Mother's Day Out

Russ left to go out of town this morning for a good friend's bachelor party. Ever hear of a bachelor party leaving at 7 a.m. Thursday morning? Hmph! I'd been dreading this weekend for some time for many reasons: I miss him when he's gone, I'd be with the boys all weekend alone--missing my partner in crime, my relief pitcher, and it's tough managing a strong-willed 4 year old and a chunky monkey 6 month old!

Things started looking up when I scheduled a lunch date and a play date/happy hour. Then Nunny and Buzz decided they wanted to go to the ranch this morning and take Riley with them. He eagerly stayed home from school today, helped pack his bag, and off he went, blowing kisses and announced from his carseat, "Look, Mommy, I can hug you from here!" while hugging himself...and melting my heart. Mimi and G were looking forward to keeping Kace while I went to lunch.

I met Rachael at Mandola's Market. I wanted to go somewhere I'd never been and let Rachael choose the spot. It was excellent. The place was packed, it's a market/bakery/deli/restaurant. I ordered a Veggie Panini and it was delicious. I ate half for lunch and wished I had room for the other half...so I saved it for dinner!

(Thanks to the you, Mr. Complete Stranger Man, for taking these pictures of us. You did a great job and doesn't Rachael look GORGEOUS?)

After lunch, we walked over to Embellish and had a pedicure. It is a girlie little boutique and salon. Exactly what us Mommy's-of-two-boys needed!

Our pedicurists brought out these beautiful, hammer coppered pots filled with hot water for our toes. I want one.

and warm, cozy neck wraps

Rach went for a sparkly turquoise and I found the orange I've been looking for!

It was just what I needed!