Hey everybody! I hope you enjoyed The Week of Alex Part II last week while I was away on business. Boy, does it feel good to be home, and I can honestly say I missed you all! There's nothing quite like coming home after a long stretch to be reminded just how wonderful your family is. Not only was I touched by Alex's sweet posts about how our home just isn't the same when I'm gone, but our four legged family members were pretty jazzed I was home as well.

Lulu came at me like she was shot out of a cannon, covering me with hundreds of sloppy kisses. It was very sweet (and a little gross). Mel on the other hand firmly planted himself on my suitcase, meowing loudly in a "You're not leaving anytime soon, Lady!" move.

My week away was very exciting and exhausting to say the least. We worked long hours, walked miles each day, and I even had the privilege to meet two former U.S. presidents. Very cool. I also enjoyed some amazing dinners, like this one. 

And stayed in a cool, modern hotel that had the most beautiful fresh flowers in the lobby each day.

All the while Alex toiled away on a few surprise projects, keeping our flowers and plants alive in 100+ degree heat, ensuring Mel and Lulu were fed and happy, and generally running our household. I have to say, I'd much rather be the person traveling! 

Now that I'm home, it's amazing how a little time away can give you a fresh perspective on your space. Upon walking through the back door my first thoughts were that our ceilings were higher than I remembered, and our kitchen was a little stinky thanks to a watermelon rind in the trash. Sort of a weird first impression, I know.

Now that I've had time to settle back in, my head is flooded with ideas for the master bathroom project, I'm thinking of new furniture layouts in our disaster of a sun porch, and we're even planning to make some changes to our diet here (largely due to the pounds I packed on, as a result of eating every meal out for eight days). Here's a hint: 

We have some exciting things coming your way, and fingers crossed, may even be planning a once-in-a-lifetime getaway that we can't wait to tell you about. 

So what were you up to while I was gone? Did you accomplish any house projects last week? Anything notable happen in your life? Have any good news to share? Need to get something off your chest? Like two old girlfriends, let's catch up.