The LaRoche Family: Dallas

The week before Spring Break, Jeff had a work trip planned to Dallas and the girls and I decided to make the trip with him. Grace was beyond excited because we were staying at the same hotel we stayed at last summer before Emersyn was born. It's a really neat Hilton! They have a fish tank in the main lobby (which Grace loves because the concierge men let her feed the fish), they have 2 swimming pools (1 indoor and 1 outdoor), tons of tennis courts, a man made lake with a trail around it and it's close to the airport which Grace likes because she gets to watch the airplanes as they come and go. Plus, because Jeff travels so often he receives special perks when he stays at Hilton hotels like access to the executive lounge which has continental breakfast in the morning and appetizers and drinks in the evening. Grace loves to go to the lounge because they have all kinds of cheese and crackers (which is a staple in her diet) and many different types of desserts. I can't lie I like to go too because they always have yummy food like shrimp cocktail (which I rarely get to eat because Jeff is allergic to seafood), quesadillas, boneless buffalo wings, chicken caesar salad, etc. This isn't the best place to take kids because it's all business men and women. We got some looks, but that doesn't bother me. Anyone with kids understand and the others...well, let's just say they are missing out. LOL

Here's how our trip played out...

Day 1

The girls and I had so much fun! We started out with a fabulous breakfast. I wish I had someone to make me breakfast everyday, but instead most mornings I don't eat because there just isn't any time. I know, I know this is the worst thing you can do because it's the most important meal of the day, but when you have kids some things fall by the way side. Then we went exploring...we walked down to the indoor pool to check out the temp and even though it was inside it was still a little cool. I think if it's an indoor pool it should be close to bath water. So instead, I let Grace throw the beach balls in the pool over and over. She had a ball! ;o) After playing by the pool, it was time for Emmie to have a bottle and take a nap. While she was taking a nap, Grace watched a few "toons" and then I let her run up and down the hallway to blow off some energy. Then she played with some stamps that she got for Christmas and last it was time to throw in a little learning...letters: their sounds and words that begin with each letter. After all of this it was time for lunch. I made her a peanut butter and honey sandwich with cheese puffs, grapes, blueberries and carrot sticks. Topped off with some refreshing apple juice. :o)

Emersyn woke up and she had another bottle and then it was Grace's turn for a nap. After a short little nap, we decided to go walk around the grounds outside. We watch some men play tennis. Grace found a tennis ball! Then we walked down to the lake and watched the ducks swim and catch fish. It was such a beautiful

day!

Finally, Jeff had arrived back at the hotel after working and we when to the lounge for some appetizers and drinks. Then Jeff and Grace went to pick up

a gourmet pizzas for dinner and we ate in the room. Very low key, but so much fun! :o) Then it was time to catch some zzzz.

Day 2

Let's just say this day was not very enjoyable for me or Grace. Grace was bored the entire day. I couldn't seem to keep her attention and she was making some bad choices and got many spankings that day. By the time Jeff got home I was spent. So we

both decided we all needed to get out. We decided to take the girls to The Rainforest Cafe. None of us had ever been. Grace was all excited until she saw the crocodile that was life size and was making noises and chomping his teeth toegether. Next, she her all the "rainforest" noises coming from the restaurant and it was a bit dark in there. She was terrified and practically jumped in my arms! She told me she wanted to leave. I talked her into walking around the restaurant to check it out. She finally decided we could eat there, but I had to hold her! It's a really neat place, but I can totally see why she was scared. We sat by the big mushroom and the rain which was away from all the big animals, but we could still see them. Dinner wasn't very good and a bit expensive, but I guess you pay for the atmosphere. Grace, also, got a butterfly balloon that a lady made for her. By the time dinner was over...Grace was sitting beside me and not in my lap...so progress was made! :o)

Day 3

Woke up...went down to breakfast, then walked down to the indoor pool and of course they finally had to temperature just perfect, but of course we didn't get to swim because we were leaving a little after lunch and we had a late start. But --- Grace did get to throw the beach ball in the pool for a little while and then we headed back up to our room for Emmie to drink her bottle and take a nap. While she was sleeping...Grace watched "toons" and I packed all of our stuff up, so that we could just pack the car and head home when Jeff got off work.

Overall, we had a great time! :o) But I know the girls were ready to be home...to roll and run around!