Luxury

Last week Nic and I went on a fabulous trip to San Diego. Hunter Industries, a big sprinkler supply company, sent some people (and spouses) from Nic's former company, Gomez Landscaping. Knowing that we were leaving the company, we discounted going on the trip, but Clark, Nic's boss, said Nic helped earn the trip for them to go... so we went! And it was wonderful.(Clark and Ann)

Nic's parent's watched the kids Wednesday afternoon until Thursday evening. Then my parents and sister, Lisa, watched them until Saturday evening. We are so, so grateful for their love and service in our behalf! I knew my kids were being well taken care of and well loved!(a few things from the place we stayed)

On our trip, I felt like I was in a whole other world... filled with luxury living. Warm. Green. Relaxing. Delicious. FREE! We stayed in the Four Seasons Resort, super nice. The guys had a tour of the Hunter factory and some hands on product learning on Thursday and part of Friday. So I got to sleep in, read, one morning I got a room service brunch (an egg white omelet and fresh squeezed oj on Hunter!), a manicure with Ann (also on Hunter!), read by the pool, a nice walk in the courtyard, hot tub with Nic... and we all got to eat at some fabulous restaurants. The food really was amazing but the atmosphere was even better. There was a delicious Mexican restaurant with guys playing the guitar as we ate, an exquisite seafood place that sat right next to the ocean, and even a fun breakfast out on the patio at a place in Sea Port Village also next to the ocean.(room service)(Jenni - Do you think it's big enough?! We sure didn't go hungry!)

Our Friday afternoon was spent at Sea World, which was also so fun. We watched the sea lion show and the Shamu show. Unfortunately the trainers didn't get in the water with the whales. But I am still so amazed at what the whales learn to do. (I was sad the dolphin show was closed the day we were there.) We rode on the Atlantis ride and Jenni and I got pretty wet. I got to pet the sting rays. We saw polar bears, beluga whales, dolphins, sharks, and more. It was really fun, but I just kept thinking about how much Hannah and Bryson would have loved it. (Elmo and Zoe were even there.) We'll have to go back one of these days. (sea lion show)

(Brandon and Nic)(touching the sting ray... soft and slimy)(In the shark exhibit. There were sharks behind and above us... to bad you can't see them.)The trip was fabulous and much needed. Although I sure missed my kiddos, it was so nice to have some time to myself, to read without feeling guilty, to have a break from fixing dinner and doing laundry and also so much needed time with Nic. We'll have to do that again!( I didn't get a picture of Ryan, Becky, Alan, or Laurel... hopefully I'll get some from Alan! We sure enjoyed spending time with all of you.)

One Shining Moment

There are very few things that bring Nic to tears
...or even close to tears.
Listening to "One Shining Moment" on Sunday was nearly one of those moments.
I'm not quite sure if it was from sheer disappointment.
His Tarheels won't even be participating in the big dance.
Or if it was from complete joy and excitement.
Welcome March Madness!