Girls' Weekend

Steve has been in Iowa visiting friends since Thursday, so Sara and I are having a Girls' Weekend. Our time together has consisted of visiting Target twice, swimming at the pool, cuddling up to watch "Beauty and the Beast", Sara teaching me some awesome new dance moves she apparently acquired at school, and fresh haircuts.  (Side bar: prior to this weekend, I hadn't had my hair cut since early November.  I know that's crazy, but it had been so long for three reasons: 1) I'm cheap; even a trim can be a $50 investment, nothankyou; 2) I have been trying to grow my hair out a little; and 3) I simply don't make time in my schedule to get a haircut.  However, I was obviously way overdue and my neighbor who also has thick, curly hair recently referred me to the lady who cuts her hair expertly and inexpensively.  Long story sort-of short, the best part about this is that my whole haircut cost $16 plus tip!  Have you ever heard of such a thing?  The process was no-thrills, to be sure, but I'm happy with the cut and I feel like I've won a little of the lottery.  Score!)

Today Sara and I made pink pancakes for breakfast.  It's amazing what a little food coloring can do for a two-year-old's appetite.  Later, we went to NorthPark to look at the ducks and turtles, and we had a special lunch (in case you are wondering, special = food court).  There were sales galore going on at NorthPark - 30%, 40%, even 75% off at almost every store I enjoy.  Luckily, Sara wanted no part of actually going into any stores, so I didn't end up buying things I didn't need just because they were on sale.  She had a one-track mind regarding our trip: aside from eating lunch, if ducks and turtles weren't involved, she wasn't interested.  Probably better that way. 

This evening after dinner we made a trip to Bahama Buck's for some shaved ice.  Yummmm.  When we arrived, there were just two other people there: a mom and her two-year-old daughter.  We sat with them, struck up a good conversation, and exchanged information.  We hope to see them again.  After they left, the place started to fill up with more families and some teenagers on cute dates.  We sat for a while and enjoyed our treats.  At one point, out of the blue, Sara looked at me and said, "Hugs, Mom."  She was serious, too ... we just sat and hugged for a good couple of minutes.  It was so sweet.  We were sweaty and sticky from the sun and the treats, but as we were hugging, Sara curled into my lap and Natalie Merchant's "These are the Days" started to play over the speakers.  I found myself overcome with emotion, and just so thankful for for my girl.  She has no idea how blessed I am by such moments. 

Tomorrow we are meeting up with Audrey and her mom at a splash park.  It should be a fun end to a wonderful weekend.  We're excited for Daddy to come home tomorrow night.  Although it would have been great to visit our Iowa friends with him, right now I wouldn't trade it for the Girls' Weekend we've had here at home.