Savvy and Tuacahn, Years 1 & 2

Last year Savannah and I decided to go to our own little "wilderness" when Kyle took Cade to cut firewood with his Dad and brothers last year. We went to St. George! My Sister Rebecca was so sweet to watch Ruby so I could take Savvy to see a show at the Tuacahn in St. George. We had a blast-- both this year and last.  

Year 1

The drive was enjoyable, despite the traffic hold up that made the trip an hour and a half longer than it should.  We had to get a shot of our arrival. Savannah was SO excited!

In the hotel with her awesome carry-on bag.

Just moments after we got to the hotel we had to jet to the Tuacahn. Here she is all ready for the show!

We had dinner at Tuacahn. Savvy didn't eat much of the dinner, but she happily helped herself to the ice cream.

I get it. I'm the crab, and she's the sea princess. I know how I am perceived.

When the show started Savvy could hardly stay in her seat. With all the singing and dancing, Savvy was ready to jump onto the stage herself. It was precious.  At intermission she asked, "Is it over?"  Boy was she thrilled when I told her there was much more singing and dancing to come. 

The next morning (which came earlier than I was ready for---so much for Savvy sleeping in after a late night!) we did a little shopping at Home Goods (St. George has a huge one compared to our piddly 2 aisles at our TJ Maxx here in Orem) and then Savannah got her very first pedicure. 

Initially I was hesitant. I was 19 when I got my first pedicure. And it was because my sister-in-law Lesley treated me to it. She was aghast when she learned I had never had a pedicure and I happily obliged after we went grocery shopping when I visited she and my brother in California (this was one of many ways she has spoiled me over the years). 

Did I really want to start something?  Did I really want my 4 year-old daughter to think this was something she deserved or was entitled to?  

But then I looked at her feet again. They were bad. They needed some serious scrubbing and grooming.  

So I justified the outing, making sure she knew this was a VERY special treat.   

She thoroughly enjoyed herself.  I was thrilled to finally see the dirt and grime off her feet.

Afterwards we hit up Tai Pan and Savannah was a hoot. She could hardly stand all the cute items there. This was October so they had just set out Christmas Decorations.  She was in 7th Heaven.

"Mom, can I PLEASE buy these? Or are they too expensive?"  I always responded with, "Yep, too expensive, dear."  She was totally fine with window shopping. And boy was she a fun one to do that with.

We ended our trip with a quick lunch at a park by Dixie State College. 

 Goodbye St. George!!!

Year 2

This year on a whim I decided to make this trip a tradition when Kyle and I were sitting in bed one evening talking about what we could do for UEA weekend. I looked online and sure enough they had 2 tickets available to see Aladdin at the Tuacahn during UEA weekend. A visit to Priceline.com later, we had our hotel booked --- this time for 2 whole nights -- and on Thursday afternoon we bid Kyle and "the twins" farewell. 

We stopped by the Library on our way onto the freeway so we could check out some books on CD. Once well-stocked with stories, we set out on our adventure.

Savvy is a great traveler and we didn't stop a single time. It wasn't until the end that she started to get a little antsy asking "how much longer".  She decided we should probably get something to eat before we reached the hotel. I was starving myself, so we happily indulged at Red Robin.

Ice cream with sprinkles, a driving arcade game-- Red Robin was a great choice.

We later checked into the hotel and Savvy requested we bring her pumpkin into the hotel. I forgot to mention her pumpkin joined her on the car ride and kept her company. Since she doesn't have a pet, her pumpkin is the next best thing and she really takes pride in her little friend. 

So she and Pumpkin watched Arthur before getting ready for the big show.

 She was sad I didn't let her bring Pumpkin to Tuacahn to watch Aladdin though. Well, more like mad.

Uuuunfortunately it rained. And the show was canceled.  I had fun visiting with some friends in my neighborhood/ward we ran into while we were waiting for Tuacahn to decide if they were going to begin the show or not.  

We did get a picture to pretend we saw it though!

Savvy was amazingly a good sport about not getting to watch Aladdin which really warmed my heart. I  know very well had it been me I would have been DEVASTATED,  She kept her smile and we had fun swimming outside at the hotel pool together that night instead. We met some folks also from Orem who also were bummed about the canceled show.  We weren't the only people excited at the prospect of a warm, sunny getaway in October. 

 That nigh Savvy enjoyed watching a re-play of the debate, falling asleep to CNN and Fox News. 

The next day we decided to continue with tradition and the two of us got pedicures.

She looooooved the massaging chair.

But had to slouch so her feet could reach the water. Her head in turn got a massage, too.

Unfortunately it was still rainy and chilly. We swam again at the pool and then ate at Savvy's all-time favorite place, Yuck-a-rama.

She begged to watch more of the debate and was deflated when I told her Paul Ryan was not going to be debating again tonight, but we could watch the news that talked about the debate.

She was satisfied with that.

Of course, the morning that we had to get going first thing, Savvy slept in for the FIRST time in several months. {she is my early-riser-no-matter-what child}  After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we got gas and put in another great story on CD and head for the hills.

We had a great little trip even though the show never happened. I am looking forward to bringing Ruby next year when she is old enough.