dbxcakes

Although I've lived in neighboring California almost all my life and have driven through Arizona several times before, yesterday was the first time I actually, finally visited this great wonder of the world. The Grand Canyon was the most majestic view I've ever seen! If I had come here as a child or with anyone else other than Niner, I don't think I would have been able to appreciate it as much. When we're ready and prepared, I definitely want to come back and hike or maybe camp to the areas of the canyon we weren't able to see and experience.

We saw so much today! After our big breakfast at the Hitching Post, we headed back down Hwy 179 and were surrounded by all the majestic rock formations we missed when we drove in last night in the dark. Our first stop was the Chapel of the Holy Cross. There is supposed to be a vortex at the chapel and when I entered I immediately felt at peace. It was so beautiful to see that chapel within the red rocks. Our second stop was Bell Rock. Here is a photo of me in the middle of the trail. We were able to see both the north and south view of the rock and each side looked very different. We also went back south a few miles to visit Montezuma's Castle which are ruins of an apartment complex within a rocky alcove once inhabited by the Sinagua Indian tribe. That was a short visit but definitely a must see. We ended the evening with a perfect dinner at L'Auberge in Uptown Sedona. We dined at the restaurant's patio seating, along side bubbling Oak Creek and within the trees. Th

We arrived last night and had no idea what kind of beautiful red rock views surrounded us. This is the view right outside our hotel, Sky Ranch Lodge. Excited about this super duper adventurous day!

Our first planned stop was to visit Auntie Cayo in Phoenix. This was the second time I got to hang out with her. This time we had lunch with her and Niner's second cousin Kevin at a local Mexican Restaurant, Tee Pee. Here's a pic of Niner and Auntie Cayo at Auntie's very own cactus garden. :)

We are on our last trip of the summer. We just passed the border and entered Arizona. I'm super excited. Believe it or not, I've never been to the Grand Canyon. Can't wait to see the wonderful rock formations in Sedona as well. More to come! (Here's a pic of the windmills at Palm Springs that I've always found to be picturesque in their quantity.)

Adele's 21 has got to be this year's most beautiful and poignant album. It's so easy to relate to her lyrics and her soulful, powerful voice is mesmerizing. I've been listening to her new album since February and no new music has captivated my attention more. I obviously am not alone in my love for the British singer-songerwriter because her shows across the country have been sold out. We finally saw her at The Greek Theatre last night and it was worth the wait (Her June shows had to be rescheduled due to a severe case of laryngitis.). She was cute, funny, and her voice was just perfect. Her stage was tastefully decorated with these floating, lit up vintage lampshades. It was another great night of music, appropriately our last concert of the summer.

Just as expected, Sia was amazing. Even though the Wiltern was a bit of a larger venue, she had a way of making the night seem intimate. She is definitely one of my favorite artists and has one of the most amazing voices I have ever heard. Shows like hers remind me of how lucky I am to be able to experience music.

At the Wiltern as we speak. About to see SIA for the third time. We love her!

A couple Sundays ago, we went to one of our favorite places to listen to live music, The Hollywood Bowl. We enjoyed the sounds of talented artists like Sharon Jones, Grace Potter, our new favorite Janelle Monaé, and the wonderful Stevie Wonder. It was a night sponsored by KCRW with Rickey Minor leading the band. I just love hearing beautiful music fill the night as we sip on beer and wine. I <3 the summer!