The Baranko Family

This week back in May was my last week of break between jobs and I made the most of it with another trip! This time I was off to Tucson to visit all my loves in that fine city. What a fabulous time!

Luke so proud of his "Owl"standing at school today for exceptionally good behavior

Claire wasn't feeling well so Iso had her all tucked up resting on the couch.

Matt picked up Luke from school on his bike again. Always a Luke-pleaser.

In Tucson!! First order of business, dinner out at Zinburger with the Carpenters and Richardsons.

My little godson Jack is so big! Soooooo adorable.

Speaking of adorable, look at this heartbreaker!

Sunsets of Tucson are gorgeous

I was there for Kristin and Cory's 14th wedding anniversary. They are opening gifts from the kids here.

I got some great PJ time, always way overdue. We played Uno outside one morning.

Swim playdate at Kristin's house with Katie and the kids. These girls are strong!

Went to see the tasting room for the brewery that Kristin and Cory are part owners of. Iron John's was so awesome! I was very impressed with the tasting room and the beer.

They have cool album-esque artwork for each of their unique microbrews.

Anniversary flowers for Kristin from Cory

Dinner at the Richardson's

You talking to me?

Richardson Fam

Ladies Spa Day at the famed Miraval! Our one day experience started with an awesome early morning hike in the foothills.

Hummingbirds were so cool. We saw these right before our spa treatments, after our brunch and my yoga class. I got this unique Ayurveda massage that was such a cool experience. It involved hot oil being poured over pulse points in my forehead for like 20 minutes.

A little bit of pool time was very welcome! Free frozen lemonade slashes with day pass.

So many places to rest and relax

Look at these beautiful views! We went to a couple talks in the afternoon after our lunch and pooltime. One of them was with Tejpal, the intuitive who Kristin met with when she had come here earlier this year. She happened to call on me and told me that she sees trees and nature when she thinks of me, that I find joy in nature, and that I'm pretty even keeled and very organized. My assignment from her is to be less planful and be more open to new things, taking risks, and seeing what comes my way without planning every second of it in advance. She wants me to have one day a month where I don't plan anything. So far this hasn't happened, but I like the idea of it! I'll have to plan it in:)

Lunchtime views.

Stayed overnight at Katie & Joe's and saw this lovely sunrise from their backyard.

So fun playing with the kids in the morning.

These kids are sooo close and sweet, it is awesome to be around.

Seeing Katie & Joe's new house that they are adding on to extensively to make into their forever house.

Katie explaining all the plans to me.

This is where the new house will be. I can't wait to come back and see it! Goodbye, Tucson! I love you guys!

Back at home in time to see my peony plants blooming. Love me some peonies!

Enjoying our new set up with the couch set over by the dining table and the bushes pulled out back there to allow for more room.

Matt went to a bachelor party this weekend, so I got to take my friend Kathryn to the U2 concert using the ticket that was supposed to be his (from his bd present back in Feb!). We met our friend Luis for dinner before, since he was in town from Brazil that weekend. Fun to eat dinner outside in the city with great friends.

Joshua Tree tour

Swimming with the kids. Claire had a cut on her hand that was preventing her from swimming, so we put this glove on to keep the band-aid on. She was totally fine swimming as long as her glove was on, ha!

Soccer on Sunday with Lukers

It was so hot that day! Claire and her friend Reagan sat underneath an umbrella for shade.

Our little soccer player

Matt at his friend Eric's bachelor party weekend in Indy

Nice dinner out with all the guys

Still blooming!

My running buddy. She is getting really heavy to push in the stroller, and I think she might only come with me for the snacks, but we have a fun time being together in the morning.

The first day of my new job was the last day of Kindergarten for Luke!

On our way!

Matt injured his calf while training for our Ragnar relay race, unfortunately. This was after doing an awesome job getting into great running shape and increasing his mileage so well. So disappointing!! Anyway, he got this tether to continue his training in the pool while he stayed off his calf. That guy is always thinking.