A Girls Weekend and more

Because our husbands are the best in the world....I was lucky enough to have Denise visit for the weekend.  Dave and Denise secretly planned this as a birthday surprise for me. Denise flew in Thursday night and we went out for a great dinner. I introduced her to a little bit of the local cuisine while we drank some wine and caught up.

Then on Friday, Dave took over kid duty (Denise's husband took care of her five children all weekend! Thank you Jeff). Denise and I shopped and ate and I showed her around Houston a little bit. In the afternoon, we checked into this FABULOUSLY unique boutique hotel.

We were greeted by a dozen valets and champagne upon arrival. We checked in and rushed off to the spa for a massage.  Then we relaxed in the steam room and got ready to go out to dinner. As we wandered through the hotel, we noticed some very provocative art work and photography.  It was very edgy!  We had so many good laughs over the decor and art.  I truly have never stayed anywhere like this before. It was a bit over the top. Denise scored us some more champagne and then we headed out to dinner.

Saturday morning we lounged around the hotel in our PJ's drinking coffee and talking for hours. Then we met a friend of mine for lunch at one of my favorite Houston restaurants, Ousie's. Saturday afternoon was spent shopping some more (I bought a GREAT rug for Dave's office). We wandered around antique stores and bought some hair clippies for Maggie. Saturday night we all (Denise and my family) went to a favorite local Mexican restaurant. Then Denise flew home this morning.  Her visit was exactly what I needed to get out of the little rut I was in! We had so much fun just talking and hanging out.  Denise and I could talk forever.  We have so much in common and I simply adore her.  Thank you Denise for flying in for some fun girl time!  You are a very special friend.  Stay Za Za!  Thank you so much Dave for arranging this to cheer me up.  I love you.

Here is a slide show.  The photos are not very sharp in the slideshow for some reason.

On another note, several people asked me why we moved here (and so quickly).  It is a long story but basically, my husband loves to move (this is our 5th house in 13 years of marriage). Whereas, I like to stay put.  He grew up moving from country to country as his Dad was in the oil business. Dave has both oil and moving in his blood. In fact,  moving to Virginia 4 years ago was completely his idea.  I did not want to go there. However, after designing and building our house from scratch, getting the kids into a great school, meeting friends and finding a good church, I finally felt settled there.  Not surprisingly, Dave was ready to move again.  He would broach the subject all the time and I always changed the subject. We really had no plans of leaving Virginia (at least I didn't). Then, he was suddenly offered a great career opportunity (oil) and it just seemed too good to turn down.  He was not loving his job in Virginia and he really wanted this.  So, I acquiesced. We did not have to move (as a few of you have asked) but my husband was not really happy where we were and I had been happy here before, so I figured it would all work out. This week, I have truly turned a corner. Showing Denise around Houston made me realize all the great things this city has to offer. I am also starting to like our house more and more....

We had a contract on our old house and it fell through this week. The buyers did not get their financing. We were lucky enough to have an immediate back up offer though...so keep your fingers crossed that it goes through! Also, the boys begin at a new school tomorrow.  If you could say a quick prayer that goes well...I would so appreciate it! Harry is doing MUCH better. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.