Mini Vacay

I just spent four amazing days in Dallas, Texas visiting our best friends, the Whites!!!

You are probably wondering how I was able to pull that off with two little guys of my own. That's a good question ;) Dan's family is amazing!! Kriste, Kate and Josh, Rachel and Amy all watched the boys during the day while Dan was at work. Our good friends Carly and Eric watched them during Dan's church meeting. It was such an awesome feeling to be able to spend quality time with the Whites, knowing that my kiddos were in such great hands!!! It was such a rare and special treat for me.

Oh, the trip was soooo much fun!!! We had lots of time to talk! I learned so much from their incredible examples :)

And Abbie does not look like she had a baby a little over a week ago. She totally rocked her natural birth and was as energetic and active as I've ever seen! If you know Abbie, you know exactly what I mean!!! Abbie is such a gorgeous and nurturing mother! Little Eli and Audrie are lucky little ones :D Here she is helping Eli sing the sunbeam song to Audrie. Aren't they adorable together?!

I was there to help her, right?! So explain to me why in the world she made me this delicious fruit pizza?!? It was unbelievably good!! I think I was addicted with the first bite :P



Audrie, is perhaps, the quietest little baby I've ever seen. I think I heard her cry once, for about 10 seconds. She is going on two weeks old now and is already starting to stay awake during the day. She is a very beautiful and happy baby girl.

One of my favorite things was to hear Eli say, "snuggle baby" and see him run over to his little sister. He would take her hand and smile. He adores his little sister already! It was so precious to see those two together.

Eli and I had so much fun together playing "guys and cars." He is such a sweet little boy!! I'm so glad that I got to spend some quality time with him. He is adorable!!

The flight home was filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I was so sad to be leaving this beautiful family, and on the other hand, I am so happy and grateful that I was given such a precious time with them. It was such an edifying trip!! With littles of my own, its not often that I can break away for some girlfriend time. Abbie and I had a blast talking, laughing watching chick flicks and talking 'bout our babes! It was soo fun catching up with Forrest too (I know Dan would of loved to join us!) Trips like this fall few and far between, so I'm HAPPY that it all worked out!! Thanks again to everyone that made the trip possible!!

I just have to include this shot from the plane just a few minutes from returning home to Portland!! Isn't that a beauty?! I think its Mt. Hood but anyone who knows better, feel free to pipe in :)



Lastly, I just have to say, that if you are ever feeling worn down by the daily of being a mom...take a couple of days away. When I got back yesterday, I could of played cars with Andrew and Forrest until midnight!!! I missed them so much, and it was soooo fun to see them again!!! Dan was such a sweetheart to support me and encourage me to go!!! I'm such a lucky gal :) I feel very refreshed after that trip!! :P