February was a long month. The first weekend, Little Miss and I went to Williams Sonona to make and decorate Valentine's Day cookies. It was a private class! We got the cute little conversation heart cookie cutter set.
The second weekend, we went back to Williams Sonoma to make some orange chicken which was just a jar of sauce and chicken in the air fryer. It was so good (see other post). The next day, we went back to make salted caramel pretzel cheesecake and chocolate molten cake. They were so delicious and so easy to make! It's in the Instant Pot, takes no time at all, and we got to take the cookbook home.=
The third weekend, we went to the Parents' winter vacation house and met up with family. We celebrated Mom's birthday a little early. I played beer pong for charity. Poorly. Sister and Brother-in-Law won the tournament, Cousin won pint glasses, and I won the 50/50 cash raffle and a shirt. Great time all around! We also think Captain has his first crush on my youngest Cousin's girlfriend (above).
The last weekend was relatively quiet. We ran a lot of errands. Little Miss scored her third goal in four weeks at hockey and is in the playoffs. Captain got new sneakers. It was not earth-shattering.
January was a fun month. In the beginning of the month, we celebrated a belated holiday with the In-Laws. We had dinner out and then went back to our apartment for dessert and presents. I can't even handle the cuteness of all the kids together.
The very next day, Captain and I took the Metro to The Kennedy Center to see the play Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. He used to be scared of the Metro and is no longer! Because I'm an idiot, I bought 4 tickets to the play because I can't work the Internet. So, I gave two of the tickets to Sister-in-Law and Nephew. We met in between the two performances for lunch. After lunch, Captain and I did the fun virtual tour of The Kennedy Center with Pigeon on the app. The wifi was a little spotty so we didn't complete it, but we did get a pin and had a lot of fun.
The next weekend, Husband was out of town on an annual trip. So, the kids and I did some cooking and baking and had a movie night (101 Dalmations, the original animated film). We did dinner out with the In-Laws. It was a lot of fun.
The next weekend, Little Miss had a Latin party which is a total thing. She won second place in a costume contest. I went to a Housewarming party and a couple of happy hours. Overall, it was a pretty relaxing long weekend. Our Sunday Family Movie was Star Wars (A New Hope). I did not fall asleep once through this viewing, too.
The last weekend, the kids and I went back to The Kennedy Center for Lunar New Year (China). I think I'm going to have to skip Korea this weekend. I just need to do some things at home. The lanterns were beautiful, and the kids had a blast with crafts and costumes. We also completed the Virtual Tour and got certificates of completion! And then everybody melted down, and we came home. Food front: I bought myself an Air Fryer for Christmas so we used that quite a bit. In January, we air fried everything from veggies (butternut squash and broccoli and brussels sprouts) to pot stickers, chicken tenders and onion rings. The kids and I made chocolate donuts in the oven, homemade baked mac and cheese, parmesan chicken tenders, chicken romano and lemon pasta, broccoli cheese soup, champagne cupcakes with champagne buttercream, the yummiest vanilla cake, and circus cupcakes. There were also brownies and sugar cookies. You can find our updates and recipes here on our Cooking/Baking Instagram page, @A4MinimalEffort.
August was really busy! The first weekend, Husband and I traveled to New Jersey for a wedding while the kids stayed home with the in-laws - and their cousins. We hit the track on Friday night to lose a few bucks. We had a nice dinner. Then, the next day, we had a wedding to attend. It was a beautiful wedding. Between, we grabbed some drinks before going to the country club for a lot of eating and drinking. We visited with some of the Husband's family before heading back on Sunday.
The next weekend, we took off for vacation with the in-laws. The older nephew and Little Miss went up a day before. We met them the next day. It was a beautiful week of sun and sand. We did a lot of eating. The kids loved the water - both the ocean and the pool. I still feel like I'm recovering. The kids really loved spending time with their cousins. They little ones are really getting much better at playing together and interacting. They still need to be watched because Captain can be kind of mean sometimes. He's used to being the darling baby of the group, but he turns into such bully, not wanting to share any attention. Then, sometimes, when you're not looking, the two of them play so nicely.
The last weekend, Husband and I went to La Tasca and had sangria and paella. The sangria was delicious. We definitely need to do that more often. Then, we saw John Oliver! It was amazing. He's one of my favorite personalities/comedians. After we saw a friend from college and her wife, and then we grabbed drinks with a former co-worker. It was a lot of fun and full of adult, grown up things.
The next day was another wedding! It was the last of the season. The wedding was lovely. We grabbed a drink after with another couple before we went to the reception where we had a blast. After, we were like entirely different people and went to the after party until we shut the bar down. I haven't done that in I don't know how long.
That said, we are definitely ready for the routine of school to start up again. I think our busy summer was great - and fast - but there's sometime comforting in the routine of the Fall. We have some plans we'd like to carry out in the Fall so it'll be something to look forward to.
July went by in a blur. We went to the pool again during the Fourth of July weekend. We did a day at my sister's pool and a day at my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's pool. The next weekend, we celebrated my nephew's birthday at the pool. The third weekend, we spent it at a friend's pool. We only got a good dip in before it started storming, but it was still fun.
The next weekend, my sister had a party. It turns out there was an issue with her marriage paperwork so they got married again (or for the first time). At the party, one of her bridesmaid and I wore our bridemaid dresses again as a little nod. The last weekend, the kids got their haircut and we met my parents for ice cream. Little Miss also went ice skating because that's what we do when it's a billion degrees. Throughout the month, Little Miss continued with her swimming lessons.
May seems like months ago - because it was. May and June were ridiculously busy for us (as was the rest of the summer honestly). The first weekend, we had our annual Kentucky Derby party. It was on the small side this year, but we still cooked about the same amount of food. We watched the race and then played Cards Against Humanity which was a lot of fun - good group. On Sunday, we had the in-laws over for a cook out. Our apartment added a few grills and gave us a proper patio so we tried that out for the first time.
The second weekend was our nephew's birthday. It was a lot of fun. Captain enjoyed the food, and Little Miss enjoyed ruling all the kids around her as the oldest. It was a day of fun and chaos as all children's birthday parties are. The next day was the Taste of Arlington. Captain tried a soba salad which I thought was a little too strong for me, but he loved it. The lotus root always creeps me out, but he ate it up. The wind took his plate which made him sob, but I bought him another. Little Miss mostly liked rock climbing and gathering as much free stuff as she could. She had swimming, and then we actually went back to the Taste of Arlington where we scored free food from some vendors.
The third weekend we did the Fun Fair at the elementary school. Little Miss loves being around her friends. She got her face painted, tried her hand at the cake walk (many times), and loved seeing her teachers outside of school hours. The next day, we did Truck & Bus Day. It rained, but that didn't stop Captain from freaking out all over the bus and trucks and other vehicles. Little Miss also really enjoys this event. After, I took the kids to book club and then we all went to get frozen yogurt and then ended up at my parents' for a jam packed weekend!
The last weekend of May, Memorial Day, we just ran errands, had more frozen yogurt, and went to the pool. It was a little chilly for the pool, but that didn't stop the kids from staying in until it started raining. All in all, it was a good month.
April starts a very busy time for us. The first weekend, Little Miss had hockey. After we changed and went to Fairfax for family pictures. No shock, but Captain cried the entire time until the photographer gave him a baseball. He stopped crying, but he was never happy. On Sunday, Little Miss had her swimming lesson and a birthday party for a friend. They were supposed to go bowling, but the bowling alley lost power so it was at his house.
The second weekend was the Masters. Husband prearranged a day out of golfing and then watching the Masters at a friend's house. While he was out, Sister-in-Law and the nephews came over and played. On Sunday, I took the kids to the library. They had a blast, but the library didn't have anything we wanted. We put some items on hold though.
The third weekend, I went out of town for my sister's bachelorette party. On Friday, we went to her final dress fitting and then drove down to Charlottesville. We went to a goat farm where we got some goat kisses and ate goat cheese. We hit up the breweries, distilleries, and wineries. We had a shuttle take us around, and at one place, the bartender drove us home. It was a nice, relaxing time. We capped it off with brunch downtown and a nice walk during the unseasonably warm afternoon. Back home, Little Miss had hockey and soccer. She scored her first goal in hockey practice. Husband sent me a video and, in the background, Captain was shouting her name. It was so precious.
The following weekend, we celebrated Captain's second birthday. I made cupcakes with Where the Wild Things Are cupcake toppers and some cupcakes were little boats. The big kids watched a movie while the little kids literally ran around in circles. Captain missed his morning nap so he was slightly cranky and over sensitive, but I think he had fun. He very much enjoyed the pizza at least. Right after the party, I showered and drove to the Marine Corps Heritage Museum for the awards gala. It was a really great event. I had missed it previously because I had a baby and Captain's first birthday party, but I planned accordingly this year.
Last weekend, I hung out with friends. It's been so long that we were just celebrating their birthdays - which were in March and the beginning of April. We had a lovely lunch and caught up. One just got a new puppy so it was nice to meet her.
March was busy! The first weekend was hockey - super early. Then, later that day, we had Sister's bridal shower and bachelorette party #1. The shower was a lot of fun - presents, good food, mimosas! That night, the girls all went out at Reston Town Center and drank and danced. We shut the place down. Sunday was a sleepy day - literally.
The next weekend, Husband took Little Miss to hockey while I stayed home with Captain. After, I got a pedicure with a friend before book club. On Sunday, Little Miss had her swimming lesson. It's always great to hang out with friends. Plus, I can't remember the last time I had a pedicure so that was heavenly. The third week of March, we hung out with Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law. It was the beginning of Spring Break. We had corned beef and cabbage. The kids played. It was relaxing, and we got home at a decent hour. It's so nice to see the cousins growing up together and playing well with each other. On Monday, Husband brought Little Miss to NYC to watch the Rangers play during her Spring Break. Captain and I stayed home together, and we traded selfies.
The last weekend was Easter. We saw Zootopia on Saturday and went to Sister's house for Easter brunch. We had a ton of Korean food which was delicious. The kids had Easter Egg hunts. Captain missed his naps so he was super cranky, but he loved finding eggs and playing with the dog. He peed right through his little outfit right after we got there, but that's life with a toddler for you.
Let's see. I have to get better or I'll soon be doing seasonal weekend updates. Well, we actually went out for New Year's Eve while the kids were at the In-Laws' apartment. On New Year's Day, we had a family dinner with the In-Laws and Sister-in-Law, Brother-in-Law and the nephews to ring in the new year. It was a nice quiet intro to 2016. The following weekend, Little Miss had hockey. The next day, the bridal party met for brunch to nail down details for the bridal shower and bachelorette party. It also helped us all be on the same page plus have some yummy food.
The third weekend, Husband was gone for his annual trip to Las Vegas. We had hockey on Saturday and then Little Miss started swimming class on Sunday. A co-worker of mine used to teach swimming so I asked if she would teach Little Miss. She's done amazing in such a short time. She really loves my co-worker and works hard to impress her. That weekend was a long weekend so, on Monday, we went to Sister's house to hang out, and then Husband came home! The fourth weekend had a blizzard! I was let out of work early on Thursday and worked from home on Friday. Then, Saturday and Sunday were wild. The wind was crazy so Captain was very unhappy (as you can see below). Plus, the floor was wet, and he took a bad header. The next day, we took a walk around the neighborhood where it was already starting to clear, and he liked that. Little Miss wasn't feeling well so she stayed in bed. This worked out ok because they had no school the entire following week. All of her activities were obviously cancelled that weekend.
The last weekend in January, we had hockey and then we went out to dinner with the In-Laws to celebrate their birthdays. Brother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, and the nephews also met us out. Captain was a big pain in the neck during dinner. All came back to our place after for some dessert. The next day, Little Miss had swimming, and I had lunch with book club at a super delicious Vietnamese restaurant.
December, as always was a busy month! The first week of December, I saw Tom Brokaw speak which was great. He's such a great speaker, so impartial and just so humble and gracious. He's been through and has seen so much.
That first Friday, I took Little Miss out of school to go see ICE at the National Harbor. It was a blast. We rode the Capital Wheel and had dinner and did a little shopping. It was a lot of fun with my big girl. The next day, we were up early to choose our Christmas tree. Then, I went to Frederick, MD to tour some old houses with book club. It was a lot of fun.
The second weekend, I met my sister in Reston to celebrate her birthday. It was fun complete with tacos and margaritas. On Saturday, Little Miss had a birthday party while Captain and I grabbed some Japanese food. Then, we went to brother-in-law's to celebrate Hanukkah. It was a lot of fun to catch up with him. Plus, the kids love him, his wife, his father, and his dog. On Sunday, I brought the kids to meet Santa. Captain, who cries in most pictures, did not cry on Santa's lap. I guess that's good.
The third weekend, Little Miss and Captain spent the night with the in-laws while Husband and I made hundreds of pierogi. They came out very well if I do say so myself. That was pretty much the entire weekend.
We went to church on Christmas Eve. Captain had some issues with sitting that long, but he was quiet. I only had to remove him for the very end. Little Miss was more bored than he was, but she made it through. After, we had the in-laws, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and the nephews over for dinner. We feasted on pierogis and Polish foods and desserts.
On Christmas, Little Miss literally received everything she asked Santa for. Santa thanks Amazon Prime for all those deliveries. Husband received some nice surprises as did I. I mostly just needed a new iPod which I received. Captain got a few books and cars and trains - all the hits.
The day after Christmas, we drove to Maryland to be with my family. It was mild, rainy weather so it was all inside activities. We played board games, watched movies, opened more presents. The kids went ice skating and went to the inside pool. It was fun. Captain started to have some issues sleeping, but he was a trooper.
We left on Tuesday after Christmas. I took the week between Christmas and New Year's off which I rarely do. I haven't had that much time off ever. Because the rain broke up, we went to Zoolights. It was fun though it's unfortunate we didn't have more time there. The lines were long and crazy. Captain was not a fan of the carousel. He does not like rides as much as Little Miss.
New Year's Eve, the kids spent at the in-laws as we had plans! We went to a friend's house. We played board games - where Husband and I showed our amazing team work skills at Trivia Pursuit - and had some beverages while we ate and watched football. It was a decent year in 2015. I have high hopes for 2016!
My resolution for 2016 is to be better at this whole blogging thing. I've let it slide. Though I think the monthly update posts are better suited for me, I can still be better about posting. I'm much better at keeping up Instagram honestly. I mean, annually, my resolution is to try to just simply say "thank you" when complimented. I feel I try to downplay or rationalize every kind word people say instead of just giving thanks. I'm still horrible at it, but I'm trying.
The first Sunday in November was spent at a first birthday party! They're always fun. Captain even managed to nap there. Little Miss loved being the oldest one there. After Little Miss was going to have a sleepover with her cousins. We stayed at the birthday party a little longer. Husband, Captain, and I had dinner in the city before heading home. Little Miss called on our way home and said she did not want to have a sleepover so we swung by and picked her up.
The next day, Husband's family watched the Jets game and ate way too much food. All the kids had a really great time together. The younger ones are not too happy with being younger and not allowed to do what the big kids get to do. Captain spent the entire day eating. And then he ate some more. It was a good napping weekend for him. He did a great job napping in other people's cribs. Usually, on the weekend, he does his best to avoid naps.
The second weekend of November, Husband and I belatedly celebrated our anniversary. We went to Clyde's and to a basketball game (Wizards/Magic). It was a fun, relaxing night out. The Wizards won - though we weren't very invested in the game. It was nice to get out and have some couple time. The kids slept over the In-Laws' apartment so we also got to sleep late which was as nice as you'd think. The next day, we did Christmas photos with the cousins. We got one really good one, and we only marginally held onto our sanity.
The third weekend of November, we finished cleaning our apartment for Thanksgiving. I can't say we ever really finished, but it's better than it was. I bagged toys and clothes for donation. Things were really tidied up - except our bedroom, but no one really goes in there anyway. That Sunday, my sister and I had photos with the other side of the family. I mixed up the times, but the photo studio was so backed up, no one noticed. My parents met us for lunch, and then we head home to call another weekend to an end.
Thanksgiving week was a lot of fun. The night before, I got a massage when my office closed early. Captain had his 18 month well child visit. He weighs 21.5 pounds, finally weighing over 20 pounds! He's pretty healthy and doing well. He got his flu shot. He still doesn't say many words, but this was typical of Little Miss, too. He makes sounds and says Mama, Dada, Baba when he wants his cup. He's been known to say Little Miss's name. He also says ball, doggie, girl, tree, and other words. I think he said cookie recently. He's a big fan of cookies.
On Thanksgiving, we got up and stayed in our jammies for awhile. We watched the parade. Husband made the turkey and prepped the stuffing. Once those were done, I made roasted veggies (butternut squash, potatoes, brussels sprouts, and red onion). It was a simple meal, but it was pretty good. We had cookies for dessert. My parents enjoyed hanging out with the kids. Captain ate early and then napped when we ate which worked out best. During the weekend, we did as little as possible. I took Little Miss skating. Then, Little Miss and I went to see a movie the next day. My friend and I went to see another movie on Sunday. It was a social time, but I managed to avoid many of the Black Friday sales which is a high accomplishment for me! Onto Christmas!!
October was, as always a busy month! The first weekend, I had book club. We read a book that was about a family that owned a vineyard so we went to a vineyard to discuss it. It was a rainy day, but it wasn't cold, and the wine flowed. It was a fun day with yummy snacks, delicious wine, and great friends!
The second weekend was a quiet one. A co-worker is expecting a baby in the beginning of next year so I offered her any baby items we were no longer using. It was great to help her fulfill her needs while also emptying out our apartment. The weekend was a much-needed quiet one.
The third weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch. It started out beautiful, but it turned cold and drizzly. The kids had a blast though. Captain hated being outside, hated everything. I got one good picture and a billion ones where he looks miserable. Little Miss had a blast on the slides, bouncy castle, playground. She loved being with her cousins. After the pumpkin patch, Little Miss and I went to the movies. It was nice to have some special Big Girl time. On Sunday, my sister and her fiance came over to watch football. I started preparations for Little Miss's birthday party. Little Miss had a playdate with a close friend. It was a good day.
The fourth weekend was Little Miss's birthday party! It was all about Big Hero 6, Little Miss's favorite movie of the moment. We had crafts and food based on the movie, and the kids watched the film. It was great.
Then, Halloween rounded out October. We went out to my parents' house. My dad was out of town. We stopped at my sister's house and picked up some candy. Captain was scared of their puppy. Then, we went to my mom's for dinner. After dinner, we went door to door. Brother-in-Law and his wife came with Nephew and their dog. Captain actually loved their dog. We didn't score a ton of candy but a good amount. Both kids got a little taste before we went home. Both were exhausted and slept on the way home and late into the next day. Captain was so good during his first real Halloween. He kept his costume on all night. Little Miss took hers off at the first opportunity. Onto November!
You'd think I would be able to keep up if I do this monthly. You'd think wrong.
The first weekend in August, we got up way too early to do family portraits. I took the first picture. We paid to have the second taken below. I think I'm underpaid. We went to brunch afterwards. Little Miss wasn't feeling well, but she stuck it out.
The next weekend, we went to Maine. It was a mixed bag. Poor Husband had to work and couldn't go. Captain spent the first hour in the car screaming before he fell asleep. It was a rough car trip up. We finally made it no worse for the wear. It turns out Captain hates the beach - he hated the sand and water. Both kids had a stomach bug at different times. Poor Little Miss was sick about half the trip and spent it on the chair with a bowl on her lap. She started to feel better on the way home.
We did celebrate my grandfather's 90's birthday while we were in Maine though. That was a lot of fun. It was clearly before the stomach bug hit.
The following weekend was fairly quiet. We went to the In-laws' pool and hung out with the nephews. The next day, we got Captain's haircut. It was traumatic for all involved. It's growing out nicely though.
The last weekend was a busy one. We went to a friend's pool which Little Miss says is the best thing ever. She wants to go back. After, we head home and had the in-laws for dinner for their anniversary. It was a nice evening especially because I made the food the night before so it was relatively low key.
The last Sunday, I took the kids into DC. We went through the Newseum and walked around - mostly grabbed snacks. I always forget, but Little Miss had a bloody nose in the cafeteria, but she is such a champ with things like that. She just sat while we waited for our order.
She enjoyed the Newseum. We skimmed a bit of it because of content, but I explained a bit to her. It's interesting what parts really grabbed her. She was flabbergasted at the idea of East/West Germany and any kind of censorship of news and information. She found a good amount boring, but it ended on a high note because she got to be a "broadcaster" in front of the green screen at the end. We spent about 5 hours there so I consider it a successful day. Plus, you can't beat the rooftop view. It was nice to have the balconies so the kids could have some outside time. Captain finally napped halfway through, but he also appreciated the time spent walking outside.
It really was a great summer (and not over - wait until you see September). I did a lot I've never done before like the Shakespeare Library, Library of Congress, Newseum, National Building Museum. There are only a few other things on my tourist bucket list. To be so close, it's a shame not to take advantage of everything - even the few attractions for which you have to pay. *g*
