20 days in and still going! But dang, this not touching the spending account thing is harder than I expected. Top of the list as for why: vacations.
I went to pay our credit card today and thought "gasp! That can't be right! Someone has our card!"
Ah, no. You just booked a spendy (and lovely) hotel in Vegas Cheryl. Oh and you booked a condo in Galveston. You brought on all your vacation expenses for the year in the same month and before your annual bonus arrives.
Which leads me to the number two reason: bonuses. Not complaining! But when you know you have a bonus coming you so so so want to start playing with some of that money. Do things like you know, book a beach condo for summer vacation. But stop! Wait! Don't book it until you actually have the money!
At least that's what I should have said to myself. Live and learn maybe?
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Jan 20, 2016
Sep 29, 2015
Girlie Getaway
Last Friday I hit the road for a girlie getaway to Dallas. Nik is probably my girliest friend so it is only natural that she planned the perfect girlie getaway. I ended up going to Dallas Friday morning and working the afternoon from her apartment (reverse of original plan). What a great remote office! City view, big windows, pumpkin scented candles. Totally perfect.
When both of our work days were done, we went out to a fancy girlie wine bar for drinks and appetizers. Then meandered down the block to rooftop patio and ended the night at a place close to her apartment famous for infused vodka/liquor drinks. Delicious! Super girlie, super different than a normal night out in Round Rock.
Because we're adults (read: lame) we were happily home by 11:30p. She actually stayed with her boyfriend which you might think was weird for me to be at her apartment alone. But no. We've been friends for 15 years. I have no problem making myself at home in her home. She has a cozy apartment, perfect for one person but a little snug for two. So being there by myself meant I could watch TV as long (or not) as I wanted, putter around uninterrupted and without interrupting anyone and just enjoy alone time. It was like being in the best stocked hotel suite in town. I LOVED it.
Saturday morning we went to another cute neighborhood in town (who knew Dallas had so many cute areas!) for breakfast and then went to yoga in the park. Yup, outside yoga in a downtown park. Can you think of anything more me!? It was awesome!
Love love love. Hands down my best Dallas trip ever. Cannot wait to do it again!
When both of our work days were done, we went out to a fancy girlie wine bar for drinks and appetizers. Then meandered down the block to rooftop patio and ended the night at a place close to her apartment famous for infused vodka/liquor drinks. Delicious! Super girlie, super different than a normal night out in Round Rock.
Because we're adults (read: lame) we were happily home by 11:30p. She actually stayed with her boyfriend which you might think was weird for me to be at her apartment alone. But no. We've been friends for 15 years. I have no problem making myself at home in her home. She has a cozy apartment, perfect for one person but a little snug for two. So being there by myself meant I could watch TV as long (or not) as I wanted, putter around uninterrupted and without interrupting anyone and just enjoy alone time. It was like being in the best stocked hotel suite in town. I LOVED it.
Saturday morning we went to another cute neighborhood in town (who knew Dallas had so many cute areas!) for breakfast and then went to yoga in the park. Yup, outside yoga in a downtown park. Can you think of anything more me!? It was awesome!
Love love love. Hands down my best Dallas trip ever. Cannot wait to do it again!
Aug 2, 2015
Beach Vacation!
Hi, hi, hi!
We did it - we took our first family vacation! It was great! Both kiddos did overwhelmingly well and LOVED the beach. We built sandcastles, crashed in the waves, ran in the water and really just had a great time.
Since Cade is just a tiny guy still, we only did 2-2.5 hours each morning at the beach. Then he was just about beached out and it was creeping close to lunch and nap time. So back to the condo to eat and nap (except 1 day when he went on a nap strike). It was also nice to be out there in the early morning when it wasn't 1000 degrees out, before the beach was crowded and actually before the park rangers came by to take payment for the beach pass. $12 saved per day :)
Ross had the good idea to buy a dinosaur kite before the trip and he and Cade had a ton of fun flying it. Cade is still talking about it. We had sandcastle toys galore and by about the middle of the first day he'd figured out how to build them. Also of note is that Cade slept in a regular twin bed for three nights! He did really well. Two of the nights he slept the whole night; the other he woke up several times but didn't do anything dangerous. In fact he didn't really get out of bed. So I think our transition from crib to toddler bed may happen a little sooner.
Lexi chased crabs and even splashed in the water. For a dog who has always been anti-water in every form or fashion, the ocean sure fit her nicely.
For the Austin Moms Blog, I've written a post with our bloopers from the trip. (There were several.) So once that publishes I'll share a link to the post. Until then, enjoy the pictures.
We did it - we took our first family vacation! It was great! Both kiddos did overwhelmingly well and LOVED the beach. We built sandcastles, crashed in the waves, ran in the water and really just had a great time.
Since Cade is just a tiny guy still, we only did 2-2.5 hours each morning at the beach. Then he was just about beached out and it was creeping close to lunch and nap time. So back to the condo to eat and nap (except 1 day when he went on a nap strike). It was also nice to be out there in the early morning when it wasn't 1000 degrees out, before the beach was crowded and actually before the park rangers came by to take payment for the beach pass. $12 saved per day :)
Ross had the good idea to buy a dinosaur kite before the trip and he and Cade had a ton of fun flying it. Cade is still talking about it. We had sandcastle toys galore and by about the middle of the first day he'd figured out how to build them. Also of note is that Cade slept in a regular twin bed for three nights! He did really well. Two of the nights he slept the whole night; the other he woke up several times but didn't do anything dangerous. In fact he didn't really get out of bed. So I think our transition from crib to toddler bed may happen a little sooner.
Lexi chased crabs and even splashed in the water. For a dog who has always been anti-water in every form or fashion, the ocean sure fit her nicely.
For the Austin Moms Blog, I've written a post with our bloopers from the trip. (There were several.) So once that publishes I'll share a link to the post. Until then, enjoy the pictures.
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| First night, after dinner beach walk; Cade loved splashing in the tidal pools |
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| Discovering sand |
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| Trip to Texas State Aquarium |
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| They are TWINS |
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| We said smile but he chose roar |
Jun 17, 2015
DC Surprise
It was my co-worker's first time to DC so we took an after dinner walk to bring her face-to-face with one of our country's favorite icons. She was not disappointed (and neither was I!),
Jun 11, 2015
#DeltaNashville
Three best nights of the year!
I spent Friday-Monday in Nashville with 12 Deltas (husbands included) and we had SO MUCH FUN. In pictures...
I spent Friday-Monday in Nashville with 12 Deltas (husbands included) and we had SO MUCH FUN. In pictures...
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| Friday night we had a big family dinner at the house |
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| Saturday we did some day drinking, including this one at Tootsie's |
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| That night we hit up the Opry. Check out the new boots on three of the girls |
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| Sunday we woke up...and did more day drinking |
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| On a pedal pub. That's right, a bar on wheels and powered by pedaling. Meg D, Jess and Rob made the trip for the first time since 2012! |
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| Standing next to me is Kristin's beau, Matt. He fit right in :) |
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| Monday we went to the Ryman and then Matt, Kristin and I hung out on Broadway before our flights. The set-up for the CMT Awards had started and we caught this promo filming with acts Big & Rich and Macklemore right outside of our final bar stop. |
Apr 28, 2015
Los Cumplenanos Mexicanos
We went to Mexico!
We're on our second night home and the real world and laundry is very much back so with that in mind, I'm gonna hit the highlights quickly in pictures.
We're on our second night home and the real world and laundry is very much back so with that in mind, I'm gonna hit the highlights quickly in pictures.
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| Airport selfie Thursday morning |
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| First stop, lunch and margaritas |
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| View from snack bar |
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| The resort layout was great; you walked through a jungle to get everywhere! |
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| On Friday we did a lot of this |
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| And our fair share of this |
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| Saturday we went to the Mayan ruins in Tulum |
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| They were spectacular |
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| The ocean view wasn't bad either |
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| Then we cleaned up for a birthday happy hour |
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| and surf-n-turf dinner on the beach. |
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| And Sunday it was back to this. |
I finished two books, Ross made progress in Don Quixote (just some light beach reading). We went to bed by 10:30 every night, 9:30 on Sunday night. I set out with one goal in mind: to return rested and relaxed. Mission accomplished!
We FaceTimed with Cade every day and had a wonderful four days of couple time, remembering how much we enjoy one another and quiet time together. It was the perfect way to ring in 30!
We FaceTimed with Cade every day and had a wonderful four days of couple time, remembering how much we enjoy one another and quiet time together. It was the perfect way to ring in 30!
Feb 21, 2015
Ele-pants Ea'ing
Sheesh! It's been weeks! We've been busy busy bees. Most notably Cade and I spent two nights in Houston and had QT with my parents, my grandma and Brenda. I also got QT with Melissa while he was hanging out with Grandma and "Pa-pa."
On our Houston trip he really showed off his every expanding vocabulary. He started calling my dad "Pa-pa" and throughout the drive there would tell me "Pa-pa 'ouse" yes, little boy, we were going to Grandpa's house. Very good! Once we arrived he also said "TV" for the first time (that I heard anyways) so that was new.
It was a quick trip, Thursday night to Saturday afternoon. It worked out really well though. We got to see everyone we wanted to visit and had a solid amount of weekend time at home, especially since Monday was a holiday for me.
On our way out of Houston Saturday we went to the zoo with my mom. He was very excited about the elephants and kept pointing and saying "ele'pant." As the post title implies, he saw them eating. For days afterward he would tell anyone who would listen "ooo ele'pant ea'ing" as in "At the zoo, the elephants were eating."
Telling narratives and answering questions with more complex responses than "yes" and "no" is new this month and so so so so much fun. We love it!
Our Houston weekend kicked off 2 months of very very very busy times for our family. Tomorrow I'm working at my company's customer conference, Thursday Ross has his promotional ceremony and in just a couple short weeks the Cade-man turns two. I also have some exceptionally big projects going on at work in March including a conference in 2 weeks and a business trip to Dallas at the end of the month. We're selling our old house (had an offer today but ultimately turned it down for a long list of complicated reasons) and starting a health kick in March too. Because you know, a strict exercise and workout routine during major work craziness and a home sell is totally a good idea.
Then April hits with Easter, Ross' birthday, the end of my work craziness and finally, blessedly, four nights in Mexico. Some time in all that we'll also file our taxes, add steps to the back porch addition, get my eyes examined, take Cade to his 2 year pediatrician's appointment, meeting sweet baby Carys (Jon & Erin's soon-to-arrive-bundle) and a host of mundane every day things like shower and eat. Needless to say, by the time we board that flight to Cancun and hop down the coast to Tulum, we are going to be highly in need of some R&R.
And some cocktails.
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| Afternoon playtime with Pa-pa and Great Grandma |
It was a quick trip, Thursday night to Saturday afternoon. It worked out really well though. We got to see everyone we wanted to visit and had a solid amount of weekend time at home, especially since Monday was a holiday for me.
On our way out of Houston Saturday we went to the zoo with my mom. He was very excited about the elephants and kept pointing and saying "ele'pant." As the post title implies, he saw them eating. For days afterward he would tell anyone who would listen "ooo ele'pant ea'ing" as in "At the zoo, the elephants were eating."
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| Ele-pants Ea'ing |
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| Just monkey-ing around at the Zoo on Valentine's Day |
Then April hits with Easter, Ross' birthday, the end of my work craziness and finally, blessedly, four nights in Mexico. Some time in all that we'll also file our taxes, add steps to the back porch addition, get my eyes examined, take Cade to his 2 year pediatrician's appointment, meeting sweet baby Carys (Jon & Erin's soon-to-arrive-bundle) and a host of mundane every day things like shower and eat. Needless to say, by the time we board that flight to Cancun and hop down the coast to Tulum, we are going to be highly in need of some R&R.
And some cocktails.
Nov 27, 2014
A Most Special Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!
We took a one-night trip to Seabrook to see the Lowe family. It was a quick trip but we had one mission in mind: to bring together all four great grandbabies with their Great Grandma for a holiday dinner.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
Woohoo! We had 23 people spanning for generations at our crazy Thanksgiving dinner. Ages 9 months to 89 years. It was an extra special holiday for sure.
Our Thanksgiving adventure we realized upon arriving, was also our first family vacation together. Since Cade was born he and I have taken trips but Ross' schedule hasn't worked for him to join before. This was the first time we all (Lexi included) headed out of town together.
So from our little traveling family to yours - Happy Thanksgiving!
We took a one-night trip to Seabrook to see the Lowe family. It was a quick trip but we had one mission in mind: to bring together all four great grandbabies with their Great Grandma for a holiday dinner.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
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| All 5 kiddos, their "Lowe" parent and Great Grandma |
Our Thanksgiving adventure we realized upon arriving, was also our first family vacation together. Since Cade was born he and I have taken trips but Ross' schedule hasn't worked for him to join before. This was the first time we all (Lexi included) headed out of town together.
So from our little traveling family to yours - Happy Thanksgiving!
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| A coastal holiday for the Black family |
Oct 27, 2014
Glamping Anniversary
This weekend Ross and I celebrated the big oh-five anniversary. IT WAS PERFECT.
Saturday (our actual anniversary) was full of family fun. Starbucks and the park with Cade in the morning and then a full family outing to a family fall fest thing-a-ma-jigger. Mom and Dad arrived at our house just before dinnertime. We had a delicious steak dinner courtesy of the family chef/my stellar hubby and enjoyed a champagne toast. Cade stayed up all the way until 7:45p playing with his grandparents.
Yesterday was our big celebration day. And let me say again IT WAS PERFECT. We left around 9:30a, ran some errands and then met our friends at The Park for brunch and football. I thought we would have about 8 people but we ended up with 11, the surprise of the morning being Jon and Erin joining. We hadn't had all those people together in months. And we had a great table on the patio, could see all three games that we collectively cared about and the mimosas were just $1. Win, win, win.
After the noon game, Ross and I headed out to Wimberly for our glamping getaway. It was so cool!
The place is called Sinya on Lone Man Creek and the owner has done a great job thinking of everything. She showed us around when we first got there and then it was just time to kick back. We had drinks on the porch, ate our picnic dinner of salami, cheese, bread, olives and mushrooms. Then out to the back porch for star gazing from the hot tub. We stayed out there so long we got good and pruney. Then into sweatshirts and a couple hours around the campfire just chatting. We played a game of cards and called it a night around midnight.
We woke up around 7:30a to the first bit of light and then sat on the front porch and watched the sunrise over the hill country. Really. Yes, it was absolutely perfect. Then our hostess brought us a fruit, muffin and yogurt breakfast, complete with fresh squeezed OJ.
I don't think either of us knew how much we would enjoy a day and night like that. It was so so so fun to see our friends. Sinya was beautiful. It was so relaxing to be out away from everything and enjoy the quiet. And most of all, it was wonderful to have so much quality time with my sweet husband. Even though we see each other almost every day and talk all the time, we talked nearly the whole time we were together. Meaningful stuff, not meaningful stuff, everything.
I'd repeat this weekend any time.
Saturday (our actual anniversary) was full of family fun. Starbucks and the park with Cade in the morning and then a full family outing to a family fall fest thing-a-ma-jigger. Mom and Dad arrived at our house just before dinnertime. We had a delicious steak dinner courtesy of the family chef/my stellar hubby and enjoyed a champagne toast. Cade stayed up all the way until 7:45p playing with his grandparents.
Yesterday was our big celebration day. And let me say again IT WAS PERFECT. We left around 9:30a, ran some errands and then met our friends at The Park for brunch and football. I thought we would have about 8 people but we ended up with 11, the surprise of the morning being Jon and Erin joining. We hadn't had all those people together in months. And we had a great table on the patio, could see all three games that we collectively cared about and the mimosas were just $1. Win, win, win.
After the noon game, Ross and I headed out to Wimberly for our glamping getaway. It was so cool!
The place is called Sinya on Lone Man Creek and the owner has done a great job thinking of everything. She showed us around when we first got there and then it was just time to kick back. We had drinks on the porch, ate our picnic dinner of salami, cheese, bread, olives and mushrooms. Then out to the back porch for star gazing from the hot tub. We stayed out there so long we got good and pruney. Then into sweatshirts and a couple hours around the campfire just chatting. We played a game of cards and called it a night around midnight.
We woke up around 7:30a to the first bit of light and then sat on the front porch and watched the sunrise over the hill country. Really. Yes, it was absolutely perfect. Then our hostess brought us a fruit, muffin and yogurt breakfast, complete with fresh squeezed OJ.
I don't think either of us knew how much we would enjoy a day and night like that. It was so so so fun to see our friends. Sinya was beautiful. It was so relaxing to be out away from everything and enjoy the quiet. And most of all, it was wonderful to have so much quality time with my sweet husband. Even though we see each other almost every day and talk all the time, we talked nearly the whole time we were together. Meaningful stuff, not meaningful stuff, everything.
I'd repeat this weekend any time.
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| Glamping selfie before hitting the road this morning |
Sep 24, 2014
Beantown Vacay
Whew! We went to Beantown, we saw family and friends and we made it home again!
Cade and I spent four nights in New England and had a GREAT time. On Thursday we went to Jane's house and had a quiet evening with her and AJ. On Friday we played at home in the morning including a walk around the lake by Jane's house.
After nap, we went on a vineyard happy hour. Cade, ever the sophisticated toddler, knows vineyards well as we also went to one on our Cali trip back in January. Needless, to say, he did great (that is did great in between small meltdowns because mommy went in inside for a refill and he had to play with his delta aunties...still getting to know them after all). Friday post vineyard a few more deltas came to visit and we all hung out in the backyard.
Saturday we migrated to Framingham to see family. We had a lazy afternoon and then a big family dinner.
Crazy Cade took two naps which I thought were just because he hadn't slept super well since traveling and was getting molars but as we discovered upon our return home, was probably in part due to having hand foot mouth disease. (Calling it a disease makes it sound so unnecessarily serious.) I wish I could tell you that Cade was a champ and stayed up for all of dinner and sat at the table eating salmon with utensils like a little adult. But really, he had a meltdown right before dinner and crashed. So the adults ate dinner together and talked and enjoyed wine and had a lovely time while the wee boy slept.
The only bummer of the weekend was Saturday and Sunday nights. My small child was teething and sick and as a result neither of us slept very much at all. However those molars would have come if we had been on vacation or not so at least we got to see family and friends, come hell or molars.
Sunday was a quiet day with family. Walks around the block, a visit to Lexington & Concord and a very civilized dinner together at the table. He ate the heck outta Aunt Linda's mashed potatoes!
Monday we lazed around in the early morning and then hung out with Auntie Linda in the late morning. After nap AJ and Taygan picked us up for the airport. The boys were so cute in the dual car seats! I wish they had been able to spend more time together but there's always next time. We hope to visit Boston often during Cade's childhood. Just the first of many!
And finally, from an airplane perspective, he was a total champ. In all the travels, he only had 5 minutes of crying. And like I said, there was some sickness and molars involved. Five minutes of crying would be exceptional for a healthy babe, but for a sick teething babe is blue ribbon caliber. Also, three adults (me, Nana and Grandpa Jack) to one toddler is absolutely the right travel ratio. They were so much help!!!
Cade and I spent four nights in New England and had a GREAT time. On Thursday we went to Jane's house and had a quiet evening with her and AJ. On Friday we played at home in the morning including a walk around the lake by Jane's house.
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| Lake! |
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| My most fav pic: roomies and baby at the vineyard. Love, love, love. |
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| Family pic before dinner |
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| Before his dinnertime bedtime, Cade LOVED playing with Uncle Winslow |
Sunday was a quiet day with family. Walks around the block, a visit to Lexington & Concord and a very civilized dinner together at the table. He ate the heck outta Aunt Linda's mashed potatoes!
Monday we lazed around in the early morning and then hung out with Auntie Linda in the late morning. After nap AJ and Taygan picked us up for the airport. The boys were so cute in the dual car seats! I wish they had been able to spend more time together but there's always next time. We hope to visit Boston often during Cade's childhood. Just the first of many!
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| Sharing pretzels on the way to the airport |
Sep 11, 2014
We are never, ever getting back together
We are never ever ever getting back together,
We are never ever ever getting back together,
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together
Like, ever...
Ah Taylor Swift, I think you were talking about a boy (the Kennedy boy maybe?) but I am talking about American Airlines.
Supposedly I was going to DC today for my first working mom biz trip. Margeaux was taking Cade to preschool so I could catch my early flight; Nancy was on tap to pick him up and have a slumber party; Ross was scheduled for all-day daddy duty when he got home from shift tomorrow.
Well, I only made it as far as DFW. And then I hung out there FOREVER.
I caught my 8:35a flight from AUS to DFW (Thanks Margeaux!). Quick change of terminals and stop in ladies' room and I was ready for my 10:25a flight to DC. Or 11a flight. Whatevs. But when I got on my slightly delayed flight we were told that some external thing-a-majigger that starts the plane wasn't working so we were getting a new one. 15 minute delay. NBD.
Turns out that thing-a-majigger was not the broken thing-a-majigger. It was a valve actually on the plane. Let's see if one is nearby for quick replacement. Psych! Not so much. De-plane everyone because to do the fix it's gonna be an hour with no AC and it's Dallas so it is 95 out. Try again at noon.
So I went to town on the free DFW wifi and scored some Starbucks. Life could be worse.
When the delay was pushed to 1p, I decided I was skipping out on the company dinner tonight. I wasn't capable of putting my best foot forward or wining and dining anyone. Instead I was gonna sulk with Anna and Ben. But seeing them was a silver lining so I could forgive AA for the delays. It meant Delta time!
Then the delay was 1:20. And because this plane had to be taken full on outta commission, then it was 1:40. Then 2p. OK 2p take off still meant 6p arrival. Plenty of time to grab dinner with my favorite Virginians.
At 2:20p I'm watching the safety video for the third time that day when the pilot says "Some days are just unbelievable..." As in "this is your second airplane of the day but guess what - it doesn't work either!"
Literally 2 minutes after that announcement, before I figured out what the hell I was gonna do, my VP texts me "If you want to go back to Austin that is fine." Sweeter words were never texted.
I rang that flight attendant bell before I even responded. (Thank you boss and boss' boss for being reasonable, compassionate people. Really, it means a lot to me. This is why I was eager to work for you.)
At 2:40p I de-planed my third plane of the day. I asked American if I could get a flight home or if I should rent a car (it's only 3 hours after all). (My VP suggested hitch hiking as the most cost effective route...j/k of course.) The nice agent told me she could get me on a 4:10p to Austin because duh, it's Sept 11 and nobody but me is flying today. (Shot of confidence!) Ugh well 4:10 wasn't bad if it was on time which American was not doing awesome with lately. Nothing earlier?
There's a 3:10 but they'll close the gate at 2:55p for that and it is already 2:43p. LADY I have all my luggage, I'm wearing flats and I am MOTIVATED. "Well I don't want them to slam the door in your face" and then do what - book me on the 4:10p?! Give me a damn chance! I'll make that sprint.
And sprint I did. Across the entire A terminal, into the sky-tram-whatever-they-call-it, past old ladies (sorry if I knocked you down), through ALL of terminal C with a laptop bag banging my left hip and large purse thudding my right ribs. I had leg cramps and couldn't breathe, by dammit, I made it to C39 at 2:53p. I boarded the plane sweating and panting and barely knowing my name.
We took off by 3:15p. Of course I was in the back of the plane (don't give a sh*t) which meant we had the most slope at take-off...and my iphone rolled out of my overstuffed purse. Awesome. So as soon as the seatbelt sign was off, I was down on all fours in my pencil skirt in the aisle looking under chairs for my phone. Bless the lady two rows back with a big purse that stopped the phone sliding. About that time the pilot tells us we've been redirected toward Abilene because of weather that we need to go around and it will DOUBLE our flight time.
Then I ordered wine.
Thankfully as I poured my wine we got clearance to take a shorter route that only put us 10 minutes behind schedule. Things were finally looking up.
I landed at 4:15p, darted out of the airport, back to my car and sped up 130 to preschool to grab my little boy. After re-installing his carseat (which Margeaux had left there for Nancy), I went into his classroom and found him not there. WTF. Thankfully I was informed that he was just enjoying third recess with the toddler class he's graduating to this month. Cool beans. Except when I got to the playground he wanted nothing to do with me. Couldn't I see he was playing with new friends on a new playground?? Besides I promised him a slumber party with Nana and I was NOT Nana. After three attempts and bribery of a movie and junk food, he obliged and came home with me.
Finally back home we ended our (my) crazy day blissfully with Brittany and Kenneth. The kids ate real food for dinner and the moms had wine and guacamole. Then we all watched "An American Tail" movie featuring Fievel. We ended with this sweet scene of the boys reading together on the couch.
PS My American Airlines voucher from Boston travel plan changes has been sold to a sorority sister. Because American Airlines, we are never, ever getting back together.
We are never ever ever getting back together,
You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me
But we are never ever ever ever getting back together
Like, ever...
Ah Taylor Swift, I think you were talking about a boy (the Kennedy boy maybe?) but I am talking about American Airlines.
Supposedly I was going to DC today for my first working mom biz trip. Margeaux was taking Cade to preschool so I could catch my early flight; Nancy was on tap to pick him up and have a slumber party; Ross was scheduled for all-day daddy duty when he got home from shift tomorrow.
Well, I only made it as far as DFW. And then I hung out there FOREVER.
I caught my 8:35a flight from AUS to DFW (Thanks Margeaux!). Quick change of terminals and stop in ladies' room and I was ready for my 10:25a flight to DC. Or 11a flight. Whatevs. But when I got on my slightly delayed flight we were told that some external thing-a-majigger that starts the plane wasn't working so we were getting a new one. 15 minute delay. NBD.
Turns out that thing-a-majigger was not the broken thing-a-majigger. It was a valve actually on the plane. Let's see if one is nearby for quick replacement. Psych! Not so much. De-plane everyone because to do the fix it's gonna be an hour with no AC and it's Dallas so it is 95 out. Try again at noon.
So I went to town on the free DFW wifi and scored some Starbucks. Life could be worse.
When the delay was pushed to 1p, I decided I was skipping out on the company dinner tonight. I wasn't capable of putting my best foot forward or wining and dining anyone. Instead I was gonna sulk with Anna and Ben. But seeing them was a silver lining so I could forgive AA for the delays. It meant Delta time!
Then the delay was 1:20. And because this plane had to be taken full on outta commission, then it was 1:40. Then 2p. OK 2p take off still meant 6p arrival. Plenty of time to grab dinner with my favorite Virginians.
At 2:20p I'm watching the safety video for the third time that day when the pilot says "Some days are just unbelievable..." As in "this is your second airplane of the day but guess what - it doesn't work either!"
Literally 2 minutes after that announcement, before I figured out what the hell I was gonna do, my VP texts me "If you want to go back to Austin that is fine." Sweeter words were never texted.
I rang that flight attendant bell before I even responded. (Thank you boss and boss' boss for being reasonable, compassionate people. Really, it means a lot to me. This is why I was eager to work for you.)
At 2:40p I de-planed my third plane of the day. I asked American if I could get a flight home or if I should rent a car (it's only 3 hours after all). (My VP suggested hitch hiking as the most cost effective route...j/k of course.) The nice agent told me she could get me on a 4:10p to Austin because duh, it's Sept 11 and nobody but me is flying today. (Shot of confidence!) Ugh well 4:10 wasn't bad if it was on time which American was not doing awesome with lately. Nothing earlier?
There's a 3:10 but they'll close the gate at 2:55p for that and it is already 2:43p. LADY I have all my luggage, I'm wearing flats and I am MOTIVATED. "Well I don't want them to slam the door in your face" and then do what - book me on the 4:10p?! Give me a damn chance! I'll make that sprint.
And sprint I did. Across the entire A terminal, into the sky-tram-whatever-they-call-it, past old ladies (sorry if I knocked you down), through ALL of terminal C with a laptop bag banging my left hip and large purse thudding my right ribs. I had leg cramps and couldn't breathe, by dammit, I made it to C39 at 2:53p. I boarded the plane sweating and panting and barely knowing my name.
We took off by 3:15p. Of course I was in the back of the plane (don't give a sh*t) which meant we had the most slope at take-off...and my iphone rolled out of my overstuffed purse. Awesome. So as soon as the seatbelt sign was off, I was down on all fours in my pencil skirt in the aisle looking under chairs for my phone. Bless the lady two rows back with a big purse that stopped the phone sliding. About that time the pilot tells us we've been redirected toward Abilene because of weather that we need to go around and it will DOUBLE our flight time.
Then I ordered wine.
Thankfully as I poured my wine we got clearance to take a shorter route that only put us 10 minutes behind schedule. Things were finally looking up.
I landed at 4:15p, darted out of the airport, back to my car and sped up 130 to preschool to grab my little boy. After re-installing his carseat (which Margeaux had left there for Nancy), I went into his classroom and found him not there. WTF. Thankfully I was informed that he was just enjoying third recess with the toddler class he's graduating to this month. Cool beans. Except when I got to the playground he wanted nothing to do with me. Couldn't I see he was playing with new friends on a new playground?? Besides I promised him a slumber party with Nana and I was NOT Nana. After three attempts and bribery of a movie and junk food, he obliged and came home with me.
Finally back home we ended our (my) crazy day blissfully with Brittany and Kenneth. The kids ate real food for dinner and the moms had wine and guacamole. Then we all watched "An American Tail" movie featuring Fievel. We ended with this sweet scene of the boys reading together on the couch.
 |
| Ah being home with them makes it all worth it. Look how sweet! |
PS My American Airlines voucher from Boston travel plan changes has been sold to a sorority sister. Because American Airlines, we are never, ever getting back together.
Aug 24, 2014
This weekend brought to you by the letter D
Whew, y'all, I am tired. It was a busy weekend! But lemme hit the highlights of our weekend brought to you by the letter D.
Dallas
Brit and I visited Nichole in Big D this weekend! We had a fancy night out on the town Friday with a late rooftop dinner (lobster salad! and oh my goodness, the best house Chardonnay. I've never had a house wine that tasty) and barhopping downtown. She lives right in the city (a loft apartment downtown - so trendy!) so it was like flashbacks to Boston...with cabs, trains, downtown nightlife. Pretty fun! Saturday we hung out at a swanky pool (I'm talking a fountain/waterfall thing, gorgeous blue tile around it and in the middle of downtown, SWA-ANKY) and then had a quiet wine on the couch night.
Double Date
Ross and Cade had a double date with Jon and Rowan Saturday morning. The four of them went to the Austin Zoo. Seriously, the sweetest thing ever. What great dads! I love taking fun adventures with Cade and I'm glad Ross gets to do the same. Icing on the cake was Erin texting me later that when she asked Rowan what her favorite part of the zoo was, Rowan said "Cade." It's a good thing those two have chaperones.
Pool
OK I know this isn't a D word but whatevs. Cade stayed Saturday night with Nancy so I could have 2 nights in Dallas even though Ross had to work early today. I picked my boy up right after his nap and we enjoyed the last official weekend of summer at the pool*. He totally mastered the pirate ship slide which clearly made his day.
Dallas
Brit and I visited Nichole in Big D this weekend! We had a fancy night out on the town Friday with a late rooftop dinner (lobster salad! and oh my goodness, the best house Chardonnay. I've never had a house wine that tasty) and barhopping downtown. She lives right in the city (a loft apartment downtown - so trendy!) so it was like flashbacks to Boston...with cabs, trains, downtown nightlife. Pretty fun! Saturday we hung out at a swanky pool (I'm talking a fountain/waterfall thing, gorgeous blue tile around it and in the middle of downtown, SWA-ANKY) and then had a quiet wine on the couch night.
 |
| I told you we were fancy |
Double Date
Ross and Cade had a double date with Jon and Rowan Saturday morning. The four of them went to the Austin Zoo. Seriously, the sweetest thing ever. What great dads! I love taking fun adventures with Cade and I'm glad Ross gets to do the same. Icing on the cake was Erin texting me later that when she asked Rowan what her favorite part of the zoo was, Rowan said "Cade." It's a good thing those two have chaperones.
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| Aren't they the cutest pair |
OK I know this isn't a D word but whatevs. Cade stayed Saturday night with Nancy so I could have 2 nights in Dallas even though Ross had to work early today. I picked my boy up right after his nap and we enjoyed the last official weekend of summer at the pool*. He totally mastered the pirate ship slide which clearly made his day.
 |
| More slide more slide |
*Trust me, I know I live in Texas. It will feel like summer for another 8 weeks (or more) but the pool hours are getting limited with school starting this coming week.
Jul 1, 2014
Vacation 2015
In addition to having Cade's super awesome summer vacation week, I've been planning my next year vacations a bit. This was kicked off in Pennsylvania when we started talking about the 2015 Delta Vacation.
Let me tell you this: it is lookin' good. Are you ready for the big reveal? OK here it is...
Delta Vacation 2015 is.... Nashville! We're going for a three-day weekend in early June. As a bunch of Type A sorority girls, we've picked the city, the weekend and have a top pick for our lodging. (Val found us this great house.) I suspect by the end of this month, the house will be secured and only plane tickets will be left to purchase...which is really just a matter of waiting on Southwest Airlines to make June 2015 dates available.
30th Birthday Trip is.... Cabo! I had two requirements for my 30th birthday trip: tropical and accessible via direct flight. God bless Southwest Airlines because in November they'll start flying direct to Cabo San Lucas which doubles the number of tropical locations accessible via direct flight from Austin. This is as far as I've gotten on these plans. I know I want an all-inclusive hotel and to go the actual weekend of my birthday (which falls on a Saturday this year). I'll sort out the details this fall when Ross has the vacay days secured.
2015 travel is looking pretty freakin' awesome. Hurray!
Let me tell you this: it is lookin' good. Are you ready for the big reveal? OK here it is...
Delta Vacation 2015 is.... Nashville! We're going for a three-day weekend in early June. As a bunch of Type A sorority girls, we've picked the city, the weekend and have a top pick for our lodging. (Val found us this great house.) I suspect by the end of this month, the house will be secured and only plane tickets will be left to purchase...which is really just a matter of waiting on Southwest Airlines to make June 2015 dates available.
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| Cabo - what's not to like? |
2015 travel is looking pretty freakin' awesome. Hurray!
Jun 23, 2014
#DeltaLakeHouseWeekend
We've been to Pennsylvania and back!
Like so many vacays, I'm home, happy and ready to crash. The post vacation vacation. But I'll try to quickly summarize a great weekend with the Deltas.
Pre-Delta reunion, Ross and I spent a night in Philly. We had a room on the Delaware River and with great access to the city. We took a meandering walk into Washington Square where we had a delicious and picture perfect fancy date night at Talulah's Garden, a local farm-to-table style restaurant. Later Ross said it didn't get more "Cheryl" than that with its outside garden dining in the middle of an east coast city, slightly fancy meal and boutiquey wine menu. After dinner we walked through Independence Hall, eye-spied the Liberty Bell and had a good night's sleep. Friday morning was more meandering and Starbucks for breakfast before heading out to see the Deltas.
Emal's family hosted us at their BEAUTIFUL lake house. Friday, our first night together, was our late night up. Saturday us early birds started with breakfast and then Ross took one of the girls kayaking (or she took him, who knows).
Then this wonderful thing happened: time slowed down. Yes, it was the longest day of the year but minutes just seemed to double in length. Normally when that happens it is because you are standing in line somewhere, or the water won't boil or whatever. Never does it happen when you are having fun. But it did and our lazy summer solstice day together seemed to last wonderfully long.
We went boating, discussed the meaning of life, discussed much less meaningful things in life, caught up on each other's kids (human and four-legged), families, love lives, careers, and all kinds of things. A late dinner on the deck and then s'mores around the campfire. It sounds like an overly idealistic summer day but Delta's honor, it happened.
We all crashed a little bit earlier Saturday night and then Sunday enjoyed a big bacon and eggs breakfast together.
Ross and I hit the road after breakfast, headed back to Philly, flew to Austin, lost and recovered both a piece of carry-on luggage and our car (you'd never know we were seasoned travelers) and then returned home to our sleeping baby and very-happy-to-see-us pup. And like I was kinda secretly hoping, Cade woke up briefly before it was time for us to go to bed so we both had the chance to hug and kiss him; bonus points that his wake-up led to sleeping in this morning.
Hashtag courtesy of Anna...which is appropriate since she and Ben had the original hashtag wedding back in 2011.
Like so many vacays, I'm home, happy and ready to crash. The post vacation vacation. But I'll try to quickly summarize a great weekend with the Deltas.
Pre-Delta reunion, Ross and I spent a night in Philly. We had a room on the Delaware River and with great access to the city. We took a meandering walk into Washington Square where we had a delicious and picture perfect fancy date night at Talulah's Garden, a local farm-to-table style restaurant. Later Ross said it didn't get more "Cheryl" than that with its outside garden dining in the middle of an east coast city, slightly fancy meal and boutiquey wine menu. After dinner we walked through Independence Hall, eye-spied the Liberty Bell and had a good night's sleep. Friday morning was more meandering and Starbucks for breakfast before heading out to see the Deltas.
Emal's family hosted us at their BEAUTIFUL lake house. Friday, our first night together, was our late night up. Saturday us early birds started with breakfast and then Ross took one of the girls kayaking (or she took him, who knows).Then this wonderful thing happened: time slowed down. Yes, it was the longest day of the year but minutes just seemed to double in length. Normally when that happens it is because you are standing in line somewhere, or the water won't boil or whatever. Never does it happen when you are having fun. But it did and our lazy summer solstice day together seemed to last wonderfully long.
We went boating, discussed the meaning of life, discussed much less meaningful things in life, caught up on each other's kids (human and four-legged), families, love lives, careers, and all kinds of things. A late dinner on the deck and then s'mores around the campfire. It sounds like an overly idealistic summer day but Delta's honor, it happened.We all crashed a little bit earlier Saturday night and then Sunday enjoyed a big bacon and eggs breakfast together.
Ross and I hit the road after breakfast, headed back to Philly, flew to Austin, lost and recovered both a piece of carry-on luggage and our car (you'd never know we were seasoned travelers) and then returned home to our sleeping baby and very-happy-to-see-us pup. And like I was kinda secretly hoping, Cade woke up briefly before it was time for us to go to bed so we both had the chance to hug and kiss him; bonus points that his wake-up led to sleeping in this morning.
Hashtag courtesy of Anna...which is appropriate since she and Ben had the original hashtag wedding back in 2011.
May 17, 2014
African Safari Style in Wimberley
Because as you know, the only print magazine I regularly read is Texas Monthly that's what I was reading this afternoon on the porch during part of Cade's nap. Specifically the issue with the weekend getaways cover story. I mean, c'mon, that issue has my name all over it.
The first getaway I spied was to Sinya on Lone Man Creek in Wimberley. And it looked AWESOME. See what I mean...
It is inspired by the owner's African safari travels and the idea of "glamour camping" which is as the Texas Monthly writer explains "for when you want to spend time in nature, just not without your hair straightener." This is definitely my type of camping. Plus in our recent travel conversation on my birthday, Ross said that he wants to take an African safari trip one day (he's said this before so I think it is actually a real thing he wants to do). So when I saw Sinya, I knew it was for us.
And that is how we came to have our anniversary getaway booked. This place is so popular (I'm guessing the recent Texas Monthly feature didn't hurt it), there was only one October date left, the night after our anniversary. Close enough for me. We've got it booked, plus their fancy schmancy continental breakfast to boot.
Woohoo! I am so looking forward to this! What a cool, different thing to go do and within a 2 hour drive!
The first getaway I spied was to Sinya on Lone Man Creek in Wimberley. And it looked AWESOME. See what I mean...
It is inspired by the owner's African safari travels and the idea of "glamour camping" which is as the Texas Monthly writer explains "for when you want to spend time in nature, just not without your hair straightener." This is definitely my type of camping. Plus in our recent travel conversation on my birthday, Ross said that he wants to take an African safari trip one day (he's said this before so I think it is actually a real thing he wants to do). So when I saw Sinya, I knew it was for us.
And that is how we came to have our anniversary getaway booked. This place is so popular (I'm guessing the recent Texas Monthly feature didn't hurt it), there was only one October date left, the night after our anniversary. Close enough for me. We've got it booked, plus their fancy schmancy continental breakfast to boot.
Woohoo! I am so looking forward to this! What a cool, different thing to go do and within a 2 hour drive!
Apr 23, 2014
Things are looking pretty stellar
Yes, indeed things here are looking pretty stellar if I do say so myself!
Tomorrow Ross and I are taking my former coworker out for BBQ at the Salt Lick. The lovely Margeaux and her sidekick Ryan are going to babysit Cade since it collides with his bedtime (and nobody wants a fussy baby at a restaurant). I'm looking forward to everything about this!
Then of course on Friday I turn the big 2-9 (for the first time). Ross and I have a lunch date, then I have a fancy pedicure and then probably some shopping.
Sunday Erin, Jon and Rowan are coming over to celebrate birthdays and Jon's business ownership. Hurray happy hour!
In mid-May I am attending a marketing conference downtown. I haven't been to a conference that I wasn't "working" in ages. I am SO excited! Double excitement because Nichole is coming to town for the conference too!
There are probably more exciting things happening in May but the next thing I can think of right now is the Delta trip in June! One date night in Philly with the hubs and then two nights on the lake with all the girls (and their respective boys). WOOHOO!
And the newest addition to the super stellar list is a trip to Boston! Cade and I are going up there for five whole nights in September. We're flying with Nancy and Jack who are attending Jack's son's wedding on the Vineyard. We were all invited of course but with Ross' work schedule he can't make it. It works out though because Cade and I can go to Boston and Nancy and Jack can be my extra sets of hands for the flying part. I am really really really excited for Cade to meet his Boston family, Deltas and Delta children included.
Tomorrow Ross and I are taking my former coworker out for BBQ at the Salt Lick. The lovely Margeaux and her sidekick Ryan are going to babysit Cade since it collides with his bedtime (and nobody wants a fussy baby at a restaurant). I'm looking forward to everything about this!
Then of course on Friday I turn the big 2-9 (for the first time). Ross and I have a lunch date, then I have a fancy pedicure and then probably some shopping.
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| Because a baby pic is always a good idea |
In mid-May I am attending a marketing conference downtown. I haven't been to a conference that I wasn't "working" in ages. I am SO excited! Double excitement because Nichole is coming to town for the conference too!
There are probably more exciting things happening in May but the next thing I can think of right now is the Delta trip in June! One date night in Philly with the hubs and then two nights on the lake with all the girls (and their respective boys). WOOHOO!
And the newest addition to the super stellar list is a trip to Boston! Cade and I are going up there for five whole nights in September. We're flying with Nancy and Jack who are attending Jack's son's wedding on the Vineyard. We were all invited of course but with Ross' work schedule he can't make it. It works out though because Cade and I can go to Boston and Nancy and Jack can be my extra sets of hands for the flying part. I am really really really excited for Cade to meet his Boston family, Deltas and Delta children included.
Feb 26, 2014
Ah..."Vacation"
Last Thursday our family piled into the cars and drove to Seabrook/Galveston. Cade was going on vacation to my parents' house and Ross and I were headed out for a cruise to Cozumel with Ryan and Margeaux.
Well as it turned out Cade's vacation to Seabrook was much more successful than our cruise.
In bullet point fashion (because I am feeling too lazy for paragraphs) here's how it went down
Most importantly though, Cade had a GREAT visit with my parents. He was super well-behaved and enjoyed lots of quality time with family he doesn't see very often. I'd definitely count that as the win for this vacation.
Well as it turned out Cade's vacation to Seabrook was much more successful than our cruise.
In bullet point fashion (because I am feeling too lazy for paragraphs) here's how it went down
- Beltway 8 was closed near 59 and we were detoured. I had never driven on 59 ever so we had to pull over, which woke Cade up from his nap, and reroute.
- The ship's departure was delayed several hours due to fog.
- We stood in line for three hours. Pre-trip online check in proved to have no benefit. We asked and they actually told us there was no value in it.
- Our room was direct above the propeller. Like bottom deck, right on top of it. Very noisy.
- Day 1 was cool and foggy. Not awful, but not great.
- Our excursion to the Mayan ruins was canceled.
- When we asked about other ruins excursions we were told the Cozumel ruins were REPLICAS so did we really want one of those anyways. No. No we did not.
- Day 2 was a high point. We arrived in Cozumel to beautiful weather, had a nice day on the beach and got some good tans/sun burns.
- Day 3 was OK. Fairly good weather.
- Day 4. Well there wasn't supposed to be a day 4.
- There was so much fog near the port in Galveston that we spent a whole day within 12 miles of the dock but unable to dock.
- They hadn't planned on us being on board so the hot tubs were closed and there were no planned activities. (Though I will say the ship staff tried really hard to offer entertainment. They really did their best.)
- So even though the decks were open, it was cold and foggy and damp. So everyone cramped into the few indoor common spaces. The largest of which was the casino. Which permitted smoking.
- The ship internet didn't work due to the fog so I couldn't even attempt to do any work and not fall behind.
- Day 4 became night 5. Night 5 away from our baby.
- At 10 or 11p when we went to bed, I developed an inexplicable swollen left eye. It looked like I had been punched.
- Until 12:30a when we were able to pull into the dock but then could not get off the boat because there were no customs agents.
- Pulling into the dock at 12:30a with the propeller under us was less than awesome.
- Comically the only day we really took pictures was our day in Cozumel. So our photos make it look like an awesome trip. See below.
Most importantly though, Cade had a GREAT visit with my parents. He was super well-behaved and enjoyed lots of quality time with family he doesn't see very often. I'd definitely count that as the win for this vacation.
Jan 21, 2014
Californ-I-A
The Baby Cade and I survived our first plane trip and vacation! We spent three nights in the San Diego area with my brother Kevin and his wife Carly.
I'm officially brain-dead from travel (and because the crazy baby wanted to sleep in bed with me every night except that meant that "sleep" only applied to him; I was awake all night trying to make sure he didn't roll outta bed) so you'll have to stay tuned for more pics and stories.
For now though, enjoy this gem of Kevin and Cade playing peekaboo during Cade's first vineyard trip.
PS The Deltas and I decided that "first vineyard" is a thing, just like first step or first word.
I'm officially brain-dead from travel (and because the crazy baby wanted to sleep in bed with me every night except that meant that "sleep" only applied to him; I was awake all night trying to make sure he didn't roll outta bed) so you'll have to stay tuned for more pics and stories.
For now though, enjoy this gem of Kevin and Cade playing peekaboo during Cade's first vineyard trip.
PS The Deltas and I decided that "first vineyard" is a thing, just like first step or first word.
Dec 15, 2013
Girls' Getaway to Horseshoe Bay
Friday afternoon (after the all important 9 month photo shoot with Cade), I packed up my swimsuit, clothes and champagne and drove to the Horseshoe Bay resort for a night away with Brittany and Nichole as part of Nichole's birthday celebration. I was SO excited. I'd been wanting to go out there for four years.
It did not disappoint. The resort was great, all decorated for the holidays. We had a room on the 6th floor with a view of the pool. The cocktails were delicious, the hot tub fabulous and the company couldn't be beat.
As I've just wrapped up 2 hours of work, I am going to let the pictures tell the rest.
It did not disappoint. The resort was great, all decorated for the holidays. We had a room on the 6th floor with a view of the pool. The cocktails were delicious, the hot tub fabulous and the company couldn't be beat.
As I've just wrapped up 2 hours of work, I am going to let the pictures tell the rest.
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