Rejuvenation

I have been heard to utter the words..."I need to runaway, I need a vacation, I need to do something besides fold laundry, prep & clean meals, and be a referee."  I think all of us mom's can relate.  Sometimes we need a break...an hour, a day, or for me 5 GLORIOUS days.  Last Wednesday I hopped on a flight out of Austin and headed for sunny Orlando, FL.  I went to visit friends who are more like family.  I left for 5 days, Ben took time off from work and took on the task of 3 crazy kids full-time.

The airplane ride was AMAZING!  I have forgotten what it is like to fly by...my...self!  I ordered my snack (didn't have to share), got a soda (didn't worry about which stranger my kids were going go to dump it on), and sat back and watched a movie (with NO interruptions) and just relaxed.  It was simply heavenly!

Once in Orlando Wilsons picked me up and we were off for a quick sandwich at Fire House Subs, and some Italian Ice at Rita's (I would be in big trouble if there was one of these here...sugar free Italian ice is fabulous)

Thursday we went and had breakfast at Mc Donalds (a long time tradition) and started the celebration of this little man turning 1!!  We ran errands all day and that evening had a celebration for the birthday boy. A extra bonus was we could see the last and final launch of the Discovery Space Shuttle.  Although it was more of a smoke trail in the sky ( I could see the orange of the boosters) I still thought it was pretty cool to witness.

(the big birthday boy)

(The Discovery Space Shuttle)

Friday was a day that will go down as one of the top 10 best days EVER.  We went to Disney World first and then that night went to WICKED.  I have waited a long time to see this musical, and it was well worth the wait.  A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!

I walked around the whole day saying, "This is so FUN!"  

 I am in LOVE

Saturday was full of shopping.  We hit up several malls, outlets, etc.  H&M...MAC...etc.  (Have I mentioned there is NO shopping in Temple TX)  Ate at Panera Bread, and finished the night with some great Mexican Food and more Rita's.  Let's see...shopping and eating...great combo!

Sunday we got a few last minute crafts in and shed lots of tears as we said goodbyes.  It was a perfect trip.  I had soo much fun and by the end I had started to miss my family (it took a good day or two).  It was just I needed.  Some "me" time.  Trips like this don't happen often so I need to document every minute, so I can look back and remember how rejuvenating this time was.  Thanks to my wonderful husband for making it all work so I can go and to great friends for letting me come (and spoiling me)!

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day

We started the morning with some valentines goodies, both from mom & dad, and grandparents. 

For dinner we had breakfast, always a hit in our house.  Orange juice, bacon, berries, and HOT PINK pancakes.  How did I get them HOT PINK you ask?  I'll let you in on my secret....I added pureed beets. Ssshhhh...don't tell my family, they don't know.

 We finished dinner with some play time in the backyard and chasing bubbles.  It was a great day.  I even got some red roses and a large diet coke!  What a smart hubby.

Snow Day

Apparently the term "snowed in" mean two very different things to Texans vs. Iowans.  While most here in Temple ran to the grocery store to stock up (not sure if it was for food or amo) and get ready to hide in doors for the snow "storm" (please understand I use the word "storm" very lightly) we Fluhmans laughed & taunted the snow storm.  It came, it dropped a WHOPPING 1 1/2 inches, and we woke up with some VERY excited kids.  I had to dig through a box to reclaim all our snow apparel, and we put it to good use all morning.  After about 20 minutes Isaac announced he was done and went inside, but the rest of played for awhile.  The snow was very dry, not snowball or snowman kind of snow, but still white and fluffy all the same.  By 2pm that same afternoon it was melting.  This is the kind of snow storm I could get use to.  Proof that it really does snow in Texas.

That Face

Ya...I get that face a lot.

Little Man

I love this little guy.  This stage, 21 months, is pretty dang cute.  He runs around the house playing chase.  When his dad comes home he runs to the garage door and waits for him to come in, and squeals in delight.  He is getting more opinionated with what he wants to eat.  He refused to eat a quesadilla and instead scarfed down lasagna.  He loves to go down the slide head first.  He thinks he is such a big kid.  I just took him to the doctor (ear infection and nebulizer treatments) and he weighs 26lbs.  He IS a big kid.    The other day Ben tried to read him a book.  Spencer refused to sit on his lap and ran away.  Ben looked at me and said, "when did this happen...he's not my baby anymore."  It's true.  As much as I try to hold on and force him to lay in my arms like a baby, the truth is he is getting bigger.  It has it's perks, and I know it's what's suppose to happen. But, man...it happens so fast.  In April he will be 2!!!  I'm not ready.    But with all that said, he is still my sweet little man.  And I really do LOVE this stage.