I had the opportunity recently to get away for a couple of days on a sort of working mini vacation. Since I coordinate our county's fair queen program, I got to chaperone our fair queen to the state fair queen contest. Additionally, I attended the state fair convention.
As a mom, I was looking forward to the trip quite a bit. I mean, a room I didn't have to clean with a perfectly made bed? It was like serenity was just waiting for me to arrive!
I packed lots of books, whilst Blossom1 looked on and remarked, "You know you're not gonna have time to read all those, right?" I grinned sheepishly and took out one book. I like having options when the opportunity to relax presents itself. Snatch those moments, I say!
Strolling past this fireplace several times a day was so cozy.
I even found a little time to do paperwork, social media work, and sip a latte while soaking in the quintessentially winter afternoon moments.
Though my schedule was full chaperoning our fair queen to her activities, coordinating meeting times, sitting at round tables learning about coordinator policies and county fair marketing strategies, I found it odd that all the little things took substantially less time than they normally do.
I found myself able to sneak away for ten minutes to soak in the hot tub or a half hour just to relax and read. It's totally different getting just myself ready, rather than engineering endeavors for a family of six.
On the trade show floor, there were some pretty fun sights. I tried to convince the Rugged Mountain Man to let me bring home this baby capybara.
I'm not sure why he was so opposed. Nevertheless, I enjoyed petting her and letting her suck on my fingers like a young calf would.
And when she squeaked in response to my baby animal nonsense talk, I was smitten to the core!
Hershey Lodge is quite the classy place. I mean, who else has a baby grand piano out in the hallway? When Jacob Tolliver pounded out the ragtime during our Thursday night banquet, I was thrilled to enjoy his unique piano skills.
Remember that etiquette class a friend and I did a few years ago with our local homeschool co-op? I was thankful for it, since I got to attend two four course dinners this past weekend. The class helped me relax and enjoy myself. I appreciate that Americans don't care if you mess up though. They don't care if you dress "wrong" or you use the wrong fork.
When they brought out this Reese's pie, I almost cheered. Where can I get a whole pie of this stuff???
My sister stayed over a few nights to soak up serenity too. Secretly I brought her along to find me good places to eat and get me to actually leave the Lodge to get a good meal when I didn't have other things keeping me busy.
This tiny crepery ~ Au Bon Lieu ~ was DIVINE.
He was melting a giant bar of Belgian Dark Chocolate onto my Chocolate/Coconut crepe!
Don't worry, the crepe that preceded this dessert perfection had spinach, ham, and cheese on it, so I hit all the food groups. I'd go back there in a heartbeat.
I'm so glad that travel nuances are my sister's super power.
We had a lovely time chilling together. We actually finished like 96,000 thoughts in a row. Quite remarkable for moms that have seven, almost eight children, between us! (My sister is expecting!!!!!!!!!!)
I know she enjoyed the rest and quiet when I was busy too.
Walking past this German shepherd cuddling with his boss made me miss my hounds. I had to work hard to resist the urge to pet him. Service dogs are not supposed to be petted when they are on duty.
I'm pretty sure this is what I look like after a full day at home. Evidently, all the juggling of all my normal daily tasks by Daddy and the Blossoms made a bit of an impact.
Blossom2 remarked, "Now I know why you're ready to chop people's heads off by the end of the day."
Blossom1 noted, "Blossom4 is a walking tornado. She wanders through the house leaving a trail of dirty socks, tiny pieces of paper, and a wall of destruction behind her."
I felt almost as smug as this cardinal.
This John Deere statue actor is about to tell them all, "I told you mommin' ain't easy."
I'm thankful that my family at home missed me and realized what I do all day. I missed them!
I am also grateful that I could spend time with our fair queen, facilitating a fun learning experience of a weekend for her.
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