Wine tasting in Santa Barbara, although I could have been in Tuscany (or what I imagine Tuscany to be like)
Wedding Dress "looking" just off Rodeo Drive, cupcake eating on Rodea and actual "buying" of fun things at H&M and Forever 21 (a little further off Rodeo), but still stores I have no access to in my great state.
Sand in my toes.
And a little culture as we caught a play at the Ahmanson Theatre. This was going to be followed by dessert at a swank little restaurant, but we opted for an In-N-Out burger instead.
So yes, it was grand. But I did miss my husband and kids, and, after 4 nights away, was more than ready to return to my chaotic life. I appreciate my husband so much for encouraging me to go and assuring me that he had it all under control (as long as I left a very detailed list).
I appreciate Paige so much, who, for some reason, feels responsible to take on my role as "mom" when I am gone. Cal asked me one night on the phone, "So, when I am gone on a trip, does Paige get everyone up and dressed for the day?" Ummm...that answer would be "No". But I'm glad she helps Cal in that way. And he gives her full credit. At church on Sunday morning (which they made in plenty of time for Paige to play her trumpet!), my friend asked Cal if he had it all under control without me, his reply was, "Well, Paige seems to have it under control."
And here's the sweetest thing -- when I arrived home around 5:00 pm, before Cal was home from work, I found Paige in the process of making cookies to surprise me. However, we didn't have any flour or sugar in the house. So she had already ridden her bike to Target to buy the supplies she needed with her own money.
So, while they did a good job in my absence, there is nothing like returning home after four days to realize just how much you really are needed. The mail hadn't been opened, e-mail hadn't been read, a load of laundry hadn't been done, the backpacks had not been cleared of all the daily notes and worksheets, and the milk was gone. But I didn't care -- I was greeted with so much love and affection -- and I had patience to spare...for the first time in a long time. It's all good!
