Our Trip Up North - Part 2

On Saturday afternoon of our cabin adventure, we were invited over to my dad's cousin's cottage while he was at a class reunion.  We weren't sure if we were going to take him up on his offer, but am I sure glad we did.  Right away, we jumped on the pontoon boat for a ride around the lake, but the water was so warm we decided to stop and swim right off the boat.

The boys absolutely LOVED riding on the pontoon boat and were really curious about the steering wheel and all the knobs.  My dad was so cute.  He let them explore, making sure they didn't strand us in the middle of the lake.

After our ride, the big boys (my dad, brothers and Eric) decided they wanted to fish, so my mom, brother Brian and I hung out with Bax & Atty on the beach.  Baxter and Atticus had their first run-in with frogs and had very different reactions.  Atty tried to put the frog in his mouth and Baxter ended up getting freaked out when it jumped out of his lap.  My brother, who caught the frogs for the boys, found the biggest tadpole I've ever seen.  It was pretty cool.

The weather was perfect, and we couldn't have enjoyed it more.  The boys were having so much fun, no matter what they were doing and I loved seeing them have so many "firsts."  It made me really excited for next summer already.  You can check out the boys' first go cart ride in Part 1.

Our Trip Up North - Part 1

On Saturday morning, Eric, the boys and I headed up north to my family's cabin to spend the weekend.  It was the boys' first time there, and it was pretty crazy seeing my boys play in the same yard that I have so many childhood memories of.  One of my favorite things to do there when I was a kid was riding on the go-cart, although, let me clarify that this go-cart was built from scratch with scrap material and only goes about 3 mph.  But as a kid, it was the funnest thing to be able to drive a moving "vehicle."

Atticus wasn't to keen about the whole experience, but Baxter wanted to go again as soon as the ride ended.  He kept doing the sign for "more please," indicating he wanted more rides.  It was pretty cute.

Have you ever done something from your childhood with your children?  It's a pretty weird experience, I think.  But I am so excited for next summer, and the following summers when they'll run and play and make their own memories at a place where I have so many of my own.

Weekend Wears

This weekend, we spent the night at my family's cabin up north.  When I was a baby, my dad and all his brother build a cabin two hours north of our house and I spent a lot of my summers there as a kid.  This particular weekend, it was just my family, although sometimes multiple families will be staying all at once.  I actually remember times when all of my aunts, uncles and cousins would spend a weekend there.

We drove up on Saturday morning, and filled our day with Lake Michigan, pontoon rides, swimming, fishing and lots of delicious food.  We didn't have any plans before we left, but ended up having a really fun time.  I love it when the lack of expectations result in a fun and spontaneous day.

Cardigan: F21 // Dress: F21 // Belt: F21 // Jeans: BDG // Flats: Francesca's Collection // Necklace: Charlotte Russe

On Sunday, we all went to breakfast at a local restaurant and spent the rest of the morning cleaning up before heading home.  The boys were really tired, and that means real grouchy, so we actually left earlier than we had intended, but that just gave us more time at home.

Tank: Target // Cardigan: Thrifted // Jeans: H & M // Shoes: Thrifted

Like I said, we didn't have any expectations for the weekend and was able to have a lot of fun.  I took a TON of photos and will be doing multiple posts this week from our weekend.  So make sure to check back to see Baxter and Atticus' first, but not last cabin experience.

Puppy Love

Ever since they arrived home, the boys and Bella, our dog, have had a fickle relationship.  Bella has never been mean or aggressive towards the boys, most of the time she's just not interested in them.  And if she ever is, they usually don't want her around, particularly licking their faces.  Then, out of the blue they'll start acting as if they've been chums forever.  This flip-flop friendship has recently taken place between Bella and Baxter.  He'll go up to her and pet her for no reason, and if I ask where she is, he'll go find her and pet her some more.  He even goes as far as kissing her.  Sweet, right?  Well, I wouldn't describe a boy and his dog kissing on the mouth exactly sweet.  Despite the fact that it kind of grosses me out, I do like seeing them get along so well.  How can't you love the relationship between a boy and his dog?

Bella is five years old, and has spent her entire life in our family.  She has become such an integrated member, that I really can't imagine ever having another dog besides her.  My little brothers even love her to death.  As proof, they will call me and ask if she can spent the weekend with them, not because we're going out of town, just because they like her.  Man, what a good dog.

What's In My Bag?

I love big bags, but I work my hardest to keep my bag from getting too cluttered.  Lately I have been doing a pretty good job, so I thought I'd offer a little peek into what I usually carry on a daily basis.  Now, let me preface that my purse doesn't normally contain anything kid related.  I still carry a separate diaper bag for the boys.

Lotion // IB Profin // Cosmetic Bag // Mirror // Comb // Nail File // Chapstick // Bobby Pins // Hair Ties // Wallet // Change Purse // Notebook // Pen/Pencil // Phone // Checkbook // Coupons // Headphones // Kleenex

Well, This is Embarrassing

I am not a very photogenic person, never have been, so I'm never surprised when I look through 50 photos of an outfit and come out with 2-3 I'm happy with (and that's being generous).  Most of the time, I'm smiling awkwardly, looking the wrong way or my hair is blown in my face.  Case in point...

These are part of the reoccurring theme I'd like to call "my typical outfit photo." I've never posted anything like this before and most likely won't again (I'm probably having second thoughts about this post already).  But while my reasoning is slightly off, I wanted to offer a glimpse of 95% of the outfit photos I take.  I try to be myself on this blog, and what better way to do that than showing you what you'd probably get if you were my photographer :)

Hey, Check it Out!

I submitted a photo for Spearmint Baby's photo of the day, and today it is featured!  You can check it our here if you want :)

Fall Wish List

(Van Gogh's Mulberry Tree)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.  Fall is my absolute favorite season.  I love the weather, and the clothes that come with said weather in particular.  In preparation (more like anticipation) for fall, I have put together a list of things that I would like to add to my fall wardrobe. 

• Skinny jeans - I have a couple pairs already, but in the fall and winter they're what I live in every day.
• Brown or Navy Structured Jacket - I love layering and I have been loving the looks that include blazers/structured jackets.  I have a black and gray blazer, and would love to add another one or two to the mix.
• Boots - I have several pairs, but if I come across a good deal I'm not going to pass it up.  I wear boots a lot, especially in the winter once there's snow.  I don't prefer flats with socks and am not brave enough to go sock-less.
• Knee High Socks - To go under the aforementioned boots.
• Tights - I don't have many and would love to increase my collection.  I need basic colors, but also want to find colorful ones.  In particular, I want a pair of mustard tights.
• Floral/Patterned Blouses - As of late, I have been loving outfits with a pretty patterned top and colorful cardigan (maybe even mixed patterns), but unfortunately, I don't seem to own many of these, which I will hopefully remedy.
• Black Flats - This is more of a basic necessity.  My current pair is going on their third season and are looking a little rough.
• Dresses - I am looking for dresses to wear with tights, because what is cuter than a dress, tights and boots?  I'll give you a hint...nothing.

We got some money back from the government this year and the mister has agreed to give me an allowance towards my list.  Excited is definitely an understatement when describing how much I am looking forward to shopping for fall clothes.  It's still pretty warm here, so I am going to wait a little bit longer so that I will actually be able to wear the clothes I purchase.  Letting them sit in the closet is just not an option.

Bangs

My brother-in-law is currently in hair school, and he was nice enough to choose me as one of the few recipients of free cuts while he's in school.  I was due for a trim, so I headed in to his school/salon last night, but also with an ulterior motive.  I wanted bangs.  I have been debating back and forth for a while about getting them, and decided to take the plunge. 

What do you think?  I haven't had bangs in a long time, and I don't think I was ever truly committed when I did have them.  This time, I'm pledging to work hard at maintaining them, using a proper brush while blow drying, getting the right hair products and getting them trimmed as often as necessary.  They're pretty much my new fall accessory. 

Weekend Wears

This weekend was full of lots and lots of friends and family, making it so much fun.  Friday night, we hung out with a few friends for dinner and then met up with Eric's brother and sister-in-law who were in town from California.  Our kiddos were having a sleepover with grandma and grandpa so we were curfew-free for the night.

I started to get a little goofy towards the end of picture-taking, and this is the outcome.  You just gotta have fun doing it, right?

Tank: Target // Tee: H & M // Blazer: Target // Jeggings: Target // Shoes: Target

Holy Moly Target!

Saturday morning we went to breakfast, which could be my favorite kind of date and then cleaned most of the afternoon.  During the evening we visited some good friends of ours who have three kids (including twins).  The kiddos all got along really well and we were able to catch up, since it had been a while.

Tank: Target // Dress: F21 // Scarf: Target // Sandals: Target

(I think I am seeing a trend)

Sunday was spent with family in the afternoon and friends in the evening, including baby Henry, my "nephew" (I just love him so much!).

Top: Target // Jeans: William Raste // Flats: Target

There wasn't much down time for us this weekend, but since it was filled with so many people we love, we didn't even notice.  Next weekend, we're going up north to my family's cabin.  It's the first time for the boys, so I'm super excited to bring them to the place I spent my summers as a kid.  I have a feeling it's going to make me feel real old.

More Headbands

Last weekend, I made a twine headband and got so excited that I made another.  This time, it's a three cord headband from yarn.  It's been too hot to knit (for me, knitting needs to involve blankets, coffee and cool weather), so I figured yarn can always have other uses.

What do you think?  I have some other leftover yarn that I think I am going to try out.  If I keep this up for too long, I am going to find myself with one extra-large collection of braided headbands.  It's better than stamps, right?

I Heart Breakfast

I'd have to say that breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day.  I am a morning person, so I love getting up early and getting my day going.  Last night we were kid-less (thank you in-laws), so Eric and I decided to get breakfast this morning.  We went to one of my favorite places here in our little city.  My favorite part is that they serve french press coffee, they even bring the pot right to you!  Yum!

Anyway, we got breakfast and it was really nice just to sit and talk, and then once we were done, we had our entire day ahead of us.  It's really the best way to begin a Saturday.

Is a certain meal your favorite during the day?  Or am I just crazy?