One of the advantages that I really enjoy about an extended stay in any given area is the ability to explore and discover hidden gems without a rushed schedule. Since both of our children now live in Phoenix, Arizona, Al and I find ourselves spending more and more time in this diverse city. Not only is Phoenix RV friendly, the weather is wonderful most of the time …. well, at least from October into April which makes Phoenix a great vacation destination for those wanting to escape the cold winter months.
Keeping busy …
We pulled into our RV Resort in northern Phoenix in early October and haven’t slowed down since. There has been a fair amount of socializing with our children, especially between my daughter and myself … love my mother/daughter time, but Al has also managed to sneak in some father/daughter time … much to his delight.
October is always a special time around our home considering it’s our daughters birth month. Since her actual birthday fell on a weekday, she took the day off from work and enjoyed the morning skeet shooting with her dad followed by the three of us going to dim sum for lunch. I don’t share Al and Ashton’s taste for dim sum, but I sure enjoyed the tasty tea that the Great Wall Restaurant served.
And speaking of tea …
Due to our RVing travels over the past five years, Al and I haven’t always been in the same location as our daughter during the month of October. So, this year, I wanted to do something special for her birthday and throw her a little party.
After a little collaboration, we decided on a tea party at the English Rose Tea Room located in the northeast part of the Phoenix valley. Ashton and I love this place and it’s the perfect spot for a gals get together.
(to enlarge photos in the photo galleries, simply click on any photo. Click the x in the top corner to return to the post)
After our little group of ladies leisurely enjoyed tea and crumpets, our party moved across the street to the Carefree Desert Garden. We found a covered pavilion for our group to sing happy birthday to Ashton and enjoy some homemade cake.
Yeah, I had fun making this chocolate wine cake for her. Not only was it funny but also yummy! 😋
Amazing pumpkin display …
Our fun continued as we began strolling around the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden. This is the most unique and entertaining pumpkin display I’ve ever seen. Each year, the town of Carefree, Arizona, hosts this pumpkin event and it never ceases to amaze me. The carvings are intricate and the subject matter comedic.
This year, I managed to visit the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden on three separate occasions. I noticed slight changes and more details during each visit. If you ever find yourself visiting Phoenix, Arizona, during the last two weeks in October, you’ll definitely want to put this place on your must see list. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
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48 responses to “Never Too Old for a Tea Party”
Tea parties are great for everyone! It brings you closer by having something to relate to!
What’s your favorite winter tea?
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Love the English Tea Room, maybe another visit is in order for our next Phoenix visit. I’m sure Laura would be up for it. Looks like a great way to enjoy Ashton’s birthday. Carefree does such great holiday decorating, great looking pumpkin patch.
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When you’re back in Phx, first on the agenda will be a tea party with the girls. Ashton and I already looking forward to reconnecting with you and Laura 😀🌵❤
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Belated Happy Birthday Ashton! You have grown to be a lovely matured woman since I last saw you in 2012! I would not mind having a Tea Party for my 61st bday!
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Thank you ML. We would love to throw you a tea party for your bday. All you have to do is let us know when you’ll be near Phx. 😊🌵🍷
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The pumpkin garden is hilarious! And such a sweet birthday tea party to celebrate Ashton. Looks like you guys have been busy having fun in Phoenix. 🙂
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I think we made a good decision to spend the winter in Phoenix. So far we’ve been having a great time. I always love spending time with my children.
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What a fun birthday for Ashton! A delight for the taste buds and the eyes. Can you please by my mom on November 28? 🙂
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Yes, it was a very tasty and fun day. I’m not sure I understand that last sentence 🤔
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November 28 is my birthday… 🙂 I was just joking, as my mom never spoils me like that (and isn’t around since I’m in the US and she’s in Belgium).
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Well, if you are any where near Phoenix at the end of the month, I will spoil you with a little party 😀
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Thanks! 🙂 Phoenix is on the agenda this winter, I just don’t know when yet. Certainly after 2018.
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What a great and fun birthday for Ashton. Time with her dad and girlie things with mom…so sweet! Awesome cake!
Love the pumpkin displays…very creative and clever!
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Thank you Gay. I think we’ll enjoy our winter in Phoenix and being able to spend more time with our children. Month one in the books and it has been a fun time already.
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Doesn’t matter how old the kids are – family time is always tons of fun and birthdays are always worth celebrating! Ashton’s tea party looked so fabulous that it actually prompted me to search online for afternoon teas in our area!
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The Pumpkin Garden looks very interesting. I will have to keep that in mind should we find ourselves in AZ in the fall. What a lovely birthday for Ashton, a proper tea party!
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Ever since my first visit to Carefree, which was with you 🤗, I find myself returning time and again. I always enjoy my time in that area and it was the perfect place for a tea party.
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I remember that visit well Ingrid. So glad you can share it with family.
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Wasn’t that like five years ago that we were camped next to each other at Cave Creek Reg Park? My, where has the time gone?
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It probably has been 5 years. Time certainly does fly.
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What a sweet birthday gathering for Ashton:) I do know how much we value those mother/daughter times. The Pumpkin Garden is awesome!
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It was enjoyable and special and the pumpkin exhibit added to our entertainment 😊
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Looks like an absolutely wonderful time! Think you will make it a yearly tradition?
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It was indeed a great time and I think we may have to do a repeat next year. Sounds like a fun tradition to me 😊
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Wonderful! Have a great day!
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Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday! Those pumpkins sure put my carving skills to shame!
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It was a great gals day. Considering the pumpkins are carved by professional sculptors, I wouldn’t feel too badly about your own pumpkin carving skills 😏
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Love the pumpkin patch! Someone has a wonderful imagination.
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Yes, an absolutely great sense of humor!
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I LOVE the pumpkins display! I’m only sorry we’re not going to be in that area in November and not October! Another time, it’s an annual tradition, right?
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Yes, it is an annual tradition and they change it up a little every year keeping it fresh and entertaining. Be sure and reach out when your in Phoenix … lunch or cocktail hour 🤗
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Nice that you are spending lots of time with your kids.
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We’re enjoying it immensely 😊
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I love a tea party! And the pumpkin displays are just too funny!
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A very fun way to spend the day 😃
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The pumpkin with the strained look on its face in the last photo is priceless. Love the pumpkin seeds scattered on the floor of the outhouse. 🙂
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Each display told a story and was extremely entertaining. I found the outhouse/septic truck display the funniest. Perhaps, as an RVer, I could relate to the comedic scene 😏
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Well, this looks like an excellent pumpkin display, what fun to look through. Happy Birthday to your daughter as well.
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Thank you. I think it turned out to be a memorable birthday for my daughter … mission accomplished ☺
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Excellent 🙂
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Ha ha! Priceless!!
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My husband initially had no interest in the visit, but afterward, he was glad I dragged him to the pumpkin display. Now he’s looking forward to next years!
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What a beautiful Tea Party, great pictures. Wish I could have been there!!! 💕💕
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During your next visit, we will have our own tea party. I know you’ll enjoy it!
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Really neat place. Enjoyed the images and write-up.
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Thanks – the town of Carefree always puts on wonderful holiday events.
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I have to disagree, I am much too old for a tea party. The pumpkin display on the other hand I could definitely do!
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What? You can’t see yourself wearing your favorite bonnet and sipping tea out of a delicate cup with your little finger pointing upwards. Al’s game if your are 🤣 tea and crumpets for the manly hunters!
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