Traveling with a baby or young children always poses a new set of scenarios to work through when it comes to packing and planning. Where will baby sleep? Do we bring the crib, rent a crib or co-sleep at our hotel? Will I have the right layers for baby if the weather changes? Did we pack enough diapers? Will the destination have foods our baby and toddler will eat or do I need to pack meals? The list can be lengthy.

One of the biggest questions that we found the perfect solution for was, "what is the best way for baby to get around that also allows us to get around with ease?" 

And don't just take my word for it, even Lexi had a few sweet words to say about it. 

​But seriously, look how compact!

We recently took the Ergobaby Metro+ Stroller to a local resort for a poolside weekend staycation and it was wonderful to navigate the restaurants and resort grounds. I loved that it took up very little footprint of our hotel room and was a soft, cozy place for Lexi to sleep. The adjustable leg rest turns the stroller into a perfect portable sleeping space and the large sunshade gave much needed shade from the sun. 

We are excited to take it with us this summer to the beach and on our many adventures! I will share our adventures along the way right here on the blog! 

This past weekend, our family celebrated summer with delicious dining, adventure and fun in the sun at the newly reimagined We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. We wanted to share our experience, and this gem in the desert, with all of you. 

You can read all about our first stay at the AAA Four Diamond Hotel when it was just the three of us here. 

Located right outside of Fountain Hills, AZ in Fort McDowell, the location has stunning mountain views and is far enough from the noise of the city that it feels like a real retreat. 

On Friday evening, we checked in to the lavish atrium lobby and we were greeted by the friendliest staff, snacks and water. You could hear tropical sounds of live music by the pool which transported us right into our weekend staycation away from home. 

​Our Junior Golf Suite was spacious and beautiful and it's the perfect room if you're traveling with a family or small children. With a mini kitchen - complete with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and coffee maker, it made it so easy to eat a few of our meals in the room, reheat leftovers or store milk for the baby. 

We also sometimes travel with our teenage niece to allow her to travel more before she begins college and she loves playing with and helping out with the kids. While the living space was a great place for us to watch movies and play board games - the large pull-out sofa in the living area was super comfortable and the perfect place for her to sleep and have her own space.

The king bedroom was large enough to accommodate our family of four (our kindergartner sleeps with us and I brought the babies crib) and the bathroom was spacious with a great shower and high end amenities to make you feel pampered. 

Below is a room tour to give you an up-close feel. 

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While the room gave us a home away from home, it was the activities and dining that made our weekend truly stellar. Aside from the activities I'm going to speak on below the resort is first and foremost known for their newly redesigned We-Ko-Pa Casino which enjoyed its grand reopening October 2020. 

The stunning smoke-free casino is open 24/7 and features 850 multi-dimensional slot machines, a 400-seat bingo hall with 50-inch monitors, 22 action-packed blackjack tables, and a spacious poker room featuring five tables with live games and tournaments. 

..."to provide livelihoods for their tribal members". It is the heart of the company and the family feel that really shined for us. We were given a tour by the Executive Director of Resort Operations, Ricky Borja Jr. who drove that point home even further. 

As we wrapped up our thorough tour he said, "We are presenting luxury as it pertains to each individual. Whether that means white glove, in-person service or automated service where the consumer can feel empowered to check themselves in and have a distanced digital experience - the freedom of choice to the consumer is the ultimate luxury, and that's what we offer."

I was also in awe of the various projects and branches of the We-Ko-Pa company and family and the way they secure work for so many members of their community. More on this can be found at www.FMYN.org. 

Also known for their WeKoPa Golf Club, which features two award-winning courses, incredible live music and various activities through Fort McDowell Adventures, there are so many options to building an itinerary no matter the season your family is in. From the youngest visitors to the more mature audiences, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. 

While traveling with little ones (our kids are young, 4 1/2 years and 7 months respectively), my husband and I always try to squeeze in one adult activity. Whether that means having someone watch the kids so we can grab a drink or enjoy a high-end dinner, or take turns with the babies to allow the other to take an hour or so away, it makes our vacation still feel luxurious while not having to leave our family for too long. 

As for my activity this trip, I chose to get a massage at their boutique spa - Amethyst, named for the gems mined in the nearby Four Peaks Mountains. My therapist, Loree, was incredible and made me feel relaxed for the rest of my stay. You can choose from a menu of services from reflexology and massages to facials and nail services. ​

As for my husband, he revisited Fort McDowell Adventures and opted for a 3-hour ATV tour to which he says "was thrilling and so much fun!" He mirrored the same to me, in that the feeling of friendliness and care of the customers experience was  apparent and valued. 

Other adventures include horseback rides, cowboy cookouts, desert Segway tours, kayaking, and guided mountain bike and hiking tours – there is even an authentic City Slicker Cattle Drive.

We have shared a small snippet below of Doug's day in the desert with Fort McDowell Adventures - more information on booking your own  personal or group tour can be obtained at www.fortmcdowelladventures.com.  

Our favorite family activity during summer travels is always the pool! Cool inviting waters are always the best way to beat the heat in the summer. The live music was fun and transported me back to cruise ship living and the Caribbean while the smoothies from the drink bar kept us cool. Make sure to hit the pool early on warm days to snag a seat! We got to the pool around 1pm after lunch and we got the last chairs available. 

The sparkling water was so inviting, and you can also find putting greens and cornhole. I wish we would have had more days to lounge, swim and enjoy! It was a true haven from the intense heat of June in Arizona.

Also, how adorable in Lexi in her resort pool wear?

Saving the best for last, the dining was exceptional! With many on-site dining options from their casual quick-serve market inside the casino to the high-end Ember, it was fun to try out and visit all the spots!

For our breakfast dining and for our dinner the first evening we dined at Ahnala. We loved every dish and I've shared what we ordered below. I also made note of the dishes that were gluten and dairy free since that is what I always need when I'm traveling and what I always promise to bring to you all so you can feel safe traveling too!

On our second and last evening at the resort we headed to WKP Sports and Entertainment which was a contrasting atmosphere to Ahnala. Where Ahnala was serene and relaxing with views of the beautiful tribal-inspired atrium, WKP Sports and Entertainment was vibrant, fun and energetic. We enjoyed watching basketball on the big screen, listening to the live band rehearse and the food was beyond incredible for burgers and bar food. They truly took the burger and pizza experience to the next level and we are planning a trip back just to snag a burger and their sweet potato fries! 

Two wonderful experiences to mix it up on vacation!

Ember needs to be mentioned because if we had had the chance to have a grown-up dinner date, this would have been a top choice for dining. Exceptional wine selection (one of the best in the world with over 100 centurion wines in house!) - I would have opted for their Jerusalem Artichoke Soup and Filet steak. 

Overall a fantastic and well-rounded family vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, fun and good eats. A favorite stay-cation spot that we will visit again and again!

During our stay at the We Ko Pa Resort in Fountain Hills, Arizona we were escorted by the lovely Gail Manginelli of GM and Associates PR to visit Fort McDowell Adventures. A sprawling adventure and entertainment venue set up two and half miles into the Sonoran Desert.

Set against beautiful mountains, there is something for everyone and I can't wait to share more this fall when we visit to experience what Fort McDowell Adventures has to offer hands on. 

We started off our tour by visiting Rosa's Ranch, a charming Western BBQ cookout venue that can host 50-200 and can be rented for corporate events, family reunions, intimate weddings and more. 

The authenticity was on point and I could picture shoot outs, wild horses, roasting s'mores over the open fire pits and the smell of BBQ wafting through the air. There were so many photo opp areas as well which would make for the perfect cookout keepsake. 

The second venue we visited, La Puesta del Sol, was a breathtaking wedding, concert and corporate venue. The name means "the setting sun" and it's Arizona's best kept secret for one of the best places to watch the desert sunset. 

Walking through you can envision a beautiful ceremony. Twinkle lights, built in stage and dance floor, bar and a fun and whimsical Dirty Docs saloon for photos or bachelor/bachelorette parties, the venue hosts up to 1600 guests. 

Want to experience adventure in the desert? Beginning in the fall, you can choose where to begin. Take a horseback ride along the Verde River, participate in a real life City Slickers cattle drive, a drive through the desert in a Green Zebra Tomcar or cruise on a segway with a group of friends to experience the local desert plant life. 

You can add a lunch or dinner option to any adventure to make it a well-rounded experience and the adventures are perfect for team building. 

And for the full vacation experience, you can get a room at the WeKoPa Resort to enjoy a nice meal or a dip in the gorgeous pool to relax after your fun-filled day. 

You can read our full post on our stay here, and view the highlight video we captured of the beautiful resort on our channel. 

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Walk on to the property at We Ko Pa Resort and Conference Center in Fountain Hills, Arizona and you feel as if you're truly transported to a luxury summer vacation alongside the Yavapai Tribe. Meaning "four peaks", We Ko Pa is set against peaked mountains that make for beautiful views morning or night. 

You can watch our full We Ko Pa Resort VLOG highlight on our channel here. 

The authentic music greets you as you head towards the lobby, taking in the sweeping mountain views. The summer smells of blooming florals and suntan lotion envelop you, and the taste of prickly pear jam comes to mind. A full sensory experience, our stay at WeKoPa was relaxing and fun and we can't wait to go back to experience the adventures available through Fort McDowell Adventures once the weather cools. We got to take a tour of the properties and excursions as a sneak peek - you can see those photos here! 

The resorts attention to detail caught our eye as something truly unique. The homage to water and wood was breathtaking and was seen in the details from the rippled glass to the river stones leading from the pool, to the lobby and all the way up to the premier golf courses pro shop. 

Upon entering our Junior Golf Suite, we felt at home. From the mini kitchen that made it easy to prep meals in room, to the cozy living room, the main living space made it nice to have a large expanse to play games, entertain our toddler and watch family movies cuddled up in the evening. The bedroom was a haven for good sleep with a luxuriously comfortable king size bed and black out curtains. The large chair and ottoman in the room was a dream for reading stories to our little guy to get him to sleep and for reading a novel once he was asleep in bed. 

The bathroom included a lit makeup mirror which made getting ready a breeze and the jetted tub was the perfect touch for sore muscles after a day of exploring Fountain Hills. 

You can view our view the full room tour on our highlight VLOG on our channel by clicking here. 

After waking on day one, we headed to the resorts onsite restaurant, Ahnala. It was a large eatery that served southwest inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner and they were able to easily accommodate my allergies! For breakfast I got the Traditional Breakfast with eggs, gluten free avocado toast, plain breakfast potatoes and piping hot coffee. Doug enjoyed a breakfast burrito, (that was wrapped in egg instead of a tortilla!) and Grey had the kid's buttermilk pancakes. All of the staff we encountered, from check-in to check-out, were so friendly and helpful as well. 

Before heading to the pool, I made a stop at the fitness center, which is quaint but offers treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and free weights. Enough to get in a great post-meal workout. I peeked in to the Amethyst Spa, and saw they had some amazing summer deals. You don't have to be staying at the resort to visit the spa, so if you're looking for a relaxing massage, a mani/pedi or a unique facial, give them a call. 

Once we had a light lunch in the room, we headed the pool! It was PERFECT weather, 100 degrees and sunny and the water couldn't have been more lovely. The crowds were light and we were able to secure a few chairs in a shady area by the edge of the pool. Grey had a blast splashing and swimming with Doug and I, and I had a chance to lay out and work on my tan a bit with a book. 

Conveniently located near Fountain Hills, Scottsdale and Chandler - there are many dining options. Aside from the resorts own Anhala, and room service options, the resorts adjacent casino for the adult crowd, Fort McDowell Casino offers dining options as well that are just a few steps from the hotels pool. 

For those who love to golf, the resorts two world class courses (and home to Arizona's #1 golf course!) at the We Ko Pa Golf Club are beautiful year round. The rolling green grass against the desert landscape and iconic Red Mountains lends a contrast that is a sight to see. The golf course also features an on-site pro shop and an eatery that features classic favorites such as burgers, sandwiches and entrees with patio seating that features postcard-esque views.  

Our second morning was spent venturing out to fun family activities you can see nearby. The Fountain Hills fountain park is a MUST visit if you haven't been before. For littles, the BEST offsite activity we found was visiting the Crayola Experience, just 25 miles from the resort at the Chandler Fashion Center Mall. 

Fall-Spring you can visit Fort McDowell Adventures, located right near the resort. Horseback riding, boat tours, segway desert tours, Green Zebra rides, cowboy cookouts and more can be enjoyed and we can't wait to experience some of what they have to offer come September. 

You can view our full post on Fort McDowell adventures here. Stay tuned for our full VLOG as well! 

After a day out playing, we returned back to the pool to cool down and take a dip and enjoyed dinner and a movie cozy up in our room. 

The next morning we headed home, filled with a million memories. It doesn't take venturing far to adventure and connect with your loved ones. 

We are staycation lovers through and through and I highly recommend WeKoPa Resort for your next family getaway in the desert. 

View their Summer Staycation rates and packages (starting at just $99!) by visiting their website: 
https://www.wekoparesortandconferencecenter.com. 

My husband has always been stellar at surprising me. When we were dating and newly married it was tickets to my favorite concerts, earrings hidden on stuffed animals, nice dinners and, the one thing I joke is my love language, travel.

Vacations, staycations - if you surprise me with a vacation I'm pretty much goo. 

Since having our sweet Grey, its obviously been harder to surprise each other with spontaneous getaways. However, for my 36th birthday this past week, my husband was able to pull it off in grand style. And it was lovely! 

He had gone early to Cibola Vista Resort and Spa one day after getting off work before coming to pick up Grey and I and set up the room to contain birthday decor, balloons, fresh red roses, a vegan cheesecake and had packed the refrigerator in our penthouse suite (Arizona hotel rates are AWESOME in the summer, so you can get BIG rooms for lower prices!) for dinner and breakfast the next day. 

The dreamy decor was modern farmhouse which made me feel right at home! The penthouse suite contained a full kitchen, dining area, living room with pull out sofa, a balcony with grill a huge bathroom and a king bedroom with its own large vanity area. 

The beds were soooo comfy and the place felt homey and luxurious at the same time. Having booked two nights, Doug planned on us spending the next two full days at the resort which was the perfect length.

It was nice having this room because we grilled steaks for my birthday dinner and it was nice to have him grill them right on our own patio while Grey was able to play in the living room with me and we didn't have leave the room. After dinner we explored the grounds a bit and made our plan for the next day.

We slept in a little, which was so nice, and woke up and cooked a fresh breakfast of eggs, bacon and fresh fruit right in our kitchen then we headed for the pool for the day! (The hotel also has on site games, tennis and a full service day spa.)

The resort has two pools (one that is adult only, and then the large family pool) however, even when Doug and I stayed here kid-free, we opted for the family pool because it's the larger of the two. The water was PERFECT and Grey loved that it was a wading style pool so he could walk around and play in the water. The water slide is for older kids but it is awesome and was busy all day! 

They also hosted food trucks the weekend we were there and played a movie on the lawn the night before we checked out which was fun to watch while we were swimming!

It was such a fun filled weekend in the sun and we can't wait to go back. 

Have you visited Cibola Vista or a Blue Green property? We would love to hear your favorites as we are Blue Green Sampler owners and have some points to use! 

Each month we sit down as a family for a family meeting to talk what’s going well, what our needs are and, as a travel blogging family, where we see ourselves traveling next. At this months meeting our toddler stated he wanted to “stand in a real castle” on our next endeavor. We’ve been tossing the idea back and forth to begin international travel with him now that he’s almost three and so our wish list of places has begun to grow.

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I was extended an amazing travel deal that I wanted to further gift to you, my international travel readers, at Sir Richard Branson’s breathtaking hotel The Lodge. One of Virgin’s Limited Edition Retreats, it is located in Verbier, Switzerland, an area that offers exceptional scenic hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter, exceptional Swiss dining year round and views like nowhere else in the world.

​The all-inclusive luxury retreat features daily dining and drinks offering both Swiss and International cuisine prepared by Michelin-trained chefs – a highlight sure to be any travel foodies dream come true. We personally always opt for all-inclusive, especially when traveling internationally so we can be sure to eat well and have access to a variety of dishes that are healthy for us. As we personally opt for a master suite when we travel for more space, the chalet offers two master suites and seven bedrooms for a total of nine luxurious options.

The rooms, which feature rich wood paneling and authentic modern European furnishings, are both luxurious and inviting. The jewel tones against the natural elements make the Lodge's rooms a beautiful retreat from an exhilarating day exploring Verbier. One of my favorite touches is the cozy fireplace, where we can cuddle and take in the expansive views from the floor to ceiling windows.
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