A GRAND 30TH
A couple of months ago, I kissed my 20's goodbye! Not in sadness, but in fondness. The 30's are already looking exciting and crazy-fun! We kicked off my new decade with a lavish trip to The Grand America. It was nothing less than Grand, indeed. I was a little apprehensive about bringing our crazy crew to such a fancy-schmancy hotel, but pleasantly surprised that it was super kid-friendly! Actually, it makes for a perfect little family get-away.
We checked in on my birthday, a lovely Friday afternoon. We went up to our room where we were greeted by a note wishing me a happy birthday in the middle of platter of pastries and tarts. It's almost like they know me personally... #imeancomeon. After Scarlett and Welles jumped on the bed, stuffed their faces (and mine) in deliciousness, we changed and headed straight down to the amazing pool. There we spent hours playing and ordering incredible food and drinks. Spoiled? Indeed. After taking the train up two short stops to the City Creek Mall, we walked around, enjoyed some window shopping and let the kids run wild in the food court play area. Then we returned to our plush room and slept so very comfortably!
Scott and I both noted that it may have been more relaxing had we left the kids behind, but we were so glad that we opted to bring them. Memories like these with our little family are so precious. Lately, I feel like Scarlett is growing a year a day... Mainly due to her teenage-like arguing skills. But in all seriousness, time is flying and we wont get these days back. I love toting our wild crew around. Especially to kid-friendly hotels with lots of activities! ;)
The next day we lounged at the pool, stuffed our faces (again), and enjoyed taking turns bubble bathing. The Grand America offers a Family First program where you can choose from a menu of items for kids in your room. We chose a rocking chair (perfect for my night-nursing), cribs and Honest Company bath items. I thought it was so neat that they offer these things and encourage family stays! Very impressive to this mama.
On our final day, we took the kids out to the gardens in the middle of the hotel. Incredibly beautiful. Scarlett kept brushing the flowers and pretending to be in her own secret garden. She then danced the halls and twirled under every chandelier like a ballerina. I love how girly and whimsical she is.
Before checking out, we took the wooden coins that the front desk gave to out babes and went into kid heaven... Also known as a toy store called, Jou Jou. Unbelievable. Old fashioned toys and candy mixed in with modern trinkets. It was a dream land. More for the kids, but kind of for me as well. ;)
Scott has always known how much I've wanted to stay in that lovely place. What a way to enter my 30's. Also, one of my goals while staying in this (very close quarters) rental-- get out and adventure as much as possible as a family. I so enjoyed this lavish little adventure with my favorite people. Happy birthday to me! Already trying to talk Scott into taking us back so we can enjoy the downtown area in the gorgeous fall. And dips in their indoor pool don't sound half bad, either....
