Back to Reality

Coming back from vacation is sooo hard!!!! It's taken me three days, but I think I finally have a handle on things again.
I was able to fly to Chicago last week and spend a few days with friends. It was so much fun...almost surreal!
First, I was completely panicked to be flying BY MYSELF! I seriously thought I was going to die. Somehow, I made it safely on the ground. Luckily Derek was just coming home from a business trip so his copany would drive us home. Imagine my surprise to be riding to the Crowther home in a LIMOSINE! And not just any limo, but a looooooong stretch Excursion!!!! It was awesome!
It was so much fun to be able to see everyone. I think I Lindsey and I became new BFF's while I was there! They took me to Wisconsin for shopping and the Jelly belly Factory. Yes, I even tried some of the yucky flavors! Boogers....eww gross!!
I experienced real Chicago style pizza...the kind you have to eat with a fork!! It was so very fattening, but oh....SO GOOD!
We also ate at the Cheesecake Factory. (My first time!!) The food was yummy....but the best part was the cheesecake. It was some Kahlua cocoa chocolate stuff.....just thinking about it makes my mouth water!!
On Saturday, we headed into the city! YEAH!!
I do have to say that Chicago is amazing...The buildings have SO MUCH character. We checked out some of the sights, and tasted some of the foods. I was so excited to be in a big city with nobody to worry about, other than myself. When we stopped for lunch, I didn't need to worry about what everyone else was eating....I just ordered and ate. It felt so good to be able to eat an entire meal without one of my kids hanging on me.
I honestly thought that the day couldn't get much better...little did I know how much better it was about to get. As we were walking by the Oriental, Derek surprised Heather, Abby and myself with Wicked tickets!!! I was stunned...And can I just say that I LOVED EVERY MINUTE!!!! It was incredible! It was Abby's first time going to the theatre and I was privileged enough to be able to share that with her and Heather. Thanks again Derek!! You rock!!!!
Sunday, after church we were able to kick back and relax. We attempted a walk into the forest, until I jumped at a sound and almost flew across the trail. (Now, I know that wouldn't have happened had I been expecting Edward.) The mosquito's didn't make it very nice either.
Sunday night, Heather and I were up until 1:30 just talking. That by far was one of the funnest times I had. It was nice to have "girl time", to talk and realize that I am not alone in this big crazy world. I really miss having her here. I loved having her and her family just "pop" in for Chinese, or hanging out after school and talking while the kids played. Heck, even cruising Target at 9:30 at night for sweats. Maybe one day...
By the way, thanks Grayson, for letting me steal your room. Your the best!!!