The day we played hookie from school & work....

Today, the kids and I took off for an overnighter in Orlando. Kenadee has a cheer competition in the morning and her team was staying overnight in the area. It makes it a little easier to be there on time and ready for the competition without the drive in the morning.

We checked in this afternoon to the hotel. We were greeted by our personal towel elephant. He was adorable.

e had lunch at Friendly's. We ate at a Friendly's for the first time a few years ago and it has become one of our favorite stops in Orlando since then.

Later, we got a chance to let the kids play in the hotel's waterpark. They had a really good time on the tubing slides and just hanging out in the pool.

Sometimes, life becomes all about work or commitments. It is nice to take a day and play hookie. Let's face it - these smiles are the reason for everything. The only thing that could have made this day better was if Kaleb was with us. We missed him.

Now, off to bed...

Challenge One - Question 21

"What one thing do you regret from last year, and what will you do about it this year?"

I guess the main thing that I can think of is that when my dad had surgery, I did not make it there. I mean I tried, but for some reason I just was not able to make it there before he had surgery.

My Daddy is the most amazing man and I love him so much. The thought of not being there when I so wanted to be was so painful and broke my heart.

Obviously, between Kenadee's trip to the ER for her broken arm that day, the airlines refusing to let me on the plane b/c I did not make it to the airport in enough time and all else that happened on that day there was not much I could do. Yet, when I walked out of that airport I felt defeated and disappointed in myself.

How could I be in a place where getting home to my parents was out of my reach? I felt guilt, I felt regret and I felt anger.

This year, I can't do anything about that situation but I do plan on making some better plans for "emergency situations". I want to research my options, have a game plan and be able to get there if I ever need to again. I am just praying that this 40 years down the line.

I will know the plane schedules, possible routes for a faster trip home and the best place to rent a car. If I ever need to be there, I will - God willing :0)