Weekend Recap - Our Little Getaway

A month or so ago, one of my coworkers mentioned that when his children were little, they’d drive to Michigan every fall to see the beautiful fall colors and enjoy fall activities.  It sounded like so much fun, I mentioned it to A and suggested we go.  As is usually the case, I started having second thoughts after bringing it up.  We’re still paying off IVF bills and we have a wedding coming up that will require a hotel stay.  Not to mention the holidays, which are just around the corner and always expensive.  We really didn’t need any added expenses at this time.  When I mentioned my hesitation to A, he said he really liked the thought of escaping for a weekend and thought we should go.  As soon as he said it, that was the push I needed and I was on board.  One weekend excursion wasn’t going to break the bank and leaving town for the weekend sounded perfect.

We both worked a half day on Friday and then started our drive to Michigan.  Chicago traffic was bad and we ended up stopping for a late lunch in Indiana.  We made it to Michigan around 5pm and the boys were really great for the 3 hour ride.  Once we settled in, we started thinking about dinner options.  There was a nice restaurant next door and I really wanted a good (i.e. not fast food) dinner.  We thought about going to the restaurant, but after being in the car for awhile, I suspected the boys wouldn’t want to sit quietly at a restaurant.  We ended up ordering food from the restaurant and it was really yummy.  I had squash soup and pasta.  So good.

The hotel wasn’t anything special, but we got a family suite, which had a separate kids’ room with a bunk bed.  This was perfect since W and S often don’t wake up at the same time.  W slept in the extra room while S slept in the main area with A and I.  And the boys loved climbing the ladder and playing on the bunk bed (though neither wanted to sleep on top).

Saturday morning, after visiting the world’s slowest McDonald's (20 minutes for a Coke), we headed to a nearby orchard.  The boys enjoyed the play area and tractors for awhile.  Then, it was time for a hay ride and apple picking.  It was a bit of a rough start -  not many apples left to be picked and S was a little cranky.  But we soon found ladders and those were a game changer. J  The boys loved climbing the ladders and we were able to find a bunch of apples.  I discovered a love for Candy Crisp apples – who knew these were a thing?!?  The town the orchard was in was really cute and offered wineries and wine tasting along with little chocolate and donut shops.

After lunch at a nearby tavern, we stopped for chocolate truffles.  From there, we headed to Lighthouse Point.  We walked the pier towards the lighthouse.  I was so scared of losing one of the boys to Lake Michigan and if it wasn’t for A, I would not have done it.  Luckily, we all survived.  And after that, we sat on the beach.  The weather was amazing and the boys enjoyed running along the shore barefoot and climbing the sand dunes.  It was perfection.    

We eventually found the famous carousel and went for a ride.  Then it was time to head back to the hotel and order pizza.  Such a great day!!

Sunday morning, after church in the little town (where the priest admitted to being a fan of DJT during the homily… what the hell??) and a quick stop at Starbucks, we sadly headed home.

I’m so thankful for our little weekend away.  We had such a great time and I absolutely love visiting new places and experiencing them with the boys.  Indiana and Michigan marked the fifth and sixth states the boys have spent time in this year, which is very cool.  It’s really important to A and I that they experience different places, people, and cultures.  I can’t wait to travel internationally with them, but for now, we’re enjoying exploring states.

Weekend Recap

There really isn’t much point in a weekend recap because we hardly did anything.  But I feel like I need to keep with the routine.

As expected, it rained all day on Saturday and we had to cancel our photos.  I’m mad at myself for not putting any effort into finding an activity for the boys.  We could’ve made cookies or done a craft.  Instead, we colored, read books, watched way too many garbage truck vides on YouTube, attempted a game of Candy Land and learned that S isn’t quite ready for games with rules (ha), went grocery shopping, and ordered Chinese food (in no particular order).  It wasn’t a bad day, but I was disappointed that our photos were rained out (again) and we were stuck inside.

Sunday was the usual.  A and W got fitted for their tuxes for A’s brother’s upcoming wedding.  I can’t wait to see W in a tux!!  And A too for that matter…  Our Cubs lost both NLCS games.  Boo.  And I spent the majority of the weekend feeling blah.

A and I decided to take a little road trip with the boys next weekend and I think we’re both looking forward to a change of scenery.  More on that to come.

Friday Thoughts

I have to admit, I’m feeling really down…

We had our consult with our doctor yesterday and it went as I expected.  He said if we tried IVF again, he’d estimate our chances of success at 20%.  Even though the assessment was anticipated, it was still really difficult to hear.  The proverbial nail in the coffin.  My heart wants to try again, but my brain tells me that would be stupid given all we know.  We'd be setting ourselves up for failure.  I keep agonizing over why we didn’t try again earlier and why things have to be so difficult.  It’s not a good place to be in.

We have family pictures scheduled for Saturday and naturally there is a 100% chance of rain.  Every weekend is booked through November so I’m not sure what we’ll do.  Even though the photo session is always a complete disaster, I love the photos that we receive and I always use them for Christmas cards.  Hopefully we can come up with a plan B.  The exact same thing happened last year… why do I even bother? :\

The national news is just depressing… hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and the biggest idiot we’ve ever seen as our president.  I’ve gone from disliking him to not even being able to stand the sight of him.  How can anyone still support this guy?  I’ve lost a lot of faith in this country, which is just sad.  Every day, there is some controversy over something he said (Tweeted) and a new low.

At least the Cubs won.  I stayed up way too late watching the final game of the NLDS.  So excited that they’re headed to the NLCS, though the Dodgers will be really really tough!

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Stitch Fix #17

Better late than never, right?  Finally getting around to sharing Stitch Fix #17.

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5478084?sod=w&som=c

I tried on this Gilli Kamile 2fer Faux Suede Knit dress first.  Why is it called Faux Suede??  I guess the skirt is super soft and kind of feels like suede?  Anyway.  I had been admiring this dress for quite some time and pinned it ages ago, but figured “that ship had sailed”.  I was so excited to receive it.  I really love navy and you know I love floral patterns.  I have at least 3 other Gilli dresses and they all fit like a dream – flattering and comfortable.  This dress was no exception.  I like that this can be worn through seasons – sleeveless for summer and with a cardigan for fall.  (I made poor A take photos of this dress 3 separate times because they were not turning out so thank you for putting up with me, A!!)  KEEP

Next was the Hadwin Embroidered Tie Sleeve Knit top.  This was unlike anything in my closet.  I take that back – it has narrow stripes.  I’m stripe obsessed and stripes are taking over my closet.  BUT the sleeves were unlike anything in my closet.  I loved the embroidery and the ties.  And the stripes were a nice bonus!  I’m not sure this is the most flattering on me, but I loved it nonetheless.  Bell sleeves seem to be in this season and this made me feel stylish.  The very first time I wore this out, I was complimented, which only means I made the right choice in keeping it. ;)  KEEP

Next was the Chavez Pop Color Cuff Knit striped top.  This was a bit clingy so I exchanged for the next size up.  I probably shouldn’t have kept this because as I mentioned, I already have plenty of striped tops.  I liked the pink detail on the sleeves and can you really ever have too many striped tops?  In my case, no.  I think I’ll get lots of use out of this under cargo vests and under my cargo jacket.  What did I wear all fall before cargo vests were a thing??  I have no idea.  KEEP

Then it was time for the Canaya Cotton Blend Pullover navy sweater.  Another item from my Pinterest Board.  I love navy, but I’m never sure if I should wear it with jeans because then I’m all blue.  I think this works because the sweater and jeans are different shades of blue, but you can tell me if it doesn’t.  My stylist suggested wearing it with distressed denim and I’ll definitely give that a try.  I think this would also be cute with black leggings or black skinny jeans.  Unfortunately, you can’t even see my favorite detail on this sweater  - the buttons all down the sides.  It was a really cute addition that made the sweater.  KEEP

Finally, the Potina Draped cardigan.  As far as I’m concerned, this should be named after me because it’s everything I adore – a long gray cardigan with a stripe detail… yes, please.  I LOVE this.  The pictures don’t do it justice.  It was super soft and comfortable.  I plan on wearing this all the time.  End of story.  KEEP

Thank you to Addie for being my modeling partner.

And as I was looking over the pictures, I found these little treasures.

Also, I immediately went and got a haircut, because I don’t know why my hair looks so big and crazy in all of these.  Whew.

Weekend Recap

It was kind of a strange weekend in that we didn’t really have any plans and took sort of a go with the flow approach.

Saturday morning was gloomy and once the boys were awake, we ended up reading a few books in bed while S drank his milk (or meelk as he calls it – I swear he speaks with a southern accent sometimes).  For some reason, I was really tired and after the boys went downstairs with A, I ended up sleeping for another 30 minutes.  It was glorious.  I eventually started getting ready for the day and W came up to tell me the boys were going on a ‘top secret mission’ to Starbucks.  My favorite!  We had a late breakfast of bagels and juice and continued to ease into the day.  

W wanted to go out for chips and salsa so we eventually headed out to grab lunch, but took a drive through a local forest preserve first.  We’ve lived near this forest preserve for over 10 years and have been to the picnic area a few times, but discovered there’s actually a lake and walking path on the other side.  I had no idea!  We need to return.  Anyway, after that, I got myself a pedicure, which was blissful.  And we finished the day watching the Cubs lose. L

Sunday morning, our stupid teenage neighbor woke us up at 3:30am with some argument/yelling match outside.  It was homecoming at the local high school and I’m assuming he was out partying with friends.  For some reason, they decided it would be a good idea for half a dozen teenagers to all start screaming at each other in the middle of the street at 3:30.  I have NO tolerance for that crap.  As I was looking up the non-emergency police number on my phone, several of the teens got in their cars and left.  I put down my phone and crawled back in bed only to hear car doors a couple minutes later.  Five police cars showed up!  Maybe a bit excessive for some teenagers yelling, but I love that our other neighbors called to report the kids.  And I don't understand why the kid’s parents didn't come out to intervene?  The yelling went on for at least 10 minutes!!  Uggh.  One of the police officers who lives in the neighborhood also stopped by on Sunday to chat with us and then went over to the teen's house.  It's nice that he was following up and hopefully that was a one time occurrence.

So Sunday, A and I were really tired.  At church,  W looked up at the huge cross and asked if there was a vampire on it.  Umm no, that’s Jesus.  I couldn’t stop laughing.  Clearly we have some work to do in regards to religious education.  I thought maybe we’d try to go to the corn maze, but I just didn’t have the energy.  We ended up heading to a local farm for a short time so the boys could pick out pumpkins and then took a long family walk.  I’m a little disappointed we didn’t do more on such a beautiful day, but our weekends are full through the first week of November, so a little down time was probably in order.

Weekend Recap

Our weekend was perfection.  A new month, fall weather, so much family time.  I loved every minute and there were so many instances where I felt immensely grateful for my family.

We started the weekend off by heading out for pizza Friday evening.  W invited my mom to join us, which I thought was really sweet, and she accepted.  The pizza was delicious.  Unfortunately, W was coughing a lot and complained that his ear was hurting.  I was certain we’d be heading to the pediatrician on Saturday morning.  A and I finished the day by watching Love Connection, a show that always makes me laugh… and makes me grateful that I’ve never gone on a blind date. ;)

Saturday morning, W woke up hardly coughing and said his ear was fine.  Yay!!  We went for a long (over an hour) family walk with the boys and Addie and enjoyed checking out the neighborhood Halloween docrations.  The weather was gorgeous.  From there, it was off to run errands (hair cuts, lunch, pet store, groceries).  The boys were really great at all stops and loved visiting the kitties for adoption at PetsMart.  There wasn’t anything particularly special or extraordinary about this day, but the boys were extremely well behaved and I really enjoyed their company.

Sunday began with the boys watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving in our bed as I got ready for the day.  It was really cute and S continued to say, “Well, I uhhh…” (Charlie Brown’s response to Peppermint Patty inviting herself over), which had me laughing.  Church and Starbucks were great.  W would ask me what time it was, I’d show him my watch thinking he wouldn’t be able to read it and he got the time exactly right!  9:20 the first time and 9:40 the second time.  I was shocked and so impressed – my boy can tell time!  After Starbucks, we headed to an apple orchard about an hour away.  The boys enjoyed picking apples, visiting the animals, playing on the wooden vehicles, and riding the train.  Once again, the weather was beautiful and we had so much fun.  We found a nearby family restaurant that advertised world famous broasted chicken (naturally the boys chose hamburgers), and everyone at the restaurant was really sweet to us.  A and I finished off the weekend with This is Us… that show is so good, but I can’t get through an episode without crying. 

Such a wonderful weekend and a good reminder that I have so much to be thankful for.  How I love October…

Today

Writing my usual weekend recap doesn’t feel right today.  After hearing about the mass shooting in Las Vegas, my heart aches.  I think we’ve all been to Vegas or known someone who’s gone.  Most of us have been to concerts.  While this country remains very divided on the subject of gun control, I think we can all agree that the United States has a very serious problem in regards to gun violence.  We can all agree that this happens far too often, that far too many lives have been lost, that our children deserve better.  As heartbroken as I was hearing the news this morning, I wasn’t at all surprised… and that, my friends, is not acceptable.