This year, for the first time ever, our kids’ Spring Breaks didn’t overlap. That left us with just four days to take a trip together, so we chose the Grand Canyon and Sedona, Arizona — close enough to LA to be manageable, and places the kids had never been.

Our first stop was the Grand Canyon. Much to our surprise, we woke up on Good Friday to a blanket of snow covering the ground and the Canyon itself. It was beautiful… but we were completely unprepared for the freezing, blizzard-like conditions. We were especially worried our Hummer tour would be a bust, as the clouds were quickly settling in and blocking the view. Still, we decided to go for it — and we’re so glad we did. Despite the cold, the tour was incredible. Each lookout stop offered a breathtaking and totally unexpected view of the Canyon, transformed by snow.

After lunch, we made our way south to Sedona. The heavy snowfall continued the entire drive, which made the winding mountain roads both scenic and a little stressful. But we arrived safely at The Enchantment Resort — and it quickly lived up to its name. We had a cozy dinner on site and called it a night to rest up for the next day.

Saturday started early with a quick breakfast before heading to the Mescal Canyon trailhead for a 4-mile hike to Devil’s Bridge. This natural sandstone arch is the largest in Sedona, and at 4,600 feet elevation, it’s as awe-inspiring as it is nerve-racking. We hesitated before stepping out onto its narrow path, but we mustered the courage — and we’re so glad we did. It was definitely a highlight of the trip. That afternoon, we returned to the resort for some much-needed pool time. By then, the sun had come out, the snow had melted, and the weather we’d actually packed for had finally arrived. We ended the day with dinner at Elote Café in Uptown Sedona — a fantastic Mexican spot — followed by stargazing back at the resort. The astronomer on site gave us an amazing look at Jupiter and several globular clusters through his high-powered telescope.

Easter Sunday began with an 8 a.m. service at St. John Vianney, followed by breakfast at The Secret Garden in Tlaquepaque. We made a quick stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross — a breathtaking structure built right into the red rock buttes — then returned to the resort and rented mountain bikes for a two-and-a-half-hour ride through the surrounding red rock trails. It was equal parts adventure and workout. That night, we had one last dinner at the resort and soaked in the beauty of the area.

Monday morning, Joe headed out early for a round at 7 Canyons Golf Club, while the kids and I slept in and enjoyed a big breakfast in our room. Before leaving for the airport, we squeezed in a little more pool time, a few rounds of pickleball, and some oversized yard games like Jenga.

Even with limited time, this trip was filled with memories and we packed in everything we love — nature, adventure, rest, and lots of quality family time. If you’re looking for a close getaway that combines stunning scenery, outdoor fun, and a touch of luxury, we highly recommend it. We hope to return soon!