Memorial Day Weekend in Ohio

Lucas and I had a great time with "family" in Ohio this past weekend. My sister's husband, Eric... his family lives nearby, which enabled Lucas and I to have an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend of relaxation, play, sunshine and friendship.

Lucas and Audrina were in the water all weekend long.

They did take a few breaks to "Jeep" around the yard.

Boating with Pops and Liam... Grams helped load in the Critters. 

Trailer rides may have been the highlight of the weekend.

Chicago: Lincoln Park Zoo

Matt had a meeting up in Chicago, which made for an excellent opportunity to get away for a day. What a great day it was!

We spend our time at the Lincoln Park Zoo. We just adore Chicago (...would live there if we could afford downtown urban life) and the zoo was just confirmation that our love affair is completely justified.

Lincoln Park Zoo is a thirty-five acre chunk of land that has been carved out of the skyscrapers and busyness of downtown Chicago. It is a place with old trees, old buildings and grassy places to people watch. People from all over the World come to enjoy the animals, the park-like ambiance and the wide open areas to be together.

My heart swelled with joy as I watched Lucas play with other children who spoke three different languages. Lucas was the only child on the play area who spoke English. This created a deep heart of thankfulness within me, for it's not every day we can expose our children to people who come from different backgrounds, and yet, are not very different from us at all.

Although it was a long day, the trek from Muncie to Chicago was well worth it. We feel fortunate to have a city that is multicultural, full of adventure and on the water so close by! I can guarantee that Chicago will be a place we find ourselves visiting often.

Sun's Out...For Now

The sun has come out a few times in the past couple days and that's been awesome! I don't have a lot to report... just crazy hormones (mine), schedule's ramp up (Matt's) and a child who has mellowed out... a little bit (Lucas).

But... here are a few pictures of our last week.

Our little boy is becoming more adventurous, which enthralls and scares me at the same time.

Every day we see squirrel, ducks, rabbits and geese... but this guy surprised us by making a "run" for the lake yesterday. 

On the fishing dock, we talk a lot about the fish in the lake. Next year, we'll bring our poles!

Lake Winona can be very picturesque. 

"Don't worry Mom, I got this."

Scenic Wisconsin

We had a few days of no rain, but today it's pouring... so here we are again. I think we'll read books, make cookies, take naps... maybe watch a movie. I'm going to approach this with as much enthusiasm as possible.

Yesterday, Lucas and I drove up to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to visit friends. I gotta tell ya... Wisconsin is beautiful! It's lush with green forested hills and has some of the prettiest countryside I've ever seen! I took the scenic drive, which meant avoiding the highway and it was worth it.

Lucas and I spent the day with Beth and her sweet little boys, Elliot and Parker. It was a treat to play with kiddos who had the coolest stuff! Lucas was lost in the sandbox all day and if we couldn't find him there, he was immersed in the worlds biggest train set. Elliot and Parker are both close to Lucas' age... Lucas is sandwiched between the two of them...so playtime was fairly ideal.

For myself, the opportunity to catch up with Beth was priceless. There is something amazing about Beth... her ability to share honest feeling is refreshing. To boot, Beth rarely does anything without purpose. Her intentional living is refreshing and it feels as if there is room for the stuff that really does matter. Yesterday was a great day for me to engage with another adult, but not just any adult... a woman I care for and greatly benefit from.

It's in these times I'm grateful for Matt and I's travels. I would not otherwise have had the same opportunity to visit Wisconsin and enjoy a fun, relaxing day with Beth and her sweet kiddos. The days we seize to reconnect with people who add goodness to our hearts are some of the best days of our lives.

Spring Is Here!

Spring is here! At least it was. Today was cold and there were flurries of snow, but the previous few days have been heavenly. Again I say, heavenly.

I'm not the only one who enjoys the warm weather. I snapped a few priceless pics of the boy in all his glory. Completely in his element, he insisted on the following: water, mud, tools and no pants. Done.

 

Snow Days

Snowshoeing

This past weekend I went on my first snowshoeing adventure ever! It was a short little afternoon jaunt, but so fun!

A few girl friends from church graciously invited me and after wrangling up a set of shoes, a pair of snow pants and a little courage, I jumped in!

We headed up to a canyon just outside of the city, where fresh air was bound to be had. The inversion in the city right now is brutal... leaving many of us with coughs, head colds, and asthma type of symptoms.

The cool air was fresh and the company was great. There is something about being in areas of wilderness and quiet. The only sound to be heard was the bubbling creek and the occasional crack of a tree.  Loved it!

Predictably, I was the only person who took photos... since most of the gals I was with are avid snowshoers. They're out all the time and see the clear air often. I hope to be that way too.

You see that nasty air in the valley... yea, that's Salt Lake Valley. And we're breathing that into our lungs every day right now.

Myself, Josie, Amanda, Rochelle, and Becky.

Bike Ride

Lucas and I took a bike ride today... he in the trailer. I look forward to the day he rides his own bike, and yet... I don't. So for now, the kiddo rides in the bike trailer.

And talks the entire way to our destination... even though I can't hear him because of the wind, or traffic or whatever. He's good company, at least.

And then we stopped for snacks... which was a big hit. After snacks we made our way to the park... which wasn't too much farther up. We made new friends, solidified that we were not from that neighborhood (thus establishing we were not LDS) and then headed home.

 
And Lucas complained the entire way home... basically still talking, only whining. Dear child.

It was still fun... and a great, cheap way to get out of the house in the beautiful Fall-is-coming weather (did I mention the weather!?... it's divine these days!). I think we'll make a habit of biking more often.

A Week From Today

A week from today we will be headed to Minnesota. Matt has been hired as the resident sound designer for the Great River Shakespeare Festival, which means we will spend the month of June in Winona!

It seems this Summer will be a busy one. Our Spring has been a blur... Portland for a month... house sitting (which is why I've been a little spotty with my posting) and now a road trip to the Midwest. It's thrilling and I can honestly say I've enjoyed every minute of it.

After our four weeks in Winona, we will spend a weekend in Chicago with my dear friend Summer and her family. Then we're hoping to see a few friends down in Cincinnati the following week or two. It's going to be grand.

There really is nothing quite like adventure, reconnecting with loved ones and being together as a family. I'm eager to create memories, see the country and be away for a little while.

Fresh

In spite of the overwhelming laziness I dealt with today, we managed a long walk to the playground tonight.

A beautiful desert storm appears to be rolling in and with the wind, it was quite thrilling! I am glad we made it out for a little fresh air.

Favorite Day

One of the greatest parts of a long trip are the days with nothing planned... days where you just hang out, join the routine of your hosts and see what the day will hold. Often great conversations take place, sweet moments take place and unexpected memories are made.

Fortunately, my folks live near a coffee shop that is within walking distance... so on the days with nothing planned, Julie and I would take the kiddos for a long walk, coffee (for us, of course) and a stop off at the park.

Delicious pastries were eaten, warm beverages were consumed and a little rowdy play at the playground made for a day that ended up being one of my favorite days of our entire trip!

Funny moments happen too!

Save Those Duds For A Party!

Last night I hosted a Ladies Clothing Exchange and lemme tell ya, it was a good time! Have you ever been to one? Some gals call their parties "Naked Lady" parties... where you bring all the clothing, accessories and shoes you don't wear anymore, and switch with other gals at the party. It's  fun to see what people are willing to give up, just because they're bored with it, it doesn't fit right or they just decide it's not likeable any longer. The win in this situation is that you're gaining adorable, stylish duds without the cost of thrift store prices. And... you get to party! Definite win.

The result last night was lots of fun gals with a ton of fun clothing. Some of the ladies left with garbage bags full of new-to-them clothing... which I consider a win. I myself found a few items I'm excited to wear (included the coolest sweatshirt I've yet to lay eyes on).

 If I had to do things differently, I would have served alcohol. I'm not gonna lie... it's more fun to "shop" when I'm loosened up with a little red wine. I had the party in a location different than my home, which prevented me from bringing alcohol... but next time, I think it needs to happen.

All in all, a Ladies Clothing Exchange is probably one of the easiest, most fun parties I've yet to throw. I see another one happening within the next six months... so don't throw those clothes out just yet... save em' for a party!!

Photo Credit

King Cake

One of the few things I miss about Cincinnati... King Cake!

And yes, that's a baby you see in the middle. Baby Jesus, to be precise.

If you don't know much about the King Cake, check out Wiki's contribution on the matter.

In the meantime, I'm going to search for a baker in Salt Lake who is familiar with this gem of a treat!

Valentines Day

I love this holiday... not for the chocolates, romance (which is nice) or gifts, but because it allows us to take a day out of our busy schedules to recognize those we care deeply for.

Lucas cares deeply for his friends... leaving church talking about Rowan, or Cole or Josh (I haven't the faintest idea why he'd be saying our worship pastor's name...but he does). Before nap time he says: Night friends!

Children have such a nifty way of loving each other, in spite of the age differences, developmental changes and normal disagreements.

Evidently licking is way children show love too.

Lucas is probably closest to Aviana and Alidia... Cole coming in right next to the girls. When left to their own devices I see the many ways love is expressed between all of them; wrestling, make-believe time, snuggling on the couch in front of a movie, snacks shared together, and plain ol' mischievousness.

Aviana is quick to help Lucas when he falls or when he can't maneuver a toy on his own. Alidia is always willing to make Lucas laugh and is the first to pull him into a running frenzy (this is Lucas' idea of Heaven). Both girls are patient with Lucas and yet when necessary, remind him when his behavior is not okay. Essentially, they're willing to both love Lucas through teaching and play.

Cookies and hot cocoa....what a great way to celebrate Valentines!

He sure loves his friends... especially the ones we live with!

Postcards From Yo Momma

Do you guys read other blogs? If so, please check this one out! It will make your day.

 

http://www.postcardsfromyomomma.com/