Just What I Needed

~On Friday, my brother rushed over so I could get out of town. I've been needing a break for a while and headed to California with Brooklynn for a few days to do girly stuff.
~Upon arriving to Cali, I went straight to Wine Country in Temecula for a surprise dinner for my mother in law for her 61st birthday. It was outside at a winery and so beautiful, such good food, and such good company. She had no idea we would be there, so it was a fun surprise.
~On the way to Debbie's Mary and I stopped at Target to get some formula for Brooklynn. We looked at some clothes for her also, and before I knew it, she had bought Brooke a bunch of clothes. They are so cute.
~That night I spent the night in Temecula and stayed up chatting with my cousins. The next morning we took our time getting ready and made a quick stop for Christina to find a hat before heading to my soon-to-be-cousin's bridal shower. The invitations requested that everyone wear a hat. I got a great hat 75% off at Steinmart and won 2nd place in the "Best Hat Contest"! It was a beautiful shower at her Mom's house with about 30 women. I met some of her friends and had a great time.
~About 5 hours later, we left and headed to the OC for dinner with the girls, this time with the other side of the family. My Mom's best friend Sue's birthday is this week, so her, Wendy, Lana, my Mom, Brooklynn and I all went out to dinner. We had a 4 course meal and opened presents.
~Then this morning before I headed home, my Mom and I went to Ikea. There are a few things I have been wanting to get, and found most of them. Got a small birthday present for Ellie, and some 20x20 picture frames for my hallway upstairs. After Ikea, we met Sue for lunch at Chili's, then hit the road. Brooklynn didn't make one sound all the way home. I drove straight through (although the outlet stores in Barstow were calling, rather yelling my name) I didn't want to press my luck with Brooklynn. She has been hating the car seat lately.
~walked in the door 3.75 hours after leaving to big hugs from my girls and a kiss from the boy, with dinner on the stove. Can't ask for a better weekend!

While I was gone, Brian took the girls to soccer (Al scored 3 goals) and then took them camping in Mt Charleston. Can I just gush for a minute about how wonderful of a husband I have? They had so much fun and so many great stories for me when I got home. He does such a great job of making sure they have a fun childhood.