Girls Get Away

The first weekend in April my awesome friend Jeri and I left our husband's, kids and all the responsibilities that go with them behind and had a "Girl's Weekend" I think all mom's and wives can agree, these special times spent with close friends are so important to recharge our batteries! Jeri and I met 14 years ago while working our way through college at Red Lobster. We immediately hit if off, and realized we have a ton in common! Even though our lives have changed a ton since we first met, and we don't get to see each other often, we always pick up right were we left off, just like great friends do. 

Jeri drove down from Minneapolis Friday night and we headed to Kansas City for the weekend. Our first stop was in Osceola at the casino for the prime rib and crab leg buffet. This was quiet the people watching experience for sure! With our bellies full, we headed down the road. We got to KC just in time to have a couple of glasses of wine and lots of giggles before calling it a night. Saturday morning we had appointments for pampering at a highly recommended spa in the Country Club Plaza area where we were staying. It was completing amazing and so relaxing! While I was waiting for Jeri to finish her massage I was able to finish up a book, have a cup of tea and just sit and enjoy the quietness. Pure bliss! After the spa, we explored the Plaza area, did a little shopping and ate an amazing lunch at a place called Spin. After lunch we shopped a little more and then headed back to the hotel for a nap...yes a NAP! Not just lying down and thinking about the stuff I should be doing instead, an actual NAP! We had made a reservation for dinner at a recommended restuaranct and were able to enjoy a beautiful night out on the patio. AMAZING food, wine and atmosphere! 

Sunday we slept in...almost until 8 am! Woo hoo! We grabbed a hotel breakfast and headed out.

It was such a great time to reconnect with my friend. Thanks for a great weekend...can't wait for the next one! 

Easter blessings

Easter was early this year, I am late in blogging! We had a busy weekend, enjoying an amazing church service on Saturday afternoon (our church held 9 services with nearly 24,000 people attending Easter weekend). It is so amazing to go to church on a Saturday afternoon thinking you will have a great seat only to feel the love and presence of God at a full house! 

The nearly impossible task of capturing a decent picture where everyone is looking, no sun in the eyes, eyes open, no hair in the face, no goofy smiles, yep these are my blessings, imperfections and all! 

After church we changed out of our Saturday best and dyed our Easter eggs. 

The beginnings of a meltdown as he is impatiently waiting for a turn with the dye. He has perfected the pouty face lately! 

All better! 

Easter morning Carter and Claire were up before 6.  They patiently waited until 7:15 when we decided to wake up Prince Charming from his beauty rest 
(yes both Case and Jeremy) The older two had fun passing the time spotting eggs outside while waiting for their brother and dad to join the festivities. 

Claire trying out her "Stompee's" the Easter bunny left for her! 

Chocolate for breakfast anyone? 

Special homemade Easter baskets from Grandma Berry. 

After the morning festivities, we met my parents, grandma Mehlmann and my sister at Prairie Meadows for Easter buffet. It was completely amazing! We stuffed ourselves silly. At one point my dad asked, " I wonder how long we can stay here?" I don't even want to know how much weight I gained. I still feel full 2 weeks later! I have also decided I need to hide the Easter candy out of my reach...I can't stay out of it! Those darn Cadbury Creme eggs and jelly beans just call my name....I hear them now.....