March 2016 Weekend Update

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.

Happy bride! #mooresisson2016

A photo posted by @princessapr on Mar 6, 2016 at 7:30pm PST

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.

Mother & Captain play while @Rob_Sawicki & Little Miss root on the @NYRangers at #MSG. #springbreak

A photo posted by @princessapr on Mar 21, 2016 at 5:20pm PDT

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.

Easter kids. #Easter (@Rob_Sawicki)u

A photo posted by @princessapr on Mar 27, 2016 at 8:46am PDT

September 2015 Weekend Update

September seems so long ago, but it wasn't.  We started out on the Jersey Shore for Labor Day weekend.  Captain hated the beach - the sand, the sun, the water.  The picture below is pretty much how he spent the entire time.  He would stop crying to eat and to wave to all trucks and garbage trucks.  Each truck driver was nice enough to wave back.  He did enjoy the pool at least.

We didn't do too much other than eat and hang out.  It was windy one day, but we were still at the beach.  We did the Boardwalk on the way home.  We went to go earlier in the week, but Little Miss was exhausted and asked to go to bed over fireworks and rides.  So, on the last day, we went to the Boardwalk and got ice cream which is our tradition.  Captain's favorite part of the Boardwalk was the basketball game.  He said his first non-family member word - BALL.  He rode the Carousel and hated it.  

The second weekend in September, Little Miss slept over the In-Laws' apartment.  I picked her up and we hung out with a friend of mine.  It was supposed to be a pool day, but the weather didn't cooperate so we just sat in her apartment and caught up.  The next day, I took the kids to my parents' house.  We just hung out there as well, but we stuck the kids on Dad's Harley for fun.

The third weekend, we went to a housewarming party.  Nephew slept over.  I took some pictures of the kids.  I had hoped to get all three together, but that didn't go as planned.  The next day, I took them to the library book sale which yielded disappointing results.  

The last weekend, we went to my childhood friend's wedding. We've been friends since middle school. She moved mid-high school, but we remained in touch. She now lives not too far away, and I should make more of an effort to see her. Anyway, she and her wife got married last month. It was a beautiful spot and ended up being a gorgeous day. Weddings are joyful, and they make an adorable couple. Plus, two other friends from our hometown were there so it was like a little reunion. (You can see my other post to see more about this.)

These 2 - more siblings than cousins (for better or worse)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 20, 2015 at 2:30pm PDT

September really just flew by. It's ridiculous how fast it went by. Plus, now October is 3/4 of the way through. Time is a cruel witch.

This guy - who pulled his hat off every 2 seconds but would cry until you put it back on.

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 20, 2015 at 2:29pm PDT

Maine 2015

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August 2015 Weekend Update

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*

LBS

Little Miss took a few days to travel with her cousin and my parents.  Captain was pretty good without her and loves the attention.  However, he did spend time looking at her bed and playing with her things.  He was extremely excited when she returned though.  For convenience, we put him into bed a few minutes before her.  He screamed his head off for 10 minutes.  He'd stop crying whenever she came into the bedroom and then start up whenever she left.  As soon as I tucked her in and left, he was more than content with his big sister in his sights and stopped crying in the middle of a sob and fell asleep.  Vacation should be interesting.  They're sleeping in separate bedrooms.  I don't know if there's a cure for Little Brother Syndrome, but he has an aggressive case of it.

July 2015 Weekend Update

It turns out July was a busy month!  We spent the Fourth of July with the Inlaws.  It poured so we were inside eating and watching the fireworks on tv, but we did get about 5 minutes in the pool.  The nephews were there as well, and the cousins had a good time together.

The second weekend was Nephew's fifth birthday party.  It was an Ironman theme (though many of the other superheroes made an appearance).  Captain and I went in theme clothing - though Captain didn't care for the mask.  It was a good time.  I can't believe Nephew is 5!  

The next day, Husband played golf with a friend's husband while Captain, my friend and I went to her pool.  It was really nice, and the pool was beautiful.  Little Miss was in Florida with my family.  We had a lovely dinner at my friend's house before heading home.

The third weekend, I met friends for Thai and then we went to see a movie.  After, I got to pick up Little Miss after a week away.  It was nice to have her home, and everyone was thrilled to see her - but no one more so than Captain!

The fourth weekend, we mostly just ran some errands - Target, the library, the grocery store.  It was busy and hot, but Little Miss loves to just drive around and be helpful.

Towards the end of the month, I took some time off.  I took a half day and brought Little Miss to work with me.  She loves coming to work.  She watched a movie and mostly hung out and write me little notes.  My parents met me at my office after lunch.  Then, we all went to The National Building Museum which I've never been to before.  There is a "beach" exhibit currently which is basically a giant ball pit.  It was insane.  It's been many years since I've been in a ball pit, and it was much easier as a kid from what I remember.  Little Miss made a friend, and had a blast though.  We had dinner and then headed home.

The next day, I met friends from out of town and out of country.  We did The Library of Congress, The Folger Shakespeare Library, walked by The Supreme Court, Dupont Circle, went to The National Geographic Museum, and drove by some other sites.  A local friend hosted us for dinner, and it was a really good time.  I got to do things and see some sites I don't normally (or haven't ever) see.

Disney Magic

Little Miss is in Disney this week with my family (Parents, Sister, Nephew, Aunt, Uncle, and one cousin and his girlfriend). It seems like she's having a blast. We certainly miss her - and no one more than her brother. We get her back this weekend.

Spring Break!

This week is Spring Break... for Little Miss.  As she said, she has Spring Break, but I don't because I have work.  So, she went to Williamsburg with my parents, Sister and Nephew.  Sister has been great at sending pictures and video and, so far, Little Miss has allegedly been a good girl for them.

From what I gather, they kept her fed with pizza and she pet a horse.  She's such a brave girl.  She also loves horses.  It amuses me that she won't pet a dog, but she's always gone up to horses ready to pet them.  Luckily, she's been around tame horses because she only has a healthy respect to dogs and cats, not to horses for some reason.  I should take her horseback riding eventually.  

February 2015 Weekend Update

February was a good month and, as always, flew.  Good golly, February went by quickly.  The first weekend, Little Miss and I did Bingo Night at her school on Friday.  She won a game and had great fun with a couple of classmates.  The next night, she had a sleepover at the In-Laws' apartment with her cousin.  

The second weekend was Presidents' Day weekend.  My office closed early on Friday so we took advantage of that and went to Maryland.  My aunt, cousin and his girlfriend were there and got to meet the baby for the first time.  The kids were showered with gifts.  The weather was bitter, bitter cold though.  We stayed in and played on Saturday, and the couples went out to dinner on Valentine's Day, but we were stir-crazy by Saturday.  Sister, Brother-in-Law (to be), Nephew, Cousin and his girlfriend and Husband, Little Miss and I all went bowling and to the arcade.  It was a lot of fun and nice to get out.   

Surprisingly, Baby was really great in the snow.  He really liked it and giggled even though he's kind of, well, a baby in the cold usually.  It must have felt funny to sit in it.  He also enjoys wearing his snow suit.

The third weekend of the month, Husband's friend came over.  It was cold out so we were pretty happy just staying inside and eating our way through the cold weather.  That's pretty much what we did the next day, too.

I'd like to say we had a blast the last weekend of the month, but it was cold again, and we did nothing.  On Friday, Little Miss and I went to Family Gym Night where Little Miss wore herself playing basketball, jazzercise and scooter hockey.  It was tiring to watch her.  Unfortunately, I had plans, but we wisely cancelled due to the ice storm we received.  So, we kind of just stayed in and played games.  Little Miss did her homework.  All in all, it was a nice, quiet weekend. 

Weekend Update - Long Weekend

Last Thursday was our 14th anniversary.  To celebrate, we both forgot.  I actually texted mid-morning.  That night, I went to bowling and then the next day, Little Miss and I went out of town for the long weekend.  I suppose my anniversary present to Husband was that he didn't spend a long weekend with my family. 

On Friday, I hit massive traffic going to my parents' house so Little Miss and I could join them and my Sister, her boyfriend and Nephew on a trip to their vacation house in western Maryland.  We got up there late on Friday after stopping for a quick bite along the way.

On Saturday, the kids woke up early and entertained themselves.  After we all woke up, we had breakfast and then went to a friend of my parents for the day.  We watched the big Autumn Glory parade and ate a lot of food (well, I did, I can't speak for everybody).    We pretty much did nothing when we got home, but I went to bed early.

On Sunday, the kids woke up early again.  We got ready to go to the top of the mountain and have a pumpkin race.  We did not win.  Little Miss and Nephew had fun running around and eating junk food.  It was a little on the chilly side, but we all had fun.  After, I napped a bit while we all took it easy after a quick trip to Wal-Mart.  That night, the kids slept together in the loft for the first time.  It was a success overall, I believe.  They really got along overall really well.

 

On Monday, we went to the mountain and the kids rode the mountain coaster numerous times.  It's Little Miss's favorite part of the weekend.  They also played on the playground before we packed up to go home.  The trip home took awhile between bathroom breaks and food, but it was a good weekend.  The cousins are already missing each other hard, any bickering a thing of the past.  I'm going to need time to recover, but I hit the ground running instead.

Vacation Update - Wildwood

On Thursday, we hit Open House at the elementary school.  Little Miss got to meet her teacher and some other children.  She loved it and was so excited to start school.  She was almost disappointed that wasn't the first day of school and that we had to go on vacation.  She got over that quickly though.

The first day, we got a short time at the beach, but it was super windy.  It was still nice to be on the beach though!   It was windy the next day, too, but the sun was out so it wasn't too bad. 

 Friday night, we hit the Boardwalk because Little Miss loves the rides.  She rode on many before the fireworks - which were cancelled because of the wind.  It was still a lot of fun though.  Saturday was a quiet day just at the beach and then at the pool.  Sunday, we packed up and drove home - but not before we hit the Boardwalk one last time!  Little Miss got to ride the rides she missed the first time - including the Ferris Wheel, her favorite.  She also got to play a carnival game.  We ate lunch and bid farewell to the beach until next year.

Weekend Update - Week of Friends

While Little Miss was in Florida, I was very busy!  On Monday, I had a friend in from out of town and met her for dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill.  It was a lot of fun and the food was delicious (seriously, chocolate chip bread pudding - must have it!).  On Tuesday, another friend was in town, and I met her at Chef Geoff's downtown.  We just did burgers and dessert.  I mean, who can turn down doughnuts on the dessert menu?  

Then, on Wednesday, I met a bunch of girlfriends in Atlanta.  We had such a great time.  On Wednesday, we went to the RWA literacy signing.  I met Jill Shalvis, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Julie James - along with Mary Jo Putney, Susan Mallery and Farrah Rochon - and saw hundreds of others.

Thursday, we hiked up Stone Mountain, had lunch and then had cocktails in the Botanical Gardens.  On Friday, some of us went to the aquarium and some toured CNN.  Then, we went to Buckhead to have a really amazing dinner before we all said goodbye to head home throughout the day on Saturday.

My flight was delayed hours coming home on Saturday, but Husband was there to pick me up when I did finally land.  We scooped up Little Miss from my parents and then went to a friends' house.  Husband's friend and his wife and son were in town.  At the end, we were all exhausted.  We had to make a quick stop at the store on the way home because Little Miss was hungry at almost midnight.  I went to bed as soon as we got home while Little Miss ate and Husband took a shower.  Little Miss fell asleep at the kitchen table.  We all slept half the day away the next day.

When we got our act together the next day, we caught the end of the British Open and Little Miss wanted to play golf so we took her to the driving range.  Her clubs are still a little bit, and we were all still a little sleepy, but it was a successful trip.

With a little discipline and confidence, Little Miss will improve.  She still enjoys it at least. 

Not in My House

Last weekend (more whenever I post a Weekend Update), we dropped Little Miss off so she could go to Disney World with my parents, Sister, and Nephew.  On Sunday, the whole group met up with Brother-in-Law and his fiance and father.  So, I know Little Miss was spoiled rotten.  They spent a good part of the day at the Magic Kingdom.  We got to catch up with Little Miss at around 9PM.  She was full of laughter and giggles.  My dad came on to say that she was polite and well-behaved - and exchausted.

She must have been exhausted because she woke up this morning and woke Nephew to tell him she had an accident.  She told him it was a secret because she didn't want to get in trouble.  He assured her that she wouldn't get in trouble so they told my sister.  I'm glad she didn't freak out.  She has so few accidents and hardly any at night that I thought it would freak her out, but I'm glad Nephew was there to help.

Still, if she's going to have an accident, it's best it be on an rubber air mattress.  In Florida.  With my someone else.

Husbands - Is it still illegal to shoot them?

Just for the record, that is a hypothetical question.  I'm not considering it.  This is important for the future.  I want to make it clear that I am not actually literally considering shooting him so this is not considered a premeditated act if something, say, happens in the future.

Husband flipped out because he couldn't find his second bathing suit.  Therefore, I must have left it at the Jersey Shore last summer because it was my job to pack the suits.  Yesterday, I asked why he packed a bathing suit if he was wearing one.  It was the one I "lost".  It turns out it was in the beach bag - the same beach bag he looked in at least a dozen times.

Yesterday, we went visiting with Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law.  Husband packed all his stuff for after the pool in the beach bag.  To make room, I packed out clothes in a separate bag and the pool items only in the beach bag.  When we got back to their apartment, he got into a giant tantrum because his deodorant was missing.  I must have left it at home when I was transferring the bags.  It turns out he left it in the bathroom.  I told him I must have put it away for him yesterday instead of packing it to come with us.

This happened at least a couple of more times where he blamed me for losing or misplacing items I never touched.  The pinnacle of his crankiness happened last night where he worked himself up enough to yell, "I don't understand why you just don't know where everything I own is at any single moment of the day!"

It's always nice to end arguments with laughter.  Otherwise, I'd be asking if it was still illegal to shoot husbands. 

Spring Break - Quick Trip

So, while it was getting warmer in northern Virginia, it was getting warmer in western Maryland where we went last weekend. On Friday, we had plans to get Little Miss's haircut, but we ran out of time when we hit traffic. So, instead, we just drove out to western Maryland with my parents. Little Miss stayed up late and enjoyed the time with my parents and the solo attention she received from them. On Saturday, she built the smallest snowman ever. She was going to go on the mountain coaster, but it was closed to help a panicked rider off and then closed before we could ride. We had a nice lunch and then all went to bed fairly early.

On Sunday, we woke up to ride the mountain coaster. Little Miss LOVED it. She loved going fast - which I do not. She rode twice with my dad and once with me. Then, she decided she wanted to go snow tubing. So, the four of us went a couple of times before eating lunch and heading home. It was nice to be able to play in the snow while it was so mild and warm outside. This marked the end of Spring Break. Sad, but we had a great week off. We're all struggling a little to get back into the routine this week!

Spring Break - New York, New York

The Monday after Easter, the three of us drove to New York. Husband miscalculated our departure time so we got held up in Washington Nationals traffic, but Little Miss was a champ during our 7 hour trip. We barely made it to our seats before the puck dropped at Madison Square Garden. However, because we were running late, we also had to eat in the stadium. On the plus side, we were in time to see the first goal. Little Miss was thrilled to sing the goal song and screamed whenever the Rangers scored. She had a blast. She was alert the entire time and cheered at all the appropriate times. She ate well and, as I keep joking, probably ordered the only milk Madison Square Garden ever served. I'd like to say we enforce a lot of milk drinking, but she's picky with her liquid intake and she polices herself nicely. She knows milk goes with lunch and dinner and will order when out for those meals. Tuesday, we had a nice lunch at the Husband's favorite restaurant. Little Miss was well-behaved for how snooty it is. Then, we got on the road for a long trip back as we hit DC rush hour traffic. 

On Wednesday, Little Miss and I met a friend in the city whose sister and nieces were in town. Little Miss loved playing with the girls even though I don't think any of the Air & Space Museum sank in with them. At least they had fun. She rode the carousel and had ice cream. Good day. Then, to top it off, we met Sister-in-Law at her work. She was nice enough to drive us home, too, so we didn't have to sit in rush hour on the train on the way home, too. I will say someone was nice enough to give Little Miss and me his seat though. Thursday, we had a relaxing day, much needed for all of us.

Maine Vacation

This is a new feature. I made this Photo Book on Shutterfly from our vacation in Maine. I usually do one for our Wildwood trip, but I didn't have nearly the same amount or quality of photos. So, I just bought prints to frame instead. Some of these photos made the blog already, but here they are all in one place.  OK, I don't think the link to the widget works, but you can click here to see it.

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The new way to make a photo album: photo books by Shutterfly.

Weekend Update - Back to the Real World

Brother-in-Law, Sister-in-Law and Nephew left on Saturday. In-Laws and we left on Sunday. That gave us Labor Day to recover. On Labor Day, we mostly cleaned a little, took the car for a wash and went grocery shopping. We got ready for our entrance back into the real world.

I know I only worked two weeks in August, but I don't want to go back to work! I've had no luck gaining sympathy though.

Vacation Update - Beach Fun

Little Miss loved having her cousin at the beach with her. Well, at first. Then, they went their separate ways, but they were always glad the other was there at least. They'll play more as they get older, too. They are at tough ages to interact a lot now.

Little Miss loves having her grandparents near her - both sets. Both sets spoil her and give her their undivided attention.

Nephew was great at the beach. He was definitely stylin'. Also, on the last day, I got quite a bit of cuddle time as he napped on my chest. Nothing more relaxing than hanging out at the beach with a baby sleeping on you.

After the beach every day, we went to the pool to extend the fun. Little Miss loved it. She's getting to be quite the little water kid. We definitely want to get her swimming next year. We were a little slow this year to sign her up. Husband wants to work with her through the off-seasons, too.

Vacation Update - Boardwalk Fun

The highlight was the ferris wheel which she was promised. The second time, she also rode the ferris wheel, but I did not have to ride twice which was nice. I used to love it when I was younger, but it's a little more terrifying riding with your child sitting next to you and wondering about all the things that could go awry. Little Miss loved the Boardwalk so we went twice. The first time, she played one carnival game and rode on a handful of rides.

The second time, she played the carnival game again and won her cousin a stuffed toy. She also got to watch fireworks which was a big thrill for her.

She also got to ride the carousel again which is another favorite. Unfortunately, the woman working the ride wouldn't let us go on with her unless we gave double the tickets whereas earlier in the week, Husband was allowed to go on with her for free to make sure she was safe. It's also the rule for kids 5 and under. So, Little Miss went on by herself. Another woman went on and made sure she was all situated. Luckily, she wanted to ride in the cart portion so it was relatively safe and safer than riding a horse by herself. You can see she didn't give riding by herself a second thought.