Vacation 2015

We spent our family vacation on the beautiful San Destin beach in Destin, Florida.  It did not disappoint.  My in-laws joined us and we spent a fabulous week away. Full of rest, relaxation, and fun.  The girls got to fly on an airplane again which was definitely an adventure - airports, connecting flights, rental vans, car seats, lots of carry ons, a stroller...with a 5 year old and an almost 2 year old was, well...you get the point.  But I wouldn't have it any other way.

The girls LOVED the beach.  They loved the condo. They loved being on "vacation".

I loved the same things except I'll add that I was overjoyed to see them having such a good time.  Simply overjoyed.

Sisters playing in the sand...my favorite picture from vacation

Birthday Trip

I had a work conference in Chicago in July which worked out for me because it was also during my birthday week.  So my work trip turned into a birthday trip getaway with my honey.

If you recall (or not because I'm not sure I ever blogged about it :( ) we visited Chicago last summer for my family reunion which also doubled as our family vacation.  We had a good time then hanging out with the family but I'll tell you, Chicago was a GREAT time as a weekend trip with my love.  Just the two of us.  It was awesome.  The conference was at a beautiful hotel in a beautiful little Chicago suburb with easy access to the train.  It was a 20-30 minute ride into downtown so for us it was not a problem.  Before my honey arrived I even had time to have lunch with an old college friend who lives in Chicago.

We went out to eat.
We rode the train.
We tasted food at the world famous "Taste of Chicago" food festival.
We ate Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
We saw Cub and White Sox fans galore.
We visited the Magnificent Mile.
We did a boat cruise on the Lake Michigan and took in the fabulous views of the Chicago skyline.  We even took a detour into some random neighborhood while riding the train back to the hotel one evening.  Just because I wanted to see what's at this stop that seemed popular with lots of 30-somethings because every time we rode the train they seem to be all getting off at that stop.

It was great to get away.  Just the two of us.  I believe that once you're married and have kids, it is important to not forget about each other.
  
I love my Russell.  For sure.  Forever.

Catching up with the Hamptons - 35

July we celebrated the 4th with the usual barbecue, fireworks, and fun.  I celebrated my 35th birthday, a milestone in my book because now I'm closer to 40 than 30.

Here is the birthday card Ryan made me with my 'initials' - Tisha Forte Hampton.