It's become a signature move for me. When I am out with the kids, and they get cranky I almost always have a nuk (paci, bink, boo-boo.. you know...) in my pocket ready to serve as the mute button for a meltdown. Sometimes two, or even three. You never know. I have recieved many knowing smiles from fellow moms, and appreciative looks of relief from those without children when this has happened.... I just pop it in and we're good to go...

So, Sunday as I headed off to my conference at Gaylord National Conference Center (a fun new area, take the trip!!), I was sure to clear out my pockets and head off for a grown up time. No nuks, diapers, goldfish crackers, or tantrums in sight.
The only thing missing was my husband... it would have been a nice romantic getaway, but it did not work out this year. The hotel is fabulous. Worth checking out. Just a hop, skip, and jump from DC, Alexandria (which I fell in love with), and Baltimore. Nice area. All new. Smells good. Not at all like Niagara Falls, where wiffs of chicken wings or garbage are the primary outdoor odors.
Oh, and yes... there was a purpose for the trip. I did attend a conference. It was through the U.S. Department of Education Safe and Drug Free Schools focused on school safety,, gangs, cyberbullying and more... very valuable...

My friend and co-worker Amanda also attended, and we had a blast on our "off" time!

A clear day to fly
The cool lobby, set up to look like a colonial street

My room... too bad I didn't have my hubby there to share it!

View of the harbor from the hotel

Me and Amanda

A darling view of Old Town Alexandria

The doors of the courthouse

Some fun sculpture at National Harbor
Up close~

Swarovski Cats! Fun!