The last weekend of April was a very special weekend for a special 10 year old. We celebrated Angelica's First Communion. Greg was a sweetie and arranged my travel arrangements to Florida, and I was going solo. I had mixed emotions about my trip. I worried about the boys and what kind of chaos I was going to arrive back home to. But, thanks to the wonders of technology, I got to skype and see my kids, and of course that melted my heart.
When I arrived, I stayed with my cousin Gracie. Gracie & I grew up together like sisters and are very close even though we don't see each other often. But somehow we manage to plan a trip and see each other once a year. And this year we got to see each other twice!! One thing we have in common is enjoying a nice outing and great food. The biggest goal on my trip was to enjoy an adult beverage and warm dinner, something I don't get to enjoy often. So, let me tell you about my fabulous time in Florida and the fabulous food I consumed.
Day 1: included lunch at Crispers. I had a fantastic Asian Flatbread Salad. Eating a salad may not seem that great. BUT it was GREAT. You see, when your a SAHM, it's not likely that you'll get a nice healthy salad for lunch. Your mind is traveling 100 miles per minute trying to sit your kids, cut their food, get them to eat, get them to stay quiet, get them to eat, pick up spills, get them to sit. I mean it's a BIG job trying to eat out. Therefore, Crispers was the number one place I wanted as soon as I stepped off the plane. Then we headed to pick up Angelica from school. She was so excited to have me in town. I felt like a princess staying in her two-toned pink Paris bedroom. Then we headed to see the Twincess. That's right I got to hold two pretty princesses. My cousin Annabel was blessed with two beautiful baby girls a month ago. Aryianna and Natalie were so precious, makes me want to have another ;) And I can't forget to mention Nickolas and Ayden, Annabel's other adorable kids. Nickolas is four months older than Dylan so it was such a treat to play with him. He is such a happy toddler, always laughing and giggling. I can still hear his contagious laughter as I type. Ayden is one month younger than Ethan. He is now my buddy on Draw Something. Even though I missed my babies I got to play and love on my cousin's kids.
 |
| Holding 1 Month Twin Princesses |
Then we drove to my Aunt & Uncle's house in Daytona and had homemade Enchiladas, beans & rice. Growing up we spent almost every weekend at their house in Plainview. We came over for cook outs or just for my parents to enjoy coffee and dessert. It was a neat family tradition and to this day, they still have Sunday dinner. All five of their kids and grandchildren come over to enjoy Sunday dinner and family time. What a great tradition huh? After we left we grabbed an adult beverage, and it was very yummy!
 |
| Enjoyed a Bahamarita |
Day 3: Sunday was a big day for us. Angelica made her first communion. She was beautifully dressed in a white beaded dress, sparkling tiara and matching veil. The Catholic Church was beautifully decorated with white lilies. I didn't bring my camera and my phone was dead so no pictures on this day :(
The reception was held at Buca di Beppo, which was my first time there. Greg loves Italian food so I'll definitely have to take him to the one in Frisco or South Lake. After our heavy lunch I enjoyed a sweet coconut iced gelati at Jeremiah's Ice. Then we walked off those calories at the outlets. However, all that walking made me hungry again so we had puerto rican food for dinner. I had some of the best fried plantains ever.
Day 4: This was my last day to sleep in. We woke up and had lunch at Panera. It's not everyday I get to enjoy a salad, sandwich combo on a patio so I took advantage. Actually, I think it's been two years since I had Panera, I used to go there for lunch when I worked.
We headed to the beach after lunch. What would my Florida trip be like if I didn't at least get my feet in the water? The weather was great and the temperature water was to die for. Everything was just so perfect. We walked down the board walk and had an early dinner. Of course I had to get my seafood fix in and enjoyed a Mango Mojito with it. On our way home from the beach, we laughed as we listened to snoop dogg and reminisced of our high school days. AHH, the memories.
Day 5: I guess there really wasn't a day five in Florida. I had to get up before the sun on Tuesday Morning to catch my flight back to Texas. The boys were so excited to see me. Well, Ethan and Greg were. Dylan was a little apprehensive and would look at me and look away. After they picked me up from the airport we enjoyed breakfast at IHop. Then Dylan finally warmed up to give me a big smootch. I brought back a stuffed alligator for Dylan and Ethan asked for a shark and alligator. Cousin Gracie got Ethan a shark tooth necklace and zoo (lots of safari animals) and Angelica bought him (with her own money) a pointer. Yes, a pointer, I'm not sure why but Ethan has always asked for one. Ethan loves all his gifts but he especially loves is pointer.
I am very grateful that my husband was gracious enough to plan my weekend trip away under our currant circumstances. He did an outstanding job with the boys. I didn't receive not ONE call during the entire time! I am also very grateful that my cousin and I are still have a very close relationship. Even if we did absolutely nothing, we still enjoy our time together. She was an amazing host and I appreciated every detail of the weekend. I am very spoiled and loved!
