Myrtle Beach

Mike and I had a wonderful time in Myrtle Beach this past weekend. It's about a 3 1/2 hour drive from where we live. Mike took a half day off work on Friday and we drove down Friday afternoon. We had decided to stay at a less expensive hotel so that we could have more money to go do fun stuff, but after we checked into our hotel we decided it was too gross so we only stayed there one night. The second night we stayed at the awesome Marriott Resort at Grand Dunes. It was beautiful! They had three pools, a huge jacuzzi, a wonderful restaurant, nice rooms, and their own private beach. Next time we will know better and just go for the nice resort!

I love to play miniature golf, but we have failed to find any place near us to do so. I told Mike I didn't care what else we did, but we had to play mini golf! I was ahead of Mike until the 17th hole and then he ended up beating me by one stroke. Blah!

This is the view from our resort window. So gorgeous! I loved opening the sliding door and listening to the waves and smelling the ocean air.

We definitely took advantage of the gorgeous pools. I don't think Mike has been in the water for several years, which is odd considering we used to go swimming a lot while we were dating.

Our room also overlooked the pool area. Doesn't this look like fun?

I really wanted to get a picture of both of us, but I'm too chicken to ask a stranger to take one. So, for now a shot of each of us will have to do.

We had a wonderful get away. A big Thank You to Gramma Daniel for coming up to watch Dylan so that we could spend some time alone.

It's Only Been Four?

Perhaps it's because we dated for such a long time before we were married, but it is hard to believe it has been only four years since our wedding. We have experienced many adventures over the course of four years...a broken down car in the middle of nowhere Iowa, college graduation, first 'real' jobs, moving to Las Vegas, buying a house, buying a dog, having a kid, moving across the country to North Carolina, changing jobs, finally owning two cars, and on it goes. Through all of this we have remained committed to each other, our family and our future.

I just want to say Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband. I'm so lucky to have you in my life and I look forward to all the adventures that are still to come. I love you!

(There will be no picture today. We are spending the weekend in Myrtle Beach...(alone!)...and I hope to get a few good ones while we are there.)

My Favorite Things...Today

I'm not really sure why, but I feel like thinking about my blessings. For the sake of not being generic, here is a list of my favorite things that happened today.

1. I love that I finally found a stylist who does my hair exactly how I want it done (well, at least good enough. I still love Destiny the most!)
2. I have no idea what time Dylan actually woke up this morning. He quietly read a book in his crib until I came in to get him.
3. Mike didn't put up much of a fuss when I told him that he needed to watch Dylan all morning so that I could get my hair done.
4. Taz got a much needed bath...courtesy of Mike.
5. I broke down and drank my first 180 in 3 weeks! Boy, did it taste good! I figured I could reward myself for staying away from them for so long.
6. I was able to finish ALL of the laundry in one day. It usually becomes a two or three day chore.
7. We were able to spend the entire afternoon together, as a family.
8. We ate pizza for dinner!
9. I had a pleasant conversation with my Mom about how to make potato pearls.
10. I realized (again) what a wonderful life I have and that I am very richly blessed.

The Little Gym

Today was the last day of summer semester for Dylan's Little Gym class. Some people have been begging me to take pictures of him during class...I finally remembered to take my camera today.

This class has done wonders for Dylan. While he is still a very anxious child, he has progressed leaps and bounds physically and socially because of this class. I was so impressed with the things he has learned, I signed him up for the Fall, too. It has been a great investment for us.

Dylan loves to show how brave and stable he is by constantly walking across the balance beam. I about had a heart attack the first time I turned around to see him walking on it by himself. He has yet to fall off it.

I love this class because it encourages bonding time between Mom and child. Dylan laughs and smiles the entire hour. Let's just say that Thursday's are usually good days.

Dylan also loves to climb over and under the parallel bars.

Dylan usually spends about half the class crawling inside the tunnel.

Class time always ends with bubbles. All the kids love to chase the bubbles around. Dylan got a little upset with me because I was laughing at all the bubbles stuck in his hair.

Thank Goodness For Friends

To say that last week was a rough one would be a huge understatement. We all have drama and conflict in our lives. I don't know about you, but for me it all seems to hit at the same time. Add to my personal dramas, the fact that Dylan and I both were sick and, well, let's just say that last week is one I would like to forget.

At times like these, I really use my friends as a support system. Whether they provide a shoulder to cry on, words of wisdom, or a great distraction - my friends are my sanity!

I am lucky enough to have found a great group of women who are very good at providing the aforementioned distraction. We celebrated our new friendships this past weekend by enjoying a Girl's Night Out at The Melting Pot. It was the perfect, uplifting end to a rather crappy week. Thanks to Jill, Christy, Renee, Heather and Noelle for a wonderful evening.


And to those friends who I don't get to see in person, I think of you all often. I have truly been blessed just to have crossed paths with you. I miss my Ohio, Michigan, Utah and Las Vegas friends a great deal, but you all hold a very special place in my heart. The memories we've made can never be erased.

Again, I say, thank goodness for friends.