Are we there yet?

Google maps said our Florida destination was about 10 hours, you're probably thinking," holy crap-with 2 small children, you are crazy!" Well tack on all the pit stops, diaper changes, heating up formula bottles, peeing, eating, resting... BUT we left Friday night at 7:30 and the kids slept the ENTIRE time. Yes I wrote that correctly. Pretty awesome huh? Well, not really because Jorge and I were so tired we had to pull over about 3-4 times and try to take a cat nap so we wouldn't fall asleep at the wheel. I can't really give myself any credit for getting us there. I think I only drove about 2 hours, but it was so dark and I was so tired-thanks Jorge I LOVE you for getting us there safely (there will be another shout out to Jorge in this entry).
So upon arrival at about 7:30 that morning we came to Hidden Dunes cottage. Have you ever found a place online and it looks beautiful, and then you see it in "real life" and you thank God you didn't bring a black light with you? There are stains on the carpet and you don't even want to sleep in that bed...well I have so I was hoping this place really looked liked the pictures online, and it was close enough. It was extremely spacious, about the size of our first house and had everything we needed. We beached it up almost the entire 5 days. I have always been a sun baby, for those of you that have known me since Summit Middle School days I practically lived at Tan and Tone America, sadly those days are over and I got extremely sunburned and my back looks like a reptile that is losing its old skin. No, I didn't use sun block like I should have...I know I did this to myself...blah blah blah...It was so uncomfortable two of the nights while trying to sleep. My body was super hot and itchy. It's all good now though and I look tan (sort of).
If you have ever been to the beach with kids you know you have A LOT more stuff to bring. Everyday we brought 2 folding chairs to sit on, an umbrella to sit under, a cooler with drinks, a beach bag with towels, sunblock, etc and all of Hud's sand toys (truck, shovel, pail, wheel barrow, sifter). This is where Jorge's other shout out is. Jorge carried all of that stuff EVERYDAY. I mean I carried the beach bag but I also had 18 pound Mia to carry too. So thanks babe, I LOVE you for that!
But if you have seen some of the pictures on FB you know the kids had a blast and that makes it all worth it. Mia had on SPF 50, her sunhat and clothes the entire time while sitting under an umbrella (we didn't want our white chocolate to get sunburned). She did escape though and crawl all over the beach and play with Hud, it was so sweet. Hud on the other hand was in the water and playing with his tools and truck the entire time. He also made different friends everyday who he played with (I hope he wasn't that annoying kid that every adult wishes would leave their child alone). Even if he was I won't admit it. He was entertained and enjoying himself, that's all that matters. And our little brown nugget came back even browner (he's definitely half Mexican).
When we weren't at the beach we went to Gulfarium, a very miniature Sea World without the rides, an arcade (where Hud won about 300 tickets), and a restaurant, Fuddpuckers with live alligators you could feed. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was nice to take a vacation with just the 4 of us.
We left at about 8:00 Thursday morning to head home. The drive home was not as quiet as the one there. Mia actually did better than Hudson. They watched a lot of Thomas the Train and we stopped in Louisiana for lunch. We pulled into our driveway about 9:30 that night, both kids sound asleep! My bed never felt so good. Will the kids have any memories of Spring Break 2011, maybe not. But mommy and daddy will and we have pictures for proof!

Friends are the family you choose

Last night I celebrated my birthday with my HHS peeps at Chuy's. There were about 13 of us partaking in adult beverages and chilled Patron shots (okay so maybe only 2 of us were taking shots...) this wasn't my best idea...but I had an amazing time! I think people were surprised to see the "drunk" Sharon, some even said I was "hilarious,"I can't remember parts of the night, but I am sure the evidence (pictures) will bring a lot of it back to me...I must admit my tolerance isn't what it use to be and my mouth gets a little dirtier when I am liquored up (sorry). Friends thought they were doing Jorge a favor by not letting my glass get empty, little do they know I passed out at 8:00 and Jorge stayed up watching T.V...I have 2 small kids and I would rather sleep then ---well you know what goes here. Women (with small children) who don't agree with me are lying.
So we arrived at Chuy's at 3:08, you can tell we are ready to start the weekend and left at 7, 7:30...that's one of the details that is still fuzzy. I told them how much I loved them and was so glad that I worked with them (you know alcohol is a truth serum).
I didn't know people loved going to work until I worked at HHS. I love going to work every day and the faculty is a huge part of that. The ones who were there last night mean more to me than they know. I enjoy their company, conversation, advice and presence. Friends are the family you choose, and I would do anything for those family members.
Some people get depressed about getting older, but I love birthdays!! Granted I am only going to be 29 (I'm still a spring chicken!). But I have accomplished a lot in 29 years and I have a lot to be thankful for. Do I have more wrinkles? Yes. Is my metabolism what it was 10 years ago? No. But I have been blessed in many ways, especially with my friends.
So, thanks everyone for taking time out of your busy lives/schedules and celebrating my special day with me. I know we all have significant others, kids, and responsibilities, but everyone came and had a drink even if it was just for a little bit. I appreciate it, and I love you all!!!