Atkisson Family: Lots O' Stuff

I obviously haven't had a chance to update since our return on Sunday night. I apologize- things have been a bit crazy with settling back in, and now having a very sick baby (hopefully it will pass quickly!).

Jason and I had a wonderful, wonderful time in Galena. It was the perfect get away weekend to reconnect- low key, yet lots to do (if that makes sense?). Here is a brief rundown of the weekend- easier than telling it over and over:

Friday afternoon: Arrived in our room (which, by the way, I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for a nice long weekend away from reality. the room was perfect, the B&B owners were wonderful, no details forgotten! More info can be seen about the B&B on my previous post, our specific room details are here-- and they always have packages for special occasions. No wonder it is rated 5/5 on tripadvisor.com!) early afternoon and were welcomed by balloons, cake, and champagne to celebrate our anniversary/my birthday.

After settling in, we went downtown for dinner at Fried Green Tomatoes (Yummy!!!). Post dinner, we waddled our very full stomachs down the road to the DeSoto House- the oldest operating hotel in Illinois- for the "Haunted Galena Tour". Can't say that the tour was as "haunting" as I had expected after doing this sort of thing in other old cities, but was very historical and interesting none the less! (Who knew that Field of Dreams was filmed there?! We now have pictures to prove it!) We then headed to a local bar for a drink before calling it a night. Actually, we made it to 2 of them- the first we walked in and out after being looked at like we had three heads, and had no seat available to be properly served our Bush Light- or maybe it was Old Style- in a can...... the second choice seemed more our speed... until Karaoke began and we seriously witnessed a 6'5", 400 lb. (very) white guy, start singing (rapping?) Nelly! It was hilarious, Jason tried to capture it on his phone video, but it didn't turn out. Guess you would have to be there to fully enjoy the sight!

The next day we woke up to the most wonderful smell of breakfast cooking permeating our room (and the whole B&B). We ate like pigs- and I am NOT a breakfast person, and headed downtown again for a full day of shopping and a couple of hours at the history museum. Once our arms were full of bags, and I am pretty sure the checkbook empty, we made our way back "home" for our couples massage.

It was heaven, plain and simple! Jason had never had one, and I am sure that he will now be a repeat customer! Our massages were followed up with a wonderful dinner for 2 served in our room, and watching a couple of movies- the things that just don't happen with 2 kids at home.

Sunday we woke up to another wonderful breakfast, a little more shopping...... and a 6 hour trip home. Among unpacking and settling back in, we did find time for a "little" birthday celebration. Brayden insisted that we have a cake (left over from Galena) with candles, and he made me a card. I should have scanned it to post here, but he asked what numbers are in thirty five and made his card complete w/ 3 and 5 (albeit, upside down), princess stickers- because mommy is a beautiful princess, you know?, and a cake.... with 35 candles!

The kids were in good hands over the weekend, staying with my sister and brother in law. As if playing Wii weren't bad enough, Brayden has now become an expert at playing "Rock Band" on PlayStation 2. It is a game much like Guitar Hero, but each player plays a different instrument or sings. Quite addictive!