Spring break

Holda from Madrid!  I landed here about an hour ago and have another hour until I take off for Marrakech, but more on that in a bit...

Some updates: Last week, I was in Rockport for two days with clients. As soon as I got back, Michael took off for his annual March Madness boys' trip.  Of course during my week of watching the kids the headlines at home were gloomy weather and kids with colds.

We got through it though with lots of movies, playroom time and cuddling on the couch.  Luckily, one night I had a fun girls night with Lindsey to break away from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and cabin fever.  Sunday was actually loads of fun: I had brunch with Jaclyn to meet her newborn daughter Vivian and later that day I holed up at my friend Kim's house for a play date and to catch up with our girlfriend Gigi who was visiting from NYC.

Monday I moved my office.  Paula and I were busting at the seams so she took over our space and I moved operations into my backhouse until I find the flea a permanent home.  Once that happens, I will move my office there or use both spaces.  

Tuesday I did a quick daylong install at the lodge.  It went really well and I'm happy to say that the project should be officially tied in a bow now.  

The past couple days I've chilled out on the workfront to get in some quality time with the family from Landry's ballet class to playing with chalk on the patio (we finally saw the sun again after a serious month-long hiatus) and a cookie date post school.  Michael and I even squeezed in a chic little lunch out this week to suffice for our lack of date nights lately. 

I have to say, Landry has been a bit of a challenge lately.  The past couple of days she's been really lovely but when Michael was out of town I was considering running for the hills.  She's in this new phase of whining -- a lot.  It drives me crazy.  We're working through it but boy it pushes my buttons.  Thankful for some downtime on vacay to read a toddler parenting book.  I need tips for understanding this little person with so much spunk!

Barrett is starting to run, which has a whole other bag of challenges.  But I can't complain because he is still the sweetest thing.  He just laughs and giggles and wants to be around his big sister.  Of course he admires her so he's learning all of her bad habits.  His go-to word is "no!" even if he means yes.  

Yesterday I took off for eight days abroad to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday.  Unfortunately Michael had to stay back to watch the kids.  But, I'll be here with my parents, brothers and some of our closest family friends.  It's going to be a trip of a lifetime.  Really looking forward to hanging out with my loved ones, chilling out and getting some sleep.

I'll report back with details soon! 

Happy birthday Landry!

Snow day playdate with Leila  

Braving the snow for the mall's indoor playground

Making cookies while it's snowing outside

He loves banana pancakes!

He was so warm and cozy in the car I couldn't wake him
so I sat for 20 minutes in Target's parking lot

My booth at The Dallas Flea 

Scenes from the painting birthday party

Can't believe our artist is three!

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind.  I'm so thankful we took a big pause this weekend to sit back and relax (hence why I finally have time to post).

For the past few weeks we've had some seriously gloomy weather.  You name it -- rain, ice, sleet -- we've had it.  The first few days were fun, but I'm officially over the gray skies and ready for spring!

Luckily, the day of the flea was the one nice day we've had over the past 20 days or so.  And people were clearly ready to cure their cabin fever and shop.  We had a record breaking show with lines literally snaking a city block.  It was so insane that my dad turned into a parking attendant to manage the massive crowds (make that 5500 people, not counting the ones the police turned away because we were at capacity).

The show was a huge success on all levels: vendors sold loads of goods, the crowds were incredible, the weather was perfect and there were no injuries or major issues.  The only problem is that I've clearly outgrown my new 20,000 square foot space already.  So, it's back to the drawing board for a new location but I think we've figured out our plan and now just have to find the right piece of land (more on that later).

The day after the flea we hosted Landry's birthday party.  My parents were in town for the show and I really wanted them to be able to attend.  It was such a fun event.  I rented out a cool artist studio and invited 18 of Landry's buddies to brush, smear and finger paint all over the place.  The kids had a blast and it was fun to catch up with several friends I hadn't seen in a few months given the holiday and flea craziness.

This week I had a huge home install.  Although the timing wasn't ideal with the flea and birthday party, I'm glad it's now all out of the way so I can take a big breath.  Landry's birthday was Thursday and I took a half day off work to celebrate.  We met friends for breakfast and later went out to dinner as a family at her favorite Mexican spot.

This weekend we laid low.  Friday night we had a date night with friends and yesterday was a total lazy day.  Today we had Charlie and Gabriella's birthday party and pretty much just vegged the rest of the day.  It was nice to just hang out with Michael and the kids and do simple stuff like go to the frozen yogurt shop and watch cartoons in bed with the babes.

It's hard to believe Landry is three.  She's in this phase where she can be super sweet one minute and then stubborn to the bone the next.  She says the craziest things that make us crack up constantly.  As of Monday, our house has been binky free which is a very big deal for us.  I refused to buy any more and she finally chewed through her final one. Monday night was tough, but Landry has been a champ although I know she misses her pacifier like crazy.

Barrett is totally walking and saying more and more words (new favorites are "no" and "bath"). He wants to be a big kid sooo bad.  At Landry's party he was painting and eating cupcakes like the rest of the crew.  Today at the twins' birthday party he got inside the bounce house to watch the older kids jump around.  He's so sweet and just a pleasure to be around.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!