The past two weekends, I've had the opportunity to "escape" Temple, Texas and head 2 hours North to Dallas. Both little trips helped to break up the monotony of day to day life and helped me recharge.
Getaway #1
Over Easter weekend, the kids and I drove up to Colleyville to visit my cousin Karin and her family. Karin and Brian have five adorable boys that my kids had a blast with. We were able to attend Adam's baptism and meet their new baby Luke as well as visit with my aunt, uncle and cousins who were there from out of state. It was so fun to see family, and Karin and Brian were great hosts! Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures but here are the pics I managed to get.
The kids spent all day Friday and Saturday outside swimming. (You've gotta LOVE Texas in April).
We went to Babe's chicken for dinner and it was FABULOUS. (And this is coming from someone who usually doesn't like fried chicken). Cousin Jill was so nice to go do the Hokey Pokey with Abbi and Austin.
On the way home, the kids made sure I stopped at the Czech stop. The Czech stop is a little bakery in West, Texas that makes Kolaches that will blow your mind. Here is Carter with the huge selection of baked goodness.
Getaway #2
Time Out for Women
A couple of months ago I got a flier in the mail for Time Out for Women, sponsored by Deseret Book. It sounded like just what I needed. (Colby had been traveling and/or on call with some frequency and I was ready for my very own weekend away). My wonderful husband agreed to my plan and I was able to talk some good friends into going to Arlington with me for the weekend.
We had a blast! We shopped and ate and relaxed and talked and ate and were uplifted and shopped and ate some more.
Becca, Megan and I at Sam Moon.....possibly my favorite store on the planet. Imagine an entire (huge) store full of purses, neclaces, earings, bracelets, sunglasses, etc. It's a girl's dream come true.
Megan and I shopping at the Highlands in Dallas. Oh.My.Heavens. It was so nice to be somewhere with so many stores.
Pedicures. Need I say more?
The conference was right by the Texas Ranger's stadium, it was beautiful!
One of the many fabulous places we "dined" at on our trip.
At the conference on Saturday.
My favorite speakers were Sara and Kate from the blog "our best bites." They were so fun and down to earth, plus they have an amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe. (okay, and about 200 other amazing recipes.) Not a great picture but I had to include it.
On the way home we had to stop at QT and get a blast from our Iowa past with their amazing slushies and fountain drinks.
And this is what happens when you're married to a podiatrist and you come home from a girl's trip complaining of swollen feet and throbbing varicose veins. Thanks doc. (just for the record, it totally helped.... and by the way, just how cute are my toes?)
P.S. As I am rereading this post I realized there are a lot of delicious food references... there's a chance I might have been hungry and/or seven months pregnant when I blogged this.
