I’m taking a short break. Our neighbors are moving to California and we are spending as much time as we can with them before they leave next week. We are so sad to see them go but excited for the opportunity they have been offered. I will be back to posting sometime next week. I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Month: May 2013
Weekend Recap
On Saturday I woke up early, tossed the kids some breakfast bars and headed to the backyard. I didn’t even bother changing out of pajamas. This was the first Saturday where we did not have soccer games scheduled and I had grand plans to get the backyard cleaned up. Our yard is small and despite the lack of sunshine tends to grow every weed none to mankind. I spent the first hour or so pulling weeds between all the bricks in the walkway, the second hour burning sticks and stacking logs, then I uncovered soccer balls, rubber boots, hand shovels, trucks and hula hoops from under the deck and tall grass in the middle of our yard. While I worked on that Ben tackled our long narrow side walkway, cleaning up trash left behind from the neighborhood raccoons. We still have a lot to do, like put in the vegetable garden along the fence and transplant some of the mint/lemon balm, but its a start and it felt really good.
Backyard after cleanup
Ben did a great job on the side walkway. I wish we would have taken a before picture.
Vita was complaining about not having anything to do on Saturday and she did not want to help us, so I gave her a plastic knife and told her to whittle wood. This kept her busy for a couple of hours.
On Sunday we went to Rising Park in Lancaster, Ohio for our nephew’s 1st birthday party. It was great seeing family and the kids had so much fun playing with all their cousins. The park was packed and we did not make it to the trails that lead to the top of the cliff overlooking the town, but we did play on the playground and stroll around the pond. I would love to bring the kids back here one day and spend more time.
Happy 1st birthday!
Blackburn getting some much-loved boy time with his cousin.
When I tell them I want to take a picture these are the faces I get from them!
Attempting to get a nice family picture…
This unplanned shot where Ben’s keys and Isabella’s balloon got tangled ended up being my favorite picture of us.
To finish off the extended weekend… today we relaxed and watched Jurassic Park (one of Ben and my favorite movies) with the kids.
Final Countdown…
(side note: the Final Countdown is one of Blackburn’s favorite songs)
Last week was Vita’s field day and Isabella’s field trip, both of which Ben and Blackburn were able to attend and snap some pictures…
Field day tug of war. Vita out in front.
Blackburn joined in on the parachute action.
Vita won second in her class for the sack race.
Vita hula hooping
Blackburn and Isabella having lunch on the serpentine wall during her field trip.
Relaxing by the Ohio River
Only three more days and they are out for the Summer!
{this moment}
{this moment}
A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.- via soulemama
A Date Night
Last Saturday Ben’s parents came down and watched the kids so Ben and I could attend a friend’s wedding at Bellarmine Chapel on Xavier Campus. The colors were black, white and purple and the dresses and flowers were gorgeous. After the ceremony, we killed time at the casino and then headed to the reception at the Marriott Rivercenter in Covington, KY. The building was amazing and overlooked the city of Cincinnati. I am not used to seeing our city from this side of the Ohio river.
Flowers at the ceremony.
Centerpieces at the dinner tables and appetizers.
View from the balcony.
Everyone got glow sticks to dance with on the dance floor.
Leaving KY and heading into Ohio after the reception.
Snapshots
Northside Farmer’s Market- we bought flowers and visited with friends
Backyard Lilacs and Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick
His last day of preschool for this year…sibling love.
Ferris wheel
My favorite part about this picture – Vita ignoring his scream singing.
Getting pumped up for the soccer game.
Soft serve ice cream – twist style for us.
Mother’s Day
I received cards, artwork, moccasins, handmade body scrub and lots of love this weekend. Friday the kids showered me with gifts they made at school and cards they secretly made at home. Ben bought a great pair of moccasins I have been wanting. On Saturday we went back and visited family and snuck in a movie that night while Ben’s parents watched the kids. We saw Iron Man 3. I liked it, Ben fell asleep (but that’s normal and not a reflection on the movie). The next morning Ben’s mom made breakfast, Vita and I had an intense game of checkers, I received more cards and eventually we made a relaxing drive home. Here are some pictures:
Vita made me body scrub (which I am told is edible) and Isabella made me the lovely MoM tile.
A cute little book Vita made.
There comfortable and I really like them. Ben is not entirely a fan but I thank him for getting them for me!
One of the hardest and most rewarding things I believe I will ever do is be a mom. It is such an important responsibility and I just hope that along this amazing journey the mistakes I make will be minimal and they will never doubt my love for them.
Birthday Party
On Saturday we met family at Moundbuilder’s park and celebrated my niece and nephews’ birthday. Happy Birthday to Ty, Hope and Grant. Thanks for inviting us Courtney, the kids had a blast!
Hope trying to get some candy out.
My dad and sister.
Ty and Hope opening presents.
One of my most favorite people in the world, my grandpa. Thanks to Ben for snapping a picture of us when we weren’t looking.
me, my mom and my sister
My brother in law being attacked by the kids, Blackburn breaking free to get me.
I can’t believe Ty is 9 years old. I am sure my sister feels the same way.
Hope just completed an amazing jump off the picnic table.
Grant smiling for the camera.
{this moment}
{this moment}
A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.- via soulemama
Green Thumb…fingers crossed
I planted some stuff today. I’m a 50/50 gardener. I start out with grand plans and then at some point just forget to water and eventually I am left with a stick (I can’t keep orchids alive) or a brown plant in a pretty planter. Lowes had some plants on sale so I picked up a few. I love buying all types of flowers and ignoring the directions which causes Ben to frown and give me an “I told you so” look when they die. This time I reigned in my desire to purchase plants that needed full sun. We get shade, a lot of shade…so I bought some ferns, some Scottish moss and coleus plants and put them in planters on the front porch. I also bought a violet for fifty cents, a banana pepper plant and bee balm (which does like sun and I will find it some even if I have to cut down the neighbor’s almost dead tree). I bought two inside houseplants also.
