Almost every summer since we were in college, my mom, sisters, and I go on a girls trip somewhere. Hey, I'm game for shopping, yummy food, a fun city, and time with the ladies I love most any day!! From what I can tell, last year (2012) is the only year we have missed going somewhere since at least 2006 when the tradition started (my blog post about our 2011 trip covers pictures and links to all our past trips). This year we decided to go to Houston because it's an awesome, big city with tons to do, and Rachel lives there so it would be less travel and a free place to stay! So, off we went the weekend of June 14-16.
Ben was on daddy duty and took Wells to his parent's beach house for the weekend where his whole family would be. I knew that he would be in great hands and wasn't worried about leaving him one bit, but this was still the longest I had ever been away from him (2 nights) and I knew I would miss him like crazy. The morning that I flew out Ben informed me that Wells was holding his bottle by himself... that was new and made him seem so much bigger to me all of a sudden!
When we arrived, Rachel picked us up from the airport and we dropped our luggage off at her house. I had not been to her new house before (she had moved since the last time I visited her in Houston) and loved getting the tour and seeing where they live and visiting with her puppy Ollie. We headed out for lunch at Benjy's in Rice Village, which was absolutely delicious and a really fun atmosphere. From there we went shopping in Rice Village, where we absolutely lucked out and found tons of great clothes. Before we stopped shopping for the day, I wanted to stop by my favorite kid's store in Houston, Doodles, to get some things for Wells. Apparently, everyone else was exhausted and shopped til they dropped, literally.
After shopping, we recharged, relaxed, had some wine, and got ready for dinner at Blue Fish
We had a bunch of small plates and sushi to share all together. I hadn't had sushi in a while and I LOVE it so this meal was much enjoyed and filling.
The next morning I was excited to see my happy boy's smiling face back at home via picture message.
We went to Kolache Factory for breakfast- apparently Kolache's are a Houston (or Texas) staple, but I had never even heard of this breakfast goodness- different combinations stuffed in a buttery roll. I got bacon and egg and sausage and egg. It's probably a good thing we don't have one of these nearby or else I would drive thru and pick them up as a snack!
After breakfast we stopped at Rachel's office, Marie Flanigan Interiors, to see where she works her magic every day creating beautiful interiors and met her wonderful boss. Then we spent the morning shopping at Highland Village (well, mainly at Anthropologie... man that place is awesome). While we were there, my friend who lives in Houston, Megan, came and met up with us! Last year when I was in Houston we got to go to lunch and I met her son Jack, and this time we got to hang out and meet her baby girl Maggie! I so wished Wells were with me so that we could have had a baby play date but it was still fun just to visit.
We were all shopped out so we went for a late lunch at Banaby's Cafe, a cute little dog friendly (on the porch) restaurant with amazing Tex-Mex and sandwichy lunch food. OMG this was so fresh tasting and unique.
Since we still had the whole afternoon and we all agreed we didn't need to do anymore shopping, we went and got pedicures!! This was such a treat for all us busy moms and workers who don't treat ourselves to pedicures ever (except when I was pregnant and I refused to paint my own toes). The place we went even threw in complimentary neck and upper back massages- ahhh it was the perfect icing on our shopping day cake!
Ben was great at sending me pictures to update on what they were up to at the beach and with this picture I was assured that Wells was having an awesome time!
That night we went to dinner at Crisp. Because we had a big, late lunch, none of us were starving so once again we got several different things and shared.
Sisters
Momma
Our last morning, we went to Brasil for Sunday brunch before going to the airport and saying goodbye. If you live in Houston, you probably don't need restaurant suggestions because the options are endless and amazing... but if you go to any of these places I mentioned in this post you won't be disappointed. The trip was absolutely fantastic and I can't wait to see what our next girls adventure will be. We love you Rachel and appreciated you housing us, driving us, and being such a guide through your city (and thank you Hollis for letting us take over your house and kicking you out; hate we didn't get to see you)! blurry pic, but Bye Rachie & Ollie!
When we arrived back at home, there was no rest for the weary. On top of it being Father's Day (none of us realized it was Father's Day when we booked our flights for the trip) it was also Day 1 of my busiest 2 weeks of work for the whole entire year. I had a work event at the airport that afternoon, so I dropped off momma and Natalie, changed clothes, picked up Ben's father's day gift, and went back to the airport for work. Thank goodness Ben and Wells came to see me at the airport!!!
I was so glad to love on my boy after being away for 2 days and see Ben and wish him a Happy Father's Day! He certainly showed how amazing of a Father he is over that weekend of being able to do it all by himself and spend such quality time with Wells. Love these boys so much.
The next 2 weeks were jam packed with so many hours of work events day and night. I didn't get to see Wells and Ben much but we got through it all and I appreciated everyone help in taking care of Wells. Rather than putting in a separate post, here are the pictures from the 2013 Distinguished Young Women National Finals events.
State Specialty Party with the Bradfords
I worked for a whole weeks with these fantastic young ladies, the Has Beens, on service work throughout the community and a Has Beens Show that we all created, practiced, and they performed (youtube clip of the show here). This picture was taken at the Alumnae Reunion that I put on as well.
and these are all of the incredible women that I work with.
So, Houston was amazing and that led into a fun National Finals, but I admit that I'm glad all the busyness is over and things are back to normal around here (hence the fact that I actually have time to update my blog now).
