Emma in the house!

Peyton doesn't technically get a spring break at her school, but she hit the jackpot this year when Emma decided to spend part of hers in the sunny Scottsdale area. Emma and her fabulous Mom arrived in the 480 on Thursday morning - and we barely hit pause the entire weekend.

The festivities began with an alfresco brunch. PK and Emma sipped OJ and noshed on pancackes while the Mommies also sipped on OJ (laced with champagne). Our fearsome foursome headed back to Casa Hellmer for a little outside play time, including riding in the pink car, chalking the sidewalk and reading stories to babies.

Moms and their minis.



Emma loves AZ!

A rare moment of peace.

That evening, we met fellow former KKG'er Jami for dinner. Jami, Rebecca, Crystal and myself tore up Palo Verde Main for two years as suite mates. We missed our fellow fat girl Crystal but enjoyed some carbs on her behalf.



Sisters in the bond. 4-eva.

Friday we took Emma to our favorite Scottsdale jaunts, including Scottsdale Quarter. No trip to our house would be complete without obtaining a glitter tattoo and crafting a beautiful cupcake soap. We met some of Peyton's buddies for a little splash time (which proved to be an interesting social experiment - Emma lost a little confidence when Gabriella and Sammie showed up, worrying that Peyton might not want to hang with her). Au contraire, mon frere. P Swizzle worships you Sizzle.

Masterpieces in the works.



It's magic!

Making Emma an honorary Scottsdale chick.



Mr. Martin got in on the action too - delighting the girls with bed time stories, endless rounds of hide-and-go-seek and bike riding lessons (while Rebecca and I got coifed each day).



In an effort to show off Arizona's beautiful spring weather even further (and perhaps plant a seed that the Fawcett's should relocate here?!?!), we heated the pool for a Saturday afternoon swim, played at the park in sleeveless dresses and soaked up every ounce of sunshine. And anyone who knows anything about the Hellmers knows you don't visit us without experiencing Movies Under the Stars. This week's feature was Beauty and the Beast.

Emma loved the water. Peyton was freezing. It was 92 degrees in the pool.

Spending spring break at a park on a slide. Somehow I don't think this is how it will look if these girls meet up 15 years from now...



You better believe they had matching jammies every night.



Best. Weekend. Ever.

I learned a few important things during our time together:

1) Rebecca has been my closest friend for more than 18 years, and I have no doubt we will be best buds until the day we die. And that makes me smile.

2) Emma loves herself some gumballs (birthday gift idea noted!)