Almost to Arizona

This is my favorite time of the year, when I get to travel to Tucson, AZ for the largest gem show in the world. Here, I hand select the gems and minerals that I use for all of my designs. I am so grateful to have the chance to go for my third year! After the polar vortex that's swept through the midwest, leaving me in a constant state of frozen and depressed, I can't wait to make it to the sun and dry heat of the desert. Perhaps the best part of this trip is that my parents are able to come and we've turned it into a vacation attached to a business trip:) It's great that every year, I learn more about the area and about different things to see and do while we're there. Last year, we went hiking in Sabino Canyon and horseback riding in Saguaro National Park…this year we may venture off to historic Scottsdale. And I already can't wait until next year, when we're going to make extra time to go to Sedona. If I ever get to Havasupai Falls in my Arizona travels, my southwest dreams will be complete!