Our First Weekend Getaway

It’s been almost two years since Chris and I have been able to get away as a couple. It’s not that we haven’t wanted to take a little retreat, it was just a matter of figuring out logistics for childcare, selecting a time that didn’t interfere with commitments, and Chris’ class schedule. We both knew we desperately needed it and it finally happened this weekend!

Aside from having a 103.6 degree fever both nights, Alexa did very well at Mimi & Pop’s (along with greatly appreciated help from my sis, Rylen & Layton who were on fall break). We are so thankful for the time we had to simply rest, to pray and seek the Lord about decisions that need to be made, to have adult conversations, to reset & clarify goals, to sleep in and eat decadent food, and to remove ourselves from “daily life” so we could reconnect. It was a gift and we’re so thankful to my family for their willingness to watch Alexa so we could escape for a couple of days. I think we’re a much better team after this respite.

We stayed at an ultramodern loft style hotel called The NYLO in Plano, TX (about 20 minutes from my parents). I really enjoyed the aesthetic, and Chris endured it. I joked with him that it did resemble a bomb shelter with the concrete walls, floors, and ceiling. However, I still loved the clean, edgy look. Definitely not your standard Marriott hotel. We enjoyed eating at some delicious restaurants (thanks to recommendations from Urban Spoon and Trip Advisor). We also soaked up the beauty at the Dallas Arboretum. You MUST visit when you are in the area. it’s a great place to walk, to read, to picnic, and to bring your kids. Bottom line – it’s breathtaking. And, it wouldn’t be an “official” get away without some shopping.

NYLO PLANO AT LECACY


The NYLO. Our room was located in the glass panels on the right side.


Our room is the one lit up on the 2nd floor. We stayed in a glass loft where the entire back wall is comprised of glass. We also stayed in a PURE room which is supposed to be free of allergens. I can’t say I am convinced it was worth the money.


A shot of the bed at night. I thought it looked like it was glowing. Loved it!!


A view of the room in daylight.


A view looking back into the room. Notice the curved glass shower (to right) with the industrial sliding door to the bathroom. All very cool touches.


We decided our next office chair will be this one. It was so comfy and great fun to scoot around the room. I think I drove Chris nutty with my rolling around while we talked through our budget & financial goals. A girl has to have fun. 

If you are interested in checking out the NYLO, here’s the site . . .
http://www.nylohotels.com/plano/plano-texas-hotel-1-1.aspx

DALLAS ARBORETUM


We definitely want to know who landscaped this place. Maybe they can recommend a good lawn care service for us.


Chris in front of a giant Whale’s Tongue Agave plant. Looks dangerous.


I could’ve sat on a blanket & written in my journal all day surrounded by this beauty.


Capturing a Monarch butterfly before it found another landing spot.


The illusion of a reflecting pool flowing into White Rock Lake.


I can’t remember the name of this plant but the color was magnificent.


The sign in front of this path asked children not to climb on the trees. You can definitely see why that would be such a great temptation.


This tiny flower is enough evidence for me to know we serve a powerful, magnificent & creative God.


This is an incredible canopy of Crepe Myrtles. Just another 50 years and ours might look like this too.


There were over 50,000 pumpkins featured at the arboretum including “Cinderella’s Pumpkin Village” which is totally comprised of pumpkins. This is a very small sampling of what lined the paths throughout the 66-acre site.

 
Chris scanned the whole park before deciding this was the “perfect” pumpkin.


This is only an example of the structures in Cinderella’s Pumpkin Village. It was an adventure for children and adults. I’ve never seen so many pumpkins in my life.

http://www.dallasarboretum.org/

We definitely plan on visiting Dallas Arboretum again, but next time, with Alexa. And, we definitely plan on scheduling another “couple’s” getaway. This time, we’ll plan on three days!