one week from today...

I will be arriving in Florida- just me, my husband, and I! I am so excited! As I was arranging for my boys to spend some time at my dad and Dorothy's house this summer, I thought, "maybe they could go over our anniversary weekend, and then Gary and I could do something fun." My idea of something fun consisted on a night in a hotel somewhere not too far away. I even thought about a spa-type resort. As we discussed the possibilities, he brought up Allegiant Air and the cheap flights they offer. $69 one way could take us to Las Vegas, California, or Florida! This was better than I'd even considered! We thought about Las Vegas briefly. I don't have an interest in the gambling, but I would like to see all of the hotels and the fountains, the strip, etc. But as we mulled that, it sounded like a very active trip- not exactly what we were thinking. So I began investigating Florida. I spent many hours checking flight prices, times, and schedules. Although we didn't book an Allegient Air flight due to the days/time availability, we did get a good deal on a Delta flight at just the perfect times to maximize our long weekend. Gary could only take 2 days off so I had to work within those boundaries. I will meet my dad and Dorothy in Williamsburg on Thursday morning to exchange the kids, and then Gary and I fly out from Des Moines at 4:20 PM. Our flight arrives in Ft. Lauterdale at 11 something. So that gives us all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to relax. We still have most of Monday as well as we don't fly out until 5 ish. We got our tickets for about $200 a piece round trip which is still a great deal! Ft. Lauterdale was the cheapest of any location, so that's why we're headed there. Last summer we did the Gulf side, so now we'll experience the ocean side! Then I began the hotel search which was quite exhausting. We are not planning on having a rental car so I wanted something close to restaurants, etc. as well as being right on the beach. We really wanted that. I also didn't want some skanky place, since this is a party location. I read lots and lots and LOTS of reviews and came across a motel with nothing but positive comments. We have an oceanfront view and are literally steps from the hotel's private beach. Ahh.... We have absolutely NO plans... and that's why I'm so excited. Get up when I want, lay on the beach for as long as I want, listen to my ipod and read my books, play in the ocean, shower up and walk to dinner. The restaurants are about a mile away, but the walk will be good for us after laying around all day. I'm looking forward to watching the sun set (I won't be up early enough to see it rise!), and listening to the ocean waves. I think about the beauty of that sound since we were in Hawaii. I loved falling asleep to that. I love the sunshine. I love the warmth. I love the palm trees. Now I just wish I loved the way I looked in a swimming suit. Ugh- I've been on the hunt for one for days with no luck. It's depressing. Obviously there's no question what's on my mind these days!!
I'm uploading pictures to Shutterfly as I write. I'm trying to get all of my photos backed up on-line before I delete them from my camera stick. I have over 1000 on there now, and I need to clean it off. I also downloaded a few new songs off of I tunes and am trying to organize my playlists. For some reason all of the CD's we burned to I tunes are gone- poof- disappeared. That's going to be a big job to redo all of that, and I believe I'll leave that task to Bradley.

Let's see- what else is happening? I finally got all of my classes taken to renew my teaching license. I had one the last two Monday and Tuesdays. It takes up the whole day, so I'm glad they're done. I usually come away with some good ideas, so that's always nice. This last one was on building fluency in readers, and it gave me a lot to think about and try. I have a few students who come to mind as I think about the things I learned.

The boys did a week of summer rec golfing. Bradley has done it before but this was the first year Brennan was old enough. Brennan won a putting contest one day so he was happy.

Bradley has been doing quite a bit of golfing. I've taken him out to Countryside a few times, and he goes with Dad to Grandview every Thursday eve. It's become a great bonding time for the boys. I take Brad and Bren to the golf course to meet dad. Gary and Brad golf and Brennan caddies for Dad. If he does a good job he gets paid $1 per hole. This is a great way for him to earn some money of his own. And if he doesn't keep up, etc. he gets a little pay docked! We do this for Bradley when he mows the lawn. He is paid $7 for mowing, $2 if he uses the weedwacker, and $1 for sweeping the grass off of the sidewalks. Any complaining/bad attitude gets money docked as well. So far this system has been pretty effective. Now, to find them jobs where We aren't the ones who are paying them! Anyway, after the boys golf they stop at McDonalds for supper. I think they all enjoy their Thursday evenings.

Bradley and I took a ten mile bike ride the other night on our bike trail. It was such a beautiful night, but my thighs paid for it the next day! They were burning! I wish I would get out on my bike more often. I really enjoy the riding- much better than jogging. Yeah, I've pretty much given that up. I am not a jogger. My body doesn't like it, and neither do I! Consistent exercise is still a struggle- unfortunately I haven't found a system that works (or a willing self-controlled body that works?)

Brennan's lastest addiction is the video game Need for Speed. Actually I should say the boys' latest addiction. They spend way too much time in front of that TV. That's one reason I'm always ready for school to start up again.

Brennan had his first friend spend the night last night. Preston has been in his class the last two years. They've also been enjoying playing together at the pool.

Bradley had an awesome time at camp. He was a little bummed the first few days after being back home. I'm so thankful he made some new friends and had a wonderful time, but I'm glad to have him home.

Bren finished swimming lessons. He was learning the sidestroke and the breaststroke by the end of his two weeks. It's amazing how much progress they make in just a couple of weeks.

Well enough rambling for now. It's almost 1 AM and I'm tired. Hopefully the pics are almost uploaded so I can go to bed! Night night!