I'm coming home...

It's been a LONG time since I've traveled for work. The last time I was 10 weeks pregnant! So yeah, almost 2 whole years ago. My department stopped traveling as much, and I got a pass from travel while I was nursing/pumping. I definitely missed it! Of course I miss Annie while I'm gone, but I get the chance to do a lot of actual in person counseling appointments and presentations, which are few and far between when you work at an online university.

Both Ben and I have just been using our iPhones to capture the week. Here are a few from my time in Dallas.

I almost was given a room with 2 queens, but was able to get a king instead - amazing! Unfortunately, even being exhausted and alone in a hotel didn't guarantee good sleep... but at least the bed was really comfy!


Yeah - this is the view from my room. That's DFW airport there. So while "Dallas" is in the name of the hotel and event, we actually aren't even CLOSE to the city at all. Sad.


And this is the view from my desk. In the hotel basement. I had to go outside over lunch for a few minutes to remind myself that the outside world even existed.


On Monday night, I went with a group of staff members to the "Fork & Screen" showing of Bridesmaids at the Grapevine Mall - it was good to get to see something other than the hotel! The mall and everything else I saw were just huge and sprawling. The food was crappy, the movie was funny and the experience as a whole was great!


One of the best parts of these events is all the FOOD you get! Salad, entree and dessert for lunch - big continental breakfast, and snacks in the afternoon - it's great!


I totally blew my meal allowance on room service 2 nights - WAY overpriced, but I was so tired after working 7am-6pm that I couldn't even fathom leaving the hotel! I splurged last night and even got dessert - caramelized banana cheesecake with coconut ice cream - YUM!

Ben and Annie have apparently been having a grand old time while I was gone. In keeping with my excellent example last week, he has been taking lots of iPhone pics (too bad he just has the 3Gs which is a much crappier camera) and uploading them to flickr for me to check out. We couldn't FaceTime because the hotel wifi sucked, but I did get to hear Annie say hi and bye bye to me over the phone which was super cute! I have the day off tomorrow to hang out with her and I can't wait!

Spent Sunday afternoon with her cousins and Uncle Steve






Sporting her new shirt from Grandpa's roofing company!


She did NOT want to leave daycare on Monday night apparently!


Taken with Nate's iPhone 4


Mia showing Annie her belly button


Crazy morning hair!


Apparently she was loving filling Ben's hands with sand. She is SO DIRTY in this video!


The blocks were brought down for a shower for Becca - Annie was taking them out and putting them back where they belong - good girl!


Chowing down over at the neighbor's deck


Best video ever :) You hear her say some words and get lots of giggles!


Trying to escape


Trying to brush Dad's hair. Better get at it while it's still there at all ;)


Not really sure why she's topless :)


On the way to daycare! (don't worry, a bike helmet is on order and it's just a 5 block ride on not busy streets at all!)