. I couldn't wait to get there!
I flew into San Diego on Friday afternoon and took a cab to my aunt and uncle's jewelry shop downtown. After Uncle Jim cleaned my rings and tightened a loose stone, Shana, Erika and I met up for dinner before hitting the grocery store to load up on fruit, veggies, hummus, snacks, cocktail mixers, champagne, etc. to load into a huge cooler. One great thing about miramonte is that they let you bring your own food/drinks to the pool, all while remaining happy to serve you ice, water, lemons and whatever else you may need from the pool bar. Gotta love thta! We hit the sack and took off early in the morning to make it to the desert in time for our first treatment at 10:15am. It was an easy drive (in Shana's new volvo!), and we rolled right into the spa and each enjoyed a luxurious scrub followed by a Vichy shower. It was still too early to check into our room, so we headed to the pool to order lunch and soak in the sun for the afternoon. When we finally made it into the room, we were very pleasantly surprised - it was gorgeous! We showered, changed, made a pre-dinner drink and headed to a Japanese restaurant where we enjoyed a yummy meal.
Each day went on like this - beginning with me waking up early for coffee by the pool followed by a workout in the on-grounds gym, a spa treatment and ample pool time - and I have truly never been so relaxed in my life. The weather was perfect - high 80's with a slight breeze - and the food delicious. Sunday night we hit Citron at the Viceroy, a small boutique hotel in downtown Palm Springs which was recently renovated and turned into a swanky little retreat nestled at the foot of the mountains. The outdoor seating of Citron is centered around a small-ish, enclosed courtyard pool surrounded by well-placed tables, cabanas, and trees dripping with twinkly white lights. Very chic! Just my kind of place, my favorite of the weekend.
On Monday, we got a late check-out and reluctantly made our way down to the spa for our last treatment. Afterwards we headed to the pool and spent the remainder of the day soaking up the sun before packing up the car and heading back to San Diego later that evening. We had SO much fun, lots of relaxation and some good laughs. This is one trip we will make a regular occurence when at all possible. I had an early morning flight (the easiest plane trip ever!) on Tuesday and made it back to MN in the afternoon. It was great to get home to see DJ and the girls - I missed them! Isla looked months older and Addison seemed to have picked up new sayings. I felt like I was gone a long time! I am lucky to have a husband who is so willing and able (and happy to do it) to care for 2 little ones on his own for that many days in a row. I am also lucky to have in-laws who live nearby who stepped in to help by having DJ and the girls over for dinner on Friday and by going to the zoo with them on Saturday. Thanks everyone!
Kaili arrived on Thursday and will be with us for the weekend before heading to her conference in downtown Minneapolis next week. Addison is in heaven having someone new to boss around, ehr, I mean, socialize with. Kaili loaded a bunch of kid-friendly apps onto her iPad and now Addison is hooked. This morning I literally heard her say "Uuuhm, Kaili? Where is your iPad?" Ha! I didn't know she knew what an iPad was. Then, Grant and Stacy arrive just in time for Addison's bday celebration, so we've got a busy few weeks ahead. Can't wait!
DJ and Isla at Como Zoo
Addison enjoying the rides at Como
Deer in the backyard!
The many faces of Addison
Cutie patootie!
Pool time!
Isla's new trick - insisting that she feed herself!
