A Girl's Trip

My best friend, Tamara, and I decided it was time to take a girl's trip.  A girl's trip.  I haven't been on a girl's trip since my bachelorette party in 2010.  If you're counting, that was 8 years ago!  It was a girl's trip that was a long time coming!  And, oddly enough, we decided to head back to where we did our family vacation - West Palm Beach, FL.  My mom flew into town and stayed with Kate and Maya because Brian happened to be out of town for a food show that same weekend.

I left on Thursday and came back on today.  While we were away, we celebrated Tamara's 35th Birthday!

On the night before I left, Kate requested I leave her
a note.  (Not that I had anything else to do before
leaving for a trip.)  So I made her a note.

And one for Maya too, of course!

Mimosas and shooters for the birthday girl!

Thankfully we didn't get stuck in a pour down on
this day...

Happy 35th Birthday, Tamara!

We've been BFF's since 7th grade...over 20 years
ago, people!

Chatting with my littlest.  The first time I've EVER
been away from her overnight.  Over several nights!

Love them and their love!

We decided to do brunch at this incredible resort called The
Breakers.

It was fabulous!

We have vowed to figure out a way to stay here
one time.

Simply exquisite in every sense of the word!

Blue babe!  This was before we stuffed ourselves full
of amazing delicacies.

It was nice to get away.  It was nice to sleep in.  It was nice to eat a warm meal without anyone on my lap.  But, by Saturday night I was missing my babes big time.  I am a creature of routine and home is my happy place.  I so loved spending time with Tamara and I'm looking forward to doing it again.  But I am also reveling in the sweetness that I laid next to in bed tonight.

Playdate with Friends

We had two of Kate's friends come over today, Sophie and Reagan, and Kate and Maya loved spending time with them!  They made brownies, ate lunch, played, and we took WAY too long getting them both home but we did it and Kate loved seeing her friends from Polar Bears.  Sophie and Reagan will both be going to a different Elementary school but I have a feeling we'll be able to keep these friendships going!

This girl LOVES her pup!

Oh em gee!  Just melt my heart please.

Sophie, Kate, and Reagan!

Lunch goers!

Red, White, Pink & Hearts

We have really been celebrating the Valentine's holiday approaching.  Not only have did we send out some valentine's to Kate's and Maya's Grandparents and cousins, we received yet another Valentine's package (this one from Gramma and Pop Pop), we made Valentine's cookies with Mimi and Papaw and, we hosted two cupcake decorating playdates - one on Saturday and one on Sunday!  That emoji with the heart eyes is us, literally.

A box full of Wockenfuss?!  Yes, please!!!

Yummy fruit slices!

Valentine cookies and Mim's and Pap's house!

Our first cupcake decorating was with one of Kate's good friends,
Sammy.

There was lots of sprinkle tasting!

And a little cupcake decorating!

And of course indulging!

And our second cupcake decorating was with another good friend,
Libby!

These two!

We've had lots of sweet treats and may or may not be sweeping up sprinkles for days!  We definitely enjoyed our extra time with these two favorite friends this Valentine's Day weekend, in addition to all the other Vday related things we received and did, and hope you enjoyed yours as well!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Fall Fav: ECO Center

Last year we attended ECO Center's grand opening and we knew that we'd be back next fall for more fun!  We decided to invite Kate's very best friend ever, Libby, and she and her mom, Jenni, met us there.  It was a perfect fall day and so absolutely wonderful to support a friend and see how much has changed in a year at this very cool place.

ECO Center is thriving.  In the last year they've added a ton and even gotten land grants to help fulfill other dreams.  They have clear goals for expanding and have done such an awesome job with what they have.  We had an AWESOME time together!  Libby and Kate just adore each other.  Maya was wonderful, as usual, and Jenni and I have really enjoyed getting to know each other through our girls being best buds.  The friendship between these two runs deep and I'm glad we've been able to get them together outside of school!

Kate and Libby rode on the barrel train first!

And this was the best "How Tall This Fall"
photo I got.

Libby and Kate take over the corn bin!

And meet a new addition, a bunny!
By the way, that's Emily too!

On the train again!  Kate in the tiger car, Libby in the zebra!

Or "Libs" as Kate says!

My littlest pumpkin!  Emily let us borrow her
daughter's old pumpkin hat because there was a
lot more wind out than I had anticipated!

Libby coming down the tube slide!

And then Kate!

They went down this slide no less than 47 times each!

And had so much fun every single time!

Just waiting in line for the tube slide...again...

First taste of s'mores!

I would say they were BIG fans!

Best friends!

I adore Kate's expression in this photo!

This is totally one of those photos that needs to
be reenacted in, like, 15 years!

Libby is such an adorable friend and her Mom, Jenni, is awesome too!  I am so proud of Kate for already picking an excellent choice in a friend and I look forward to these two keeping in touch for many, many years!

Aside from my car not starting on the drive home, it was a PERFECT fall day, and we were so happy to spend it with Libby and Jenni, outside, at ECO Center!  Mark my words, we will be back!