Thursday, May 15, 2014

Weekend Getaways

Thursday, May 15, 2014

The past few weeks for us have been so busy and fun! Phil and I both spent some time at bachelor/bachelorette parties for Steve and Vanessa, respectively.  And Maddie was able to enjoy some alone time with each of her parents for a whole weekend! Wow! 

I travelled to Pompano Beach, FL, which is near to Ft. Lauderdale and spent the majority of the time laying on the beach and taking the sun. Jay and I had a great flight full of quality conversation, talking tons about God and opening up our Bibles mid-flight. And once there, we opened gifts and ate pizza. The next day, we began the morning by sitting by the pool, had a late breakfast once the rest of the ladies woke up (they stayed up late swimming in the ocean) and then headed down to the beach to do some yoga. Fun! We each wrote  a blessing/prayer for Vanessa and shared it with her then, after some snacks and more pizza, headed back down to the beach/pool to relax. When a storm rolled through, we went back upstairs and played some board games before going out to the most fabulous dinner. What a fun day! The next and final day, we spent at the pool as, one by one, all of the ladies left for their flights.  We rounded out the trip with a limo ride back to the airport and a quick nap on the plane before our reunions with our families.  It was good to be home! What a fun time! 
Jay, Vanessa (the Bride-to-be!) and me upon our arrival

Fun in the Sun! Lounging at the pool. 

Phil then had the opportunity to get away the next weekend.  He travelled by car with his brothers, Taylor and Nathan, to Plymouth, MI.  The guys enjoyed playing life-size Jenga, paintball and whirley-ball. They ate well, between the huge bowl of oatmeal Steve served for breakfast, some cookies made by me and one of the other wives and Mongolian BBQ at a nearby restaurant. From what I hear, the conversation was hilarious and the events were fun (and painful). Both Phil and I are left super excited to reunite and see all of Steve and Vanessa’s friends and family next month at their wedding.  It’s going to be fun!  

(Apparently, Phil didn't take any pictures in his trip. Hmmmmmm......) 

Meanwhile, Maddie and Daddy went for a visit to see Taylor and the cousins while i was out of town.  They watched Frozen and, I am sure, lamented about how much they missed their wives.  ;)  Grandpa was there, too.  Check out these adorable pictures: 
Fun with Dad! 

This picture is just way too much for me to handle. 

Maddie and Mommy decided to use their time alone by visiting the indoor pool, which seemed like a good idea to Mommy.  Maddie, though, was a little scared and clutched onto me the whole time.  It was very very loud in there and I think the new atmosphere was overwhelming.  We’ll try again one day and see how it goes. We also spent Mother’s day at the Lincolnshire Marriott for Brunch. YUM! It was nice being with my family while we waited for Phil to get back home from his trip. 
Maddie with her Auntie Meagan, and cousins, Brandon and Henry. 

Maddie loves her Auntie Danielle and Uncle Mark! 

Phil also surprised me with some Mother’s Day gifts before he left. He got me a beautiful pandora charm for my bracelet, which he had Maddie hold and present to me.  And then he said he was running out to the store to get some last minute items before setting out on the road, but returned with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. I am so blessed! 
My blossoming gifts: flowers and my Maddie, who is growing way too fast!

Other happenings: Maddie and I decided to go to the petting zoo this week.  It was so much fun! 

I also celebrated my friend, Puja’s, birthday at the Melting Pot. One of my favorite places with one of my favorite people.   
Whenever Maddie sees this picture she turns to me and says, "Puja! Puja!" 

I have sewn a few things recently: 
Some new pink shorts for my little sweetie pie

and this cute little dress. 

And, our plants NEED to go in the ground. They are getting so big! Phil turned over the soil yesterday, so hopefully we will get to planting this weekend. These pictures are from a week and a half ago and the zucchini are twice as big now. I can't even zip up my greenhouse! 




That’s all!