That’s what Sloane said when I got home.   DaddyBoy had to go to Puerto Rico for business last week, I sort of invited myself and mom (and Darby too, but she couldn’t escape) to join him for the weekend.  We unfortunately had two days of rain, but the one day of sunshine was enough for me.

Another breakfast with DaddyB and his calendar.

Dad called the rental car “our clown car”.  He only used the Garmin once, then he ripped it off the windshield and proudly announced that he did not need it. Sunday night after dinner (it was dark outside) we made our way back to the hotel.  He was telling mom, “look Connie, I found a bus lane!  Port-o-reek-an  H-O-V,  perfect for our clown car!”  I did hear a few horns honking, but you know, in some places excessive horn honking is normal.  Then there were blue lights.  A police car coming from the opposite direction pulled right into our lane, forcing us to a screeching halt.  The officer yelled something in Spanish to which Dad calmly responded, “veinteseis?”… asking if he was on “26″ (the highway).  We had been driving the wrong way down a one way road into oncoming traffic for about 10 miles.  The clown car would not have taken a head-on impact very well.  Glad we survived.

I’ve challenged dad to give up Diet Cokes.  This one was (hopefully) his last.  I hope he enjoyed it.  I’m proud of him.

Those two haven’t had a real vacation together since I don’t know when,  I’m sure they were thrilled I tagged along.  My mom takes a trip with her parents every fall, so maybe this is the beginning of a family tradition.   Darby has to come next time.

No matter how great a little escape is, it always feels so good to be home.  I was grateful for a quiet evening at home with these two…

One of these days I’m going to get ahead, but in the meanwhile let’s backup.  After our jaunt to Memphis I headed north to Chicago.  I have a precious godson there that I had not yet met.  He is a delicious little man.

Clearly I could have used a little make-up or a nap, but look at that little nugget in my arms.  Pure joy, that little miracle is.  He was baptized on Sunday morning and after the baptism the church congregation sang (acapella) Jesus Loves Me as the little man was carried to the back of the church and then back up to the front.  Goosebumps and maybe a few tears too.

Here I am with Katie’s brother, the godfather.  We were sad Darby wasn’t there, I should photoshop her into this picture.

So in addition to precious memories and time spent with these family friends we also got to see DaddyBoy.  We ventured to a few new antique stores and lunched on Friday.

Sometimes I see things that blow my mind.  Like these sewing machines on display in this storefront.  Can you imagine how much work this was to create?  It sort of overwhelmed me.  Never having heard of Allsaints Spitalfields, I decided to go in.  I figured they sold vintage sewing machines.  Kidding.  But I went in, felt like I was 80 years old because the music was so loud I couldn’t take it and left immediately.

I stayed an extra day so I could hit the Merchandise Mart… if the folks in the Kohler showroom ever decide to get rid of these gray Eames chairs I hope they will call me.

I know a couple of terriers who would love that wallpaper!  Speaking of the terriers, Penelope wanted to make a blog appearance, here she is grinning.

It was an inspiring day at the Merchandise Mart!