Sooo yummy! Do yourself a favor and check out Handel’s Ice Cream. We moved here only 4 months ago, but we’ve been there more times then I can count! There is another ice cream place closer to us, but we pass it up to go to Handel’s! The only store in Arizona is in Gilbert- aren’t we lucky?

They have wonderfully unique flavors, and it’s made fresh daily! Our personal family favorite is Oree-Dough. What could be better? Oreo and cookie dough???

According to their website, Handel’s success has been documented in many national publications including USA Today, People Magazine, Chocolatier Magazine, and US News and World Report.

They also don’t skimp on the portion size. I feel like you get more in the cone, but either way, the serving size is fantastically huge. Splurge and get a dipped cone, it really is perfection.

We’ve tried a handful of places so far in Gilbert, and this place is by far my favorite! You are welcome in advance for the tip!

Check out their website at

Tonight we checked out the free movie in the park! Kids loved it! They open the community center so there are bathrooms free to use. There are a handful of vendors offering treats and food for sale. We packed a picnic and bought dessert there.

Best part- we ran into friends from Lylas school. Reminded me of back home where I ran into people I knew everywhere. Gilbert is MUCH bigger so that doesn’t happen all the time anymore, but when it does it’s awesome. Loved the small town feel at this event and we will absolutely go again. 

Next time we will get there an hour early to snag a better spot. Also, there is plenty of room to throw a football or Frisbee so we will bring one next time too. I also saw some people playing cards which I thought was an fun idea. It was nice to see so many families out, and very few on their phones. Families were engaged together and enjoying the beautiful weather and amazing movie- How to Train a Dragon! It’s these moments that I try to sit and enjoy. For a moment in time the kids were not bickering…. and everything was peaceful. Great Friday night!

My Mother was born and raised in Germany, so when my cousin asked me to come check out the Oktoberfest in Gilbert, I thought “of course!”

I felt the need to dress up- so I pieced something together that resembled a dirndl. For last minute I think I did pretty good! I tried to get my kids to join the fun, but they were not feeling the style at all. 

I’ve been to a few Oktoberfest’s in California and this one was similar. I was disappointed that more people, including staff, were not dressed up. I mean- it just makes it more fun! There were a handful of people in traditional gear, but not very many. 

Beer, food, music, lawn games, and rides- we had a great time. I think the festival can grow- but the potential was there. My kids had an awesome time, so much that they didn’t want to leave. 

I ran into one of my dance students, so I was feeling “famous” again ha ha. Back home I used to constantly run into people I knew (always telling my husband that I’m kind of a big deal). So, running into someone I know 2 days in a row was epic! (I had run into someone at movie in the park the previous night). 

Since moving to Arizona I have reconnected with my cousin Josh. He had invited me to join him, his wife, and sister-in-law at Oktoberfest. It’s been wonderful having family here….. even if we barely know each other. He came to my daughters birthday party, and I will see him again soon when my Dad is visiting. It’s just adding another plus to the move out here. He and his wife are expecting so I can’t wait to snuggle that baby!