This spring break adventure was Burke's vision. He wanted to get back to the Phoenix area to see family and friends. We haven't been in Phoenix since 2014, so it's been a while and a visit was due, for sure. Our school districts moved spring break to March this year (earlier than usual), and we had the added opportunity to line up a seeing a Spring Training game. So, off we went...
My Uncle Joel tipped us off to this in-demand pizza restaurant. The owner/chef Chris Bianco was featured on a Netflix show. We got there before it opened, and had to wait in line. Once it opened, there was a first seating, and by the time we checked in the hour was 90 minutes. They make waiting fun with their next-door location, which has plenty of space to comfortably wait. There is a bar, games, and blankets for if you want to sit outside on the grass.
in line
waiting
Chris Bianco himself was onsite. Burke spotted him, and we thought the celebrity sighting was fun. I guess he lives mostly in LA these days, so it was a surprise, I guess.
The pizza was delicious, and worth the wait!
We were seated near the host stand, and heard him repeatedly tell those who walked up that the wait was now 3-4 hours!!! Wow!
The typically see lots of shades of brown when we visit Arizona, so the spring flowers were a pleasant surprise.
2014 | 2023
We met with my Uncle Joel and cousin Ann. It was great to chat with them. We also visited with Burke's Aunt Betty & Uncle Bill and Aunt Sue.
After grand debate, we made the drive north to view the Grand Canyon. This is something I wanted to do with the boys before they fly the coop. Evan was so thrilled at first sight, he literally fist pumped. It was a priceless reaction. Both boys report that viewing the Grand Canyon was their favorite part of the trip, even though Ryan is yawning in this picture. 😉
There was an active snowstorm hovering in the area, but we were able to make it work. It was warmish in Phoenix, but quite cold and gusty at the Grand Canyon.
We were mentally and physically prepared for the weather, with one major flaw. We wished we'd had our boots. Our feet were wet and very cold by the end of our walk from the Mather Point to Bright Angel Trail.
I think this is where Evan guided me down a precariously icy, rocky set of "steps". He's an encouraging, little helper. I don't think I would have tried to go down without him. 💙
We were not prepared to hike any amount of Bright Angel Trail, but it would be a shame to not at least step foot on it.
There are no guardrails, and the path is narrow. Although I had no interest and couldn't really watch them without becoming anxious, the boys went out a bit, and Burke was happy to walk with them.
They walked this much of the trail, and returned really excited about hiking it some time for real.
After the Grand Canyon adventure, we returned to Phoenix to wrap up our spring break. We visited Aunt Sue and Fanny's house. These boys love Corgis.
Spring Training
We had good seats and got to see home players we recognized.
We got to visit with Sarah and Nathan, and their two kiddos. Burke has known them forever, and I met them in NYC. Sarah and I met as music teachers in Brooklyn. She was dating Nathan, and Nathan and Burke are friends. They feel that Ryan & Evan owe their lives to them. 😆
2014 | 2023
Fun place in Tempe called Snakes & Lattes where patrons can enjoy food and drinks, and also play games from the venues vast game library. We had tons of laughs playing Telestrations, which we need to add to our personal family game collection!
Burke took us on an origin tour of sorts. He showed us all the places he lived, where he went to school, churches, and where he worked. Someburros was our last stop before heading to the airport to return home. He recalls meeting up with family, and eating here in his younger years. It was the perfect way to end our trip.
