Looking For...

I am currently looking for my child who goes to bed at a decent hour and stays in his room. If you know his where abouts please let me know!

Since Friday, Henry has not wanted to stay in his room. He will go up when we tell him it is time for bed, he will read books with you and then right when he knows you are going to leave, he gets up, walks out and gets the other parent. Then he proceeds to stay up until 9:30pm. I mean the 9:30pm bedtime is a little late and it's ok, but he is also now getting up at 6:15am!

This is something new for us. He did this once before but it only lasted a day. You have to understand we were taking Henry up at 7:30-7:45pm, reading him books, talking about the next day, kissing him goodnight and leaving. He then would wake for the next day between 7:00 and 7:30am. For three months this is what we have been doing.

I know toddlers are hard to predict and we are working on it with him but you can see how we miss our wonderful routine. We are hoping it is just a phase and we know we will get through it but this is rough. We feel like we have no night because by the time we get done, we are ready for bed!

Any suggestions on how to keep him in there or make him want to stay in there? We keep directing him back to his room, when he comes out but I think he might be scared or maybe he is just playing us like a fiddle.

Summer Kick Off

Only a few more hours until we get to kick off summer! I always felt that Memorial Day weekend was the weekend that summer started. It is the weekend the pools open, the grill gets dusted off for it's long summer run, the weather is usually perfect, kids start counting down until school is out and you just really enjoy the weekend.

This year we aren't traveling, which makes Charlie very happy. The traffic in this town is incredible this weekend. It could be a nightmare if you don't time it correctly. Last year we headed down to Williamsburg and timed everything perfectly and we were not in a whole lot of traffic, which was nice.

Since we aren't traveling this year, we will be spending a lot of days and nights on our new deck. We got the grill up there this week and added some flowers as finishing touches. It is a very cozy place to be spending our weekend.

I also hit up the grocery store and got all the items that really screamed summer is here! I did forget the beer, but Charlie is picking that up on his way home!

There will be lots of grilling, eating, drinking and running through sprinklers this weekend. We are looking forward to enjoying one of my favorite holidays in our new house.

Although all this would not be possible if it was not for the men and women that fight for our freedom every day. Thank you to all the men and women out there, who serve our country and make us all proud to be Americans!

Happy Memorial Day!

Wordless Wednesday - 80's Flashback

Summer, Summer, Summertime

Okay, it might only still be May but this house is so ready for Summer. We are looking forward to nights on the deck, enjoying new friends and families and most of all just being outside in warm weather.

Henry would be outside all day if he could. He loves it. He doesn't even really do anything out there, except run around in circles. Since, Henry just likes to run around, Charlie says that he does not need outdoor toys, besides the ones he already has.

If you know me, I'm addicted to kids toys because I think they are cute and they all look so fun! I've been good lately, but.........I hit up WalMart this morning. I was going for a potty seat and some new pj's for Henry. While I did get those items, check out what else I found as I was wondering around.

The chair and the golf clubs were two for $10. I could not pass that up! Right now Henry is using a baseball bat and a ball but calls it golfing. This way he will have his own clubs and be able to practice so he can play with Grandpa. The chair was just too cute not to get. He will LOVE that it has a cup holder.

The item I am most excited about is the Superspiral Sprinkler! You hook it up to the sprinkler and it shoots balls out the top of it along with water on the sides. I think Henry is going to LOVE this! It got okay reviews and I only paid $12 for it so if it works it works, if not, hopefully the neighborhood kids will enjoy it.

I picked Superspiral sprinkler over the giant beach ball that squirts water because Henry is fascinated by the fountains in our town center. He could spend hours watching them and yes he does try to get in, every now and then.

I will have to post a review of the sprinkler once we get to use it. I think this weekend is suppose to be pretty nice so maybe we will get to test it out!

Wordless Wednesday - Just Booked!

Monday Morning Recap - Vegas

Vegas, if you have been there you know that it is a city that does not sleep. We did sleep but it sure does not feel like it this morning. We were only there a couple of days but boy are we exhausted!

We left Thursday morning and headed out to Baltimore to catch our flight. We made it with plenty of time and boarded no problem. We had a layover in Indy, but it was a non plane change. That sounds great BUT when there is bad weather and you are delayed in the air, it means no getting off to grab something to eat. I think we ate every snack on the plane they could give us. The highlight of that leg of our trip...Jeff Saturday sat two rows in front of us. He is the center for the Colts and seemed to be a really nice guy.

We finally get to Vegas and wait for some family who are coming in from Albany.  We pick them up and hop into our limo that takes us to the Wynn. We headed directly for the pool after check in, found the rest of the family and discussed the night plans. Girls were headed to the Bachlorette and boys on the Bachelor party.

I have to say the bridesmaids and maid of honor planned a great night for the bride. We had dinner and then hopped onto a party bus as we did a scavenger hunt around Las Vegas. It was a fun night and I was impressed I was still up at 1am (4am east coast).

The next day we headed up the strip for some breakfast. We ate outside at Mon Ami Gabi in the Paris hotel. Breakfast was delicious and it was so nice to be outside staring at the Bellagio. After breakfast we were off to an afternoon poolside. It was blazing hot and the pool water was warm but it was so nice to relax.

That night it was dinner at Cappulato in the Venetian. Can you say DELICIOUS because it was incredible. After dinner we did some gambling. Some of the family was at a very hot craps table that did fairly well - we were not playing but it was so fun to watch the family gamble together.

Saturday morning, we actually slept in until 9:30! I was shocked that we were able to sleep that long! We headed down for some breakfast and then we were off to gamble at Caesars. On our way we picked up Grandma and some other family member. We played a little roulette but didn't win ;( After that it was back to the hotel for a little more gambling and a WEDDING!!!

I had the honor to hang out with the boys and take pictures of them before the ceremony. The girls had their own photographer so I was assigned to the boys. The guys were so relaxed, they drank and watched SportsCenter - I can only imagine that the girls were not this relaxed.

After everyone was ready we headed downstairs for some more pictures. As we are waiting for the girls, this women comes up to the ring bearer and says aren't you the cutest little man.....that girl was Jennifer Love Hewitt. Of all people to recognize her, Charlie. She was with what seemed to be her family. No, I did not get a picture, totally bummed.

The ceremony was BEAUTIFUL. We were outside in a garden type area. The weather could not have been more perfect. The reception was a blast. They had the best DJ - he played great songs all night. My favorite part was the Frank Sinatra look alike they had come in to sing for the Father/Daughter dance and then he sang about five more songs.

All in all it was a great weekend. It was so nice to vacation with family but you want to know my favorite part......Coming home, ringing the door bell and hearing Henry run down the hallway, squealing in excitement that we were back. I hugged him so hard and he kept hugging us both back and forth. It was the sweetest ending to a great vacation!

The Week in Pictures

Saturday we did this:

Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day like this:

Monday we laughed about this:

Tuesday we started out like this:

Wednesday we are going to do this:

Thursday is all about this:

Friday there will be a lot of this:

Saturday is going to be about these two:

Doing this:

and

Sunday there will be a lot of this:

and this:

Have a good week everyone, I'll post after our trip to Vegas!

Appreciate This.

This week is Teacher Appreciation week - I think it is a nationwide event. We got a slip last week from the Center asking us to participate and here was the list for the week.

Monday was off because our school was closed for In service day. Tuesday was special treats (we brought in mini muffins), Wednesday was Spa day (don't ask, I was embarrassed by my lack of creativity), Thursday was Thank you cards and flowers and Friday is whatever you want.

Since I was embarrassed about my Spa Day gift, I figured I better step it a notch. Did I have to no, but I like to be creative and these poor souls watch my child 5 days a week, it was the least I could do.

Yesterday afternoon I ran around like a crazy trying to get stuff. I decided to have Henry paint the pots for flower day. I got the flowers at Home Depot and found some of my craft paint in the basement. Voila.....

Henry loved painting and the teachers faces this morning were priceless. Ms. Anise even shed a little tear of happiness.

In Henry's room they were quite loud this morning, kids screaming, kids crying, boys yelling and it almost makes you want to have a drink at 9am. So tomorrow, I have created this for the teachers.

It might be a little crazy for me to get them stuff that implies they need a drink, but after this morning I don't know how they don't drink!

Thank you to all the wonderful teachers out there, you truly make a difference!

Mini Mussolini

Have you ever had a Mini Mussolini or maybe you currently are having one?

No a mini Mussolini is not some kids meal at an Italian restaurant or some bad ass dessert, it is my child. Yes, you read that correct my child. You know my sweet little blonde hair, blue eyed boy who can make any person swoon with the bat of an eye.

Well lately the eye batting has turned into finger pointing and sending people to other rooms. This past weekend I was banned from sitting on the new deck. "Mommy, NO OUTSIDE, Mommy INSIDE." As soon as I left he was happy and running around again.

Later that evening, I came to sit on the couch for movie night, I was then told I had to sit in the kitchen...wtf? Charlie of course snickered but then told Henry that no Mommy can sit on the couch.

Even poor Ellie is feeling the effects of Mini Mussolini...last night she jumped on the couch to sit between him and Charlie and he turned to her and said "Ellie go to the kitchen". Charlie and I just looked at each other, and poor Ellie got up and went to the kitchen. The Mini Mussolini then sat back, smiled and watched the rest of his show.

This morning the little dictator was actually very nice to us as he told both of us to lay back in bed. Of course he told Charlie he was on the Mommy's side and I had to lay in the middle (Charlie and I were both ready for work). As we are both laying there he comes around still directing and stands on the side of the bed to get in. He gets in and says "Good".

We know this is just being 2, and goodness it gives us some laughs but I'm scared of where we might be directed next!

Another Monday Morning

Here we are on another Monday morning - these weeks are flying by!

Let's rewind a little...my last post was about Easter, since then I have been to Jersey City for work, went to dinner, saw old friends, came back from Jersey City, celebrated my 5 year Anniversary with my Charlie, rode on Thomas the Train in Baltimore, dropped Henry off with Gayle and Grandpa, had a wonderful anniversary dinner, had painters come to the house, enjoyed our new deck and have full blown allergies.

All that happened in less then a week and Charlie wonders why I was sleeping on the couch at 8:45pm last night.

First things first, my work trip. It was short and sweet but I do have to give a rave review to my friends restaurant. The restaurant is called Satis Bistro and it is located in Jersey City. FABULOUS food - I mean unreal. From the appetizers to the gelato desserts. I know they are my friends and you think I should be saying this, but honestly I wish I was able to eat there every night.  If you are in the area, check them out at lunch or dinner!

After a train ride back I arrived home to pick up Henry from school. He wasn't as excited as I was, but, oh well. I still missed him dearly. We met Charlie at home and headed over to Moe's for an Anniversary dinner.

Friday, the day of the "first" royal wedding was our 5 year Anniversary. We said no gifts but my wonderful husband came home from work bearing gifts. Of course I squealed in delight. He got me a new watch and I love it. Poor guy only got a card from me, but we did say no gifts and I told him the tree he purchased for our lawn was our gift. I think the 5 year traditional gift is wood, so it was perfect.

Saturday morning we were up bright and early, it was time to see Thomas! Henry could not stop asking to go see Thomas and Charlie and I were happy to finally get there so we didn't have to answer the same question over and over. Here are pictures from our day out with Thomas.

After Thomas and some lunch we headed home to drop Henry off with Gayle and Grandpa. They were watching him so Charlie and I could go out to dinner. Charlie and I actually went back to the same place we went for our 1 year Anniversary. We wanted to make a tradition out of it and we actually told our waiter that night that we would see him in another five years.

On our way to the restaurant, Charlie reached into his sport jacket pocket and pulled out a receipt. He was like you are not going to believe this, it was the receipt from our dinner four years earlier!!! Either Charlie doesn't wear the jacket that much or we need to clean the pockets out better. At the end of the night, I pulled the receipt out to compare and we only paid $1 more this year, we are pretty good.

If you live in Northern VA you must eat at L'auberge chez Francois. It has been around since 1954 but was located in DC then. They moved it out to Great Falls, VA in 1976. It is an old French chateau in the middle of VA. The food is beyond your wildest dreams. The charm, the atmosphere and the waiters are just pure nostalgia. It is a little pricey but it is delicious! We enjoyed every morsel of food that night, it was a great anniversary dinner.

To wrap this up, Sunday was spent around the house. We had painters come and paint the dining room and the loft area upstairs. I haven't taken pictures yet, but I will soon.

As crazy as the those few days have been, I loved every minute of it. Exhausted to say the least but there is not a thing I would change about being busy and honestly it's not going to change because the next few weeks are more of the same!