While we were away....

When we were trying to plan our trip a few month back it started to get complicated.  We had to work with 4 different groups of people to make it work, us, the P's and a set of grandparents each.  Normally, we just rely on my Mom since she is retired and always looking for a reason to come and visit but the weekend that worked for everyone else didn't work for her.

So we asked my Dad and Sheila if they were interested and they responded immediately 'YES'!  From then on the planing started and before we knew it, Kolby and Devon were coming to!  The weekend that we chose to be away ended up being one of the busiest yet!  In addition to all the regular activities we ended up throwing in Grady's school concert and 2 birthday parties.  At the same time.

When I first heard that Grady's first concert was going to be the Friday we were away, I was sad.  The kindergartens didn't participate in the 'Winter Concert' aka Christmas concert but had a spring one instead.  However, they only released the date the month before.  It probably best I didn't know ahead of time or I would have had a hard time booking the trip.

Even though James and I were away, there was an entourage of people there to support Grady, including Nana and Cooper.  Kolby videoed the whole thing and we enjoyed it when we got home.

When Kolby first sent me the picture below I couldn't tell which one was Grady.  The one with the hat right across his face!

Grady also got a few early birthday gifts.  He loved his new hoody and hat.

I can only imagine how many intense games of mini sticks took place while we were away.  Devon even pranked us by texting us and telling us that Grady shot a hotwheel into the TV.  It wasn't so far fetched that he had me going there for a bit!

Speaking of hockey, the Stanley Cup was won while we were away and the let the kids stay up late to watch the game.  Then it went to double overtime.  But they PVRed the OT for the kids to watch in the morning.

Kolby and Devon took just Grady to the mall and he got to pick out his birthday present.  He chose a blue jays shirt.  I'm told that by the time that they got home, Cooper was already sleeping.  He was a tired lad. I was also told that Grady is a master procrastinator when it comes to bedtime, which I already knew of course but nice to have it confirmed by someone else!

The kids played soccer like normal.  It was spitting when they left but decided to try to go anyway.  Kolby said that there were only 4 kids to start but they started showing up later.

Cooper told me he scored lots of goals and Grady said they played a really good team and that players number 5 and 8 were really good so he only scored one goal.

We weren't sure if we were going to face time but in the end decided to risk it.  They don't get bothered by talking to us, it more bothers me that they don't want to talk to us!  Now that Grady is getting older he was thrilled to chat with us and show us his flag book he made.  The first thing he asked was when we were coming home.

I had drawn an airplane on the calendar on the day we left and then a house on the day we came home so he would have an idea - apparently that didn't work.  I loved that he wanted to chat!

 

I love this photo of Devon and the boys.  Kolby said he learned to nap with 2 kids on top of him.  I can only guess that they were watching the hockey game....

I got a random text from Kolby part way into the first day asking me how Cooper knew all the NAscar drivers.  Good question Kolby, good question.  There is currently a Kyle Busch costume on order for the young lad who wanted to be Kyle Busch last year but we couldn't find his size.  This year, Mama shopped early!

 What a way to come home.  I nice big welcome home sign and some homemade balloons.  Grady was so excited to show it to us.

 Getting away on this trip wasn't easy, it took a lot of planning, and a lot of involvement from many people.  In addition to ones in this post, we had Marla, Auntie Bo, and Uncle Dave each playing a role in making this weekend possible.

 

We are so lucky to have so many people that love our kids enough to take time out of their busy lives to watch them.  I am so happy that James and I got the break we needed to recharge and relax, but I am also happy that the boys got to spend some quality time with their family that loves them so much.  Hearing how much everyone enjoyed their time with the kids and hearing how they were well behaved young men in our absence was music to our ears.

 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

 

If I asked the boys what their favorite part of the weekend was I am sure they would say playing hockey, or maybe Grady would say coloring.  In their minds, that was super long ago, so I didn't bother asking.  But I did ask the others what they thought was the best part of the weekend.

 

Kolby said listening to Cooper talk about all his race cars and how he knows all the race car drivers.  She also enjoyed getting the kids ready for bed at night, getting Pjs on, bathing, and reading books.  (That is so not my favorite!  You can come and do it any night you want!).  She also enjoyed taking Grady to the mall just her and Devon.  Devon got asked what his father's day plan was with his little one.  Not mine dude, lol.

 

Sheila said that she enjoyed chatting while they colored and watching the 2 boys interact with each other, it is so cute when they talk to each other.  I can't help but agree, it is so funny to listen to their conversations and to see them play together. Makes me smile.

 

Dad said that he enjoyed playing hockey with the kids.  I've seen dad get into those mini stick games so that doesn't surprise me. 

 

Devon was to tired to answer when Kolby asked, so I am going to guess that he enjoyed napping with the kids laying on him.  Who doesn't like to be cuddled by kids!

 

My kids are still talking about their visit so while this was the first time they watched the kids... I'm sure it won't be the last!

Shopping in Vegas

Shopping was so much fun on our shopping trip.  I think have the fun was that we were literally shopping for the exact same thing.  We had our summer style me pretty  list in one hand and our wallets in the other.  My shopping list was substantially shorter than Stacey's so we started her list right away.

 

The first store we went to was Loft, one of Stacey's favorites.  And I can see why... we spent 2 hours in there!  This outfit is one of the first she tried on and I instantly loved it!

Look at that big smile!

I loved the white denim jacket.  LOVED.  I loved it so much I went to get one for me to try on.  While I did love it, I already have a denim jacket and hesitated taking the plunge for a second.

 

She on the other hand was scared of white and opted to try on the denim jacket with {{gasp}} printed pants.

 

She bought this entire outfit!

She looked great in this outfit to.  We were on a roll with starting to check things off her list!  I was so proud of Stacey for grabbing these printed pants on her own.  Just over a year ago when her and I went shopping, I tried on my very first pair of printed pants and when I came out, she told me they were 'interesting'.  I bought them anyway.

 

As we were checking out with her large pile of stuff (I didn't find anything)  they told us she could get 15% off her purchase if you signed up for a Loft card.  She had one look at her total and decided to go for it.  While they were processing her new card she started adding to her pile and before you know it, I was buying the white denim jacket.

 

Success at Loft!

I wear my blue denim jacket every other day during the summer and have for the last 3 years.  I am expecting to wear this one just as much.  And with that, the shopping seal was broken!

 

Once the men decided to do a 7pm poker tourney, we quickly directed our attention to the Fashion Show mall.  We I had a list.  One of the blogs I read always posts about her great purchases from Nordstrom, so although intimidating, we ventured in equipped with my list.  The first stop was shoes where I purchased these bad boys.

 

After looking for a few other items on the list and coming up empty handed we were off to the other store I wanted to go to, The Limited.  I had some success last time I was there so decided to try it out again.  I got this top.

 

 

This is totally outside my comfort zone as I am not generally a floral kind of girl, but there was something about this blouse I likes.  I'm hoping I'll have a chance to wear it in the challenge as a printed top.  I was slightly annoyed as when I went to the site to find the links I noticed that the sale items are now 50% off and there was a very cute yellow skirt I tried on that would have been a perfect match but I passed on it. Boo.

 

Here are Stacey and I at the limited.  I bought the dress hiding under the white denim jacket that is way to big.  I wanted to see what it would look like with my newly purchased one sitting in the hotel room.  I don't think Stacey bought either of the items she is wearing.

 

The next day we were up early so we decided to the mall first and the pool second.  We were at the mall so long, there was a point that I wasn't sure we were going to make it to the pool!

 

Here is Stacey reading her list and seeing what else she needed.

 

The shirt she is wearing in the above photo was purchased, and then re tried on in the next 2 stores.  I was sure she was going to bring it back, but in the end kept if for the $15 it cost! 

 

Here is a photo of Stacey and I stepping outside our comport zones.  Me in palazzo pants and her in a maxi skirt.  When we walked in the store Stacey told me she wouldn't walk with me if I bought the palazzo pants.  I think she liked them more once she saw them on.  So did I really.  We both bought them!!

 

We were in the Dress Barn.  I had never heard of it but Stacey wanted to go in as people on the challenge FB page were talking about it.  I must admit we met some pretty funny people in that store.  When I first tried these pants on I had a printed shirt on so I need the plain tank you see in the pic.  Well the older gal helping us left and was gone for what felt like forever before coming back and telling me sent so and so to look for it then she would bring it to her and then she would bring it to me.  I must have looked at her like she was crazy.  I could have just gotten it myself.

 

While I was trying to decide on the pants I asked a woman coming out of the change room if she thought my pants were crazy, she told me that she worked in the 'corporate world' and that they wore them all the time.  She proceeded to tell us her life story in line. 

 

We stopped for lunch shortly after this store and the mall filled up while we were gone.  At this point we had so many bags and the aisles were so small that we didn't fit through very easily.  I even sat down while Stacey navigated.  She said she had never seen me sit down while shopping!  True that!

 

 

I think it is safe to say our shopping trip was a success!  We finally made to the pool around 3.  Now that was a day of shopping!

 

Speaking of the pool, look at this fedora hat I never thought in a million years I would buy and actually wear!

 

 I actually bought it the day before I left.  It is hard to tell, but it has a cute peach bow on the side and that little detail sold me.  I must have tried it on 3 times before finally deciding to buy it. I needed a second opinion so I texted Dee and Candace for their advise.  They of course told me to buy it.  So I did. 

 

It was amazing how many fedora hats we saw in Vegas and especially at the pool.  I felt a little uncomfortable but quickly learned to love my new hat.

 

We also noticed a few other trends that were very obvious and also a part of our shopping list.  These metallic sandals were everywhere!

 

We reluctantly bought a cheap pair each and proceeded to wear them over the weekend. 

 

Maxi dresses and skirts were everywhere!

 

There was something about this print that caught my eye.  I wore this entirely new outfit out on our last night, including the wedges that you can barely see.  This reaffirmed the love for my new white denim jacket.

 

Palazzo pants, we saw on everyone, everywhere.  I've never seen anyone wearing them here but I hope that maybe I am just a few months ahead on this fashion trend.  Now I have to decide if they are work appropriate with a cardigan instead of a jean jacket.

 

How can you tell we were shopping together?

 

Both of us showed up in the lobby to catch a cab to the airport in essentially the same outfit.  Love it!

 

The shopping portion of our trip was a blast and I think we got some great deals. I am so excited to wear all of my new stuff.  Did you know that when I buy something new I leave it on the bench in my room before I put it away?  Well I do, so I will be busy trying to incorporate my new duds in the challenge the next few weeks!

 

Thank you Stacey for stepping out of your comfort zone with me.  You were a great shopping companion.  I hope you've already snipped the tags off of all your purchases!

Style Me Pretty Challenge - Week 2

I can't believe how excited I get each day to get the email that will tell me what to wear the following day.  The little things that excite me....

Day 4.  Bright Tank + Printed Shorts + Fedora + Long Necklace + Wedges

Today I took the day off to take Cooper to Butterfield Acres, a farm within the city limits.  It rained all day so that was cancelled and I had a few hours to myself while he was a school.    Since I was off I followed the casual wear outfit as show above.  Since I had time I showed the summer option even though there was no chance of stepping out of the house like that.  I'm not sure I'm a big fan of wedges for everyday.  I prefer them more with skirts or for 'dress up'.  On a hotter day, I would for sure wear this outfit. 

The outfit on the left was my actual outfit.  All items I already had, except the fedora, which I did wear to bring the kids to school and to run a few quick errands.  I did not show you my shoes as I wore rain boots all day.  For real.

Day 5.  Printed Top + Denim Shorts + Fedora + Statement Earrings + Metallic Sandals

Friday is a casual day at the office so I opted for grey denim pants (Joe), my star shirt (Loft), red pumps (Nine West), and a statement necklace instead of earrings.

Because of the office AC, I can't wear just short sleeves, and that is OK with me as I love layering, even in the summer.  I actually love how this outfit came together.  I felt trendy but still office appropriate. 

When I get home I am thinking of ditching the blazer and adding a denim vest to celebrate Nana's birthday supper at our place. 

Day 6. Bright T-shirt + Khaki Shorts +  Long Necklace + Wedges

This was another tough day for me as I don't have khaki bottoms.  I was secretly hoping for a maxi/palazzo pant day.  Maybe tomorrow?  In the end I used the bright cardi instead of a Tshirt.

I actually ended up changing my shirt after this pic to a plain white one.  I came downstairs and my Hubby said he liked it but was surprised I was wearing stripes on stripes.  Which is so true!  I was aware of it but thought no one would notice.  Since he noticed it I had to change!  He said he still liked this version better.

I bought these metallic sandals just for the challenge and I am liking them way more than I expected.  A good $12 spend.

Day 7.  Bright Tank + Maxi Skirt+  Long Necklace + Metallic Sandals

Finally, maxi skirt day!!  The downside is I don't even get to wear it.  Sunday was Grady's party so I had a request to wear a specific outfit....  Here is the outfit I would have worn today and the outfit I actually wore.  For the record, I wore the same metallic sandals as yesterday!

Grady requested that everyone wear a hockey shirt, this is the only one I have so this is the one I wore.  Cooper had a party later that afternoon where they splatter paint all over the place so I changed from this into jeans and T that I wasn't worried if it got ruined.  So I will patiently wait for the next maxi skirt today.  Stacey suggested I could have worn my maxi dress and claimed to be the referee. Now why didn't I think of that!

Day 8.  Bright Cardigan + White Blouse + Navy Pants + Neutral Flats or Heels

 

Today was an easy day for me as I had everything I needed pre challenge.  Except, I had to do laundry the night before.  The white blouse had a makeup stain and I already missed wearing it last week of the challenge because it was dirty so I sucked it up and washed it. 

I am a shoe person, so while the challenge called for neutral flats, I just couldn't do it.  I was going to wear my leopard flats, then decided to just go with the heels.  I always feel more dressed up when I wear heals.

 

Day 9.  Printed Top + Khaki Shorts +  Statement Earrings + Wedges
Today was my day off and Grady's birthday so I went for the casual option.  Khaki.  Again. I stuck with the printed top and swapped out the khaki for colored jeans since I was volunteering at school.  I bought a pair of wedges specifically for the challenge yet haven't worn them yet.  To me they are for dresses and I just can't see myself wearing them with shorts or even with jeans unless I am going out with my friends or to work.  So the wedges were swapped out for flats.

I misread the statement earrings for long necklace.  Oops.  I read the email at night and then get my outfit ready without rereading.

I bought this jean vest about 2 weeks ago and couldn't decide if I was going to keep it.  While I really like it, I wondered if it was to similar to a jean jacket.  I decided that the reason the vest is different to a jean jacket is the fact that it is more a 'shirt' and I feel like it is part of my outfit instead of my jacket.  I snipped the tags and wore it out today.  I am happy I did.

My favorite outfit this week by far is Day 5, the star shirt and blazer.  Followed by Day 9, the jean vest outfit.  It is funny how some of the outfits I end up loving while others are just OK.  I love seeing the different spins that people put on the same outfit.  Really really enjoying the challenge.

Check out the looks that the other ladies in the challenge have put together!

Shoes to Shiraz | Just Jordan | Blog by a Herzog | RSquared | Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life |

Grumbling Grace | 2 Teens & Their Mama | The Kelly's |

A Little Lovely Wardrobe | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | 

Family Love Inspiration Education | A Little Bit of Life, Love & Fashion |

Foxy's Domestic Side | My Running Stitches | Leading a Colourful Life |

Happy 6th Birthday Grady!

Grady,

This year has been a year of change for you, new school, new friends, new independence. You have grown up more this year than I ever would have expected. You have become this independent young man who puts his shoes and jacket on all on his own to go to school. You go to kindergarten every morning and often don't tell me a word of what goes on there. What ever you are doing while at school, you are just soaking up information and amaze me everyday with the things you know.

Despite this new independence that comes with 'big boy' school, you are still my sweet little boy that randomly kisses my hand and loves to snuggle first thing in the morning. You still rush to the door to greet us after work and tell us you love us all the time.

While we still have our trying moments where you don't always listen, the major meltdowns have decreased in frequency (now its your brother that melt downs regularly). People always said that things got better at 5 and I am starting to think they were right. You are a growing up to be such a young man, and a young man I am proud to call my son.

 Now let me tell you a little bit about your 6 year old self.

You love hockey, like, LOVE hockey.  You live, eat, and breathe hockey.  You insist we buy boxes of cereal because they have a hockey player on the box, you watch the play off games and can tell us what the score was, you play more mini sticks than I care to admit.  Right  now, hockey is your current obsession.  We don't know how long it will last but we love to see you so passionate about it!

Your favorite hockey team is the Calgary flames and your favorite player is Mike Cammalleri because that is the name on the back of your Flames jersey.  Taking you to your first Flames games this year was a moment I'll never forget.

While you still love to draw, you have combined it to incorporate hockey.  You draw the hockey team symbols or have us print them off and color them.  You draw hockey rinks, hockey sticks, hockey players and the list goes on.  We are happy to see that you are still nurturing your artistic side.

You wear a hockey shirt or jersey every day if you get to choose.  Which you always do because you never like my choices.

You are very into flags.  When the Olympics started you started a lesson on the flags of the world and you took an interest in it.  You draw flags, make flags from beads, and often come home from school with a painted canada flag, or the calgary flames emblem.

You refuse to wear jeans.  Only comfy pants.  Lucky for you I found 4 pairs at Target for a bargain price of $4 a pair!
 .   

You are growing like crazy.  You eat nonstop and complain that your legs hurt.  Hence the need for new pants!

Nicknames.  For years, you had no nicknames, not one, while Cooper's list of nicknames went on and on and on (and still does!).  As of late, that has changed.  I now call you G on a regular basis and 'Grade' is becoming more and more common.  I love that we have found those cute little terms of endearment for you.

 

Knock, knock jokes have also made an appearance in the house.  Dad taught you your first one and you think it is hilarious.

Knock, Knock

Who's there?

Interrupting Cow
Interrupting Cow who?

Moooooooooo! (while interrupting the other person)

We often here you and your brother telling knock knock jokes long after you should have been sleeping.  Your Dad and I think it is to cute to intervene.  Isn't that what having a brother is about?

You are loving school.  You never say you don't want to go and don't put up a fight when we say it is time to go.  Part of that is because your best buddy Alex, who lives right across the street, is in your class.  You have made many new friends this year and I just love to see you coming out of your shell a little.

You are still a shy kid.  You rarely talk to someone that hasn't talked to you first.  You do this funny thing with your tongue that means you are shy or uncomfortable. 

Lately you have been going to bed around 830.  Ideally, I'd like for you to go to bed at 730 but as the days are getting longer, we spend more and more time outside and the bedtime creeps later and later.  As long as you are being good, I don't stress about the later bed time to much.  Besides, that way I get to spend more time with you.

You sleep with your night light on, the bathroom light on, your lava lamp on, the bedroom door open, and the closet door closed.

You sleep in your underwear, just like dad.

On the weekends when you get up you crawl into bed with us for snuggle.  Ironically, you and Cooper usually come in at the same time.  Something tells me that you always wake Cooper up when you get up.  You have always been the earlier riser.  Thankfully, your wake up time is later and is usually in and around 7am.    The days of the 5am wake up are long gone.  A stage I thought would never end.

You are slowly learning to read.  The odd time you will surprise me and tell me something says.  Most times I think you know your books by memory.

You are learning to add.  One day you just started doing it.  You often ask me to add numbers with you.  Maybe you will be an accountant just like your mama!

You are a better eater than you used to be. You still won't touch your fruit and veggies with a 10 foot pole but you are more willing to try foods.  You'll eat broccoli.  At least we get one veggie in you mouth.

You are perfect in my eyes.  A little grumpy at times and not as much of a talker as I'd like but perfect just the same.  Don't change.  Just be you.  Because I love you just the way you are.

Happy 6th Birthday Grady!

Love,

Mom

Interview with Grady - Age 6

Grady's 6th birthday is tomorrow.  Tomorrow.  We've been so busy this spring that his birthday literally snuck up on us.  Despite the craziness of this month, I sat our birthday boy down to ask him his yearly questions.

Italics are my comments.

 

What is your name? Grady.  Obviously. 

How old are you turning? 6

What is your favorite color? Red.   While he may not volunteer the info, his favorite color is red because it is the color of the Calgary flames.

Who is your best friend? Alex and Xavier.  Not surprising since he plays with these boys almost every day.  Love having neighbor friends!

What is your favorite animal? Dog.  Not sure where this came from.  He isn't really a big fan of dogs. 

Whats your favorite subject at school? Recess. Interesting choice since I think they have only had recess about 10 times this year.

What do you want to be when you grow-up? Hockey player.  Not likely.

Who is your favorite hockey player?  Kiprusoff and Cammaleri

What is your favorite show? Hockey

What is your favorite book? Brady Brady (A preschool hockey series)

What makes you happy? When my friends come over

What makes you sad? When my friends don't come over

What is your favorite food to eat? Spaghetti and meat balls

Favorite treat?  brownie

What is your favorite song to sing? I don't like songs.  Maybe Oh Canada?  Oh Canada is the most sung song at our house.

What games do you like to play?  He didn't come up with anything

Favorite Sport? Hockey. Surprise surprise.

My favorite thing to learn at school? Centers.  These are generally tables set up with different activities and the kids can choose what they want to do.

When I was little I used to? Poop.  True that!

My favorite season of the year is?  Winter because there is a skating rink at westside.

A food I don't like is? Peas

My best memory is? When I turned 4.  I have no idea what made this birthday so special.  Not sure he understood the question.

I love hearing the answers straight from his mouth.  Some surprise me and some not.  You can tell more and more that his friends are becoming important to him and he is developing interests similar to his friends.  It will be interesting to see if this stays the same next year.

Viva Las Vegas!

This past weekend, with a lot of help from other people, James and I headed to Las Vegas with our friends John and Stacey.  We went 5 years ago with them and had a blast so it was only a matter of time before we went again.  We arrived in sunny HOT Las Vegas around 2, dropped our bags off and headed out to grab some food and drinks.

It was smokin' hot out.  We opted to sit on the patio anyway since we've only had a handful of nice days back home so far this year.  They had misters going on the patio to keep you cool.  They would have been great if the wind wasn't so fierce and blowing the mist in the opposite directions.  We devoured our fish tacos and nachos and had to decide what to do next.

The boys were itching to play some poker, and Stacey and I to get to mall.  It was perfect.  We headed to Loft where Stacey would do some serious damage.  Funny how when left the restaurant and parted ways with the men that John told Stacey to spend lots and James told me not to buy anything! 

It was so much fun shopping with Stacey as she is doing the summer challenge to so our shopping lists were the same.  We had so much fun that I opted to do an entire post to our shopping outing.

I had to post this picture.

Only in Vegas can men show up in the change room at Loft with beer in hand!

Since the guys entered into a 7pm tourney we decided to hit the Fashion Show mall down the strip.  I really wanted to go to Nordstrom.  We only had 2 hours at the mall so our shopping was very targeted, good thing I had a list.  I walked into the shoe department, told them the shoes I wanted to try, and bought a pair.   

We had supper at a pub at 10pm and stayed there until after last call which oddly enough was right around 1am.  Before we knew it, Thursday was done.

Friday morning, we arrived at the outlets minutes before they opened at 9am.  That was a great choice as by 1pm we couldn't move the stores were so busy.  More on this in the shopping post.

Friday night we headed to the old strip.  Loved it!  It was James and I's first time and we couldn't get over the great vibe on the strip.  We took in Mike Hammer, a magician/comedian with a show at the Four Queens casino.  It was fantastic.  WE payed $25 for these tickets and the show was great.  Very funny and about 75 minutes.  I'd see him again in a heart beat. 

James even got brought on stage.

After the show we walked around and took everything in.

Group shot!

The men decided to zip line down Fremont Street. If you look closely you can see them in this photo.  While they waited in line, Stacey and I checked out what people were wearing and comparing to our challenge shopping list.

Saturday was devoted to relaxing by the pool for the ladies and more poker for the men.  We were by the pool bright and early.  The guys left around noon to get ready for their game.

And we stayed by the pool all afternoon.  I even convinced Stacey to get these yummy mango mojitos for a bargain deal of $30!  They were so yummy they tasted like juice.

We left the pool around 5 only because we had to get ready for the night festivities.  We spend 7ish hour by the pool at 35 degrees and didn't even burn.  Every time a spot got hot I zapped it with more sunscreen.  Maybe that is why we went through more than a bottle over the weekend between the 4 of us!

Saturday night we had tickets to Micheal Jackson One put on by Cirque du Soleil.  While the tickets were pricey, the show was phenomenal.  I'd see it again. I love Micheal Jackson music and the performance and special effects were something else. 

This is John's first selfie.  It went very smoothly after he got the phone pointing in the right direction!

All in all it was a perfect trip.  A girls trip and a couples trip rolled into one.  The guys got to play poker and ladies got to shop.  We enjoyed mornings and evenings together and just had so much fun.  At the airport on the way home we talked about what our favorite part was and all of us decided that we liked it all.  There was nothing I didn't like.  If I were forced to choose my favorite activity it would be the pool day followed closely by the Micheal Jackson show.  But as I said, I really loved every moment.

Why we waited 5 years to do this again is beyond me.  I know it won't be 5 years before we do it again.  Thanks for a great trip John and Stacey!

Stay tuned for the 2 post to follow about the other parts of our trip, after we celebrate Grady's birthday!

Style me Pretty Challenge - Week 1

Starting today, and for the next 3 Wednesdays, I'll be showing you the outfits I put together on the Summer Style Me Pretty challenge. Each day, I get an email telling me what to wear the next day. Easy peasy. Although I admit it is hard to not be wearing some of the clothes I bought on vacation. Thankfully, most of the stuff I bought fits in nicely with the challenge!

While most of the outfits are casual, i.e. shorts, Alison always gives a work alternative and for the most part that is what I will be following.  Let's face it, I do work 4 days a week!
 

Day 1. White Blouse + Bright Ankle Pants + Statement Earrings + Neutral Heels

I went with the sloan fit ankle pants from Banana Republic, a lace shirt, and a grey blazer.  It is freezing in my office so short sleeves just won't do.  I picked up this blazer from the Loft outlet in Vegas for $20.  I almost didn't buy it but now I'm glad I did!

Day 2.  Dressy Chambray + Striped Tee + White Pants + Metallic or Neutral Flats

Is there such thing as a dressy chambray (denim shirt)?  I debated on whether it was appropriate to wear my white jeans to work.  I attempted to make them more like 'pants' by covering the butt.  My husband is rather conservative when it comes to work wear and he approved it!  For the second day in a row, the shirt I wanted to wear was dirty.

 Day 3.  Printed Blouse + Khaki Pants + Long Necklace + Metallic or Neutral Flats

I bought this shirt on my vacation that I still haven't told you about.  That will come on Friday....  I was hoping I would have the chance to wear it and here was my chance!  I really did try to find a khaki skirt and tried on countless on vacation that were either not quite the right color or see through.  So I subbed for a black skirt.  I also subbed the neutral shoes for my springy mint ones.  After 2 days of neutral shoes I just couldn't bring myself to to wear them on day 3.  I LOVE this outfit and it is my favorite so far.  My hubby even told me it may be his favorite outfit on me.  

Now that you've seen my interpretation of this weeks outfits,  head over to see what some of the other gals in the challenge are wearing!

Thank you for the great graphic Deena!

Shoes to Shiraz | Just Jordan | Blog by a Herzog | RSquared | Mishaps and Mayhem of Solitary Life |

Grumbling Grace | 2 Teens & Their Mama | The Kelly's |

A Little Lovely Wardrobe | Confessions of a Frumpy Mommy | 

Family Love Inspiration Education | A Little Bit of Life, Love & Fashion |

Foxy's Domestic Side | My Running Stitches | Leading a Colourful Life |