Family Trip to California...(Minus the Family)

This past week I flew out to California for Jessica and Ryan's wedding.  I was a little scared to go...okay, way more than a little...more like petrified!  I hate flying, but that's no secret to anyone.  However, I was not going to stop my fear from attending her wedding.  Not only did I want to go, but she has attended all of my events throughout the years, so I totally had to go.  I made sure I had my supply of Xanax to make it through the flights.  I actually made sure there was a layover to split up the flight so it wasn't so long.  I know...I'm crazy, get it over with, right?  But I didn't want to be confined for too long, so I'd rather have two short flights.  Needless to say, I survived....somehow...I'm here to tell about it!

Jason actually stayed home with the kids for the week.  This was the first time he has stayed overnight with them and the longest that I've been away from them all, so I wasn't sure what I would come home to.  It was very hard to leave them...but...it wasn't THAT hard....I kind of enjoyed my time where all I had to do was worry about myself.  I did miss them all, and it felt weird at times to be alone, but it was a nice break.  I had the rest of my family and all of my cousins out in Cali, so I wasn't really completely alone.

We flew out to San Francisco on the night of the rehearsal dinner, which was a Tuesday night.  I was sooooo incredibly hungry.  We had just arrived and then with the time change, it was like I was eating dinner at 10pm.  I thought I was going to starve to death, not to mention very loopy from the Xanax.  Fortunately they served amazing Dim Sum in China Town...I wasn't complaining (except for the dessert...it tasted like chicken to me).  The next day, the wedding was amazing.  It was at Shakespeare Gardens in Golden Gate Park (on a Wednesday afternoon). Jessica and Ryan fell in love in San Fran, so they decided to have the wedding there and the reception in Orange County...hence the week long trip! Despite the fact that I think San Francisco is freezing, the weather actually decided to cooperate that day...it was a beautiful wedding.  Jessica totally decked out the garden...it was beautiful.  And after the wedding, they had a fantastic picnic lunch with blankets.  Everyone hung out for a few hours just relaxing and catching up...it was great!  I had fun playing with Emily and Rebecca's kids...I guess I don't really know how to completely take a break!  That night, my mom and I went to Cliff's Place Restaurant with Emily, Jimmy, Shawn, and Baille and watched the sunset...it was a great day!

The following day, my mom and I jumped into the backseat of my Dad and Gail's rental car for a very interesting road trip. I liked San Francisco, but I couldn't wait to get out of that hotel.  It was really nice, but I learned what a "boutique hotel" meant...really freaking small.  When I asked my Dad which room he was in, he texted me back, "closet #311".  Anyway, this drive was not my favorite part of the trip.  We made a few stops along the way...Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, and ate at a great restaurant called Napenthe, but I can't sit still for that long.  Dad, if you're reading this...yes, it was pretty, and I can appreciate the atmosphere...but after an hour or two...I've seen enough!  I enjoyed the 17 mile drive with all of the beautiful houses and Pebble Beach golf course...but hey...I was ready to hit up Orange County...and driving along the coast proved to take way longer than I wanted...not to mention the not so joyous car ride...but we made it there eventually!

Due to all of the wedding events, I didn't get to do as much sight seeing as I would like in LA, so if I ever make it back there...I'm going straight there...none of this coast driving stuff...been there, done that!  As my Dad would say, "some things never change".  I was never a big Grand Canyon fan either when I was younger...hopefully for my kids though, I'll  be able to suck it up one day so they can at least experience these things once.  Anyway, the wedding was amazing.  Since Jessica is an event planner, I didn't expect anything less than amazing.  She took a completely plain warehouse, and turned it into a magical fairytale wedding.  The decorations were fantastic, and the food was great!  They served food all night long.  They even busted out sliders and mac and cheese late at night!  For dessert they had a "fry girl" who made donuts from scratch and everyone could choose which flavor they wanted.  It was pretty sweet...no pun intended!  I'm so glad that I was there to experience it all!

When I finally made it home late on Sunday night, I have to admit, I thought I was going to walk into a disaster.  Rebecca and I even had a conversation about this.  I said that my house would be trashed.  She said that her house was going to be spotless because she never cleans, and Chris likes it really clean (he stayed behind on this trip too).   However, Jason really surprised me.  The house was completely clean.  He even vacuumed and did laundry.  So, I'm thinking I should go away again!  I was really excited to see the kids the next morning.  I woke Sydney up and she was beyond happy to see me.  She jumped in my arms and said, "mommy I've been missing you so much.  Now we're all together again".  And then....I walked into Lizzy's room.  All she had to say was, "I want my Daddy".  Thanks a lot Lizzy...way to make me feel good!  But all in all....I had a great trip...but nothing makes me happier than being back home having survived a plane ride to tell about it!  I won't be rushing off on another plane any time soon...I need a break!

Good Times

This past weekend was spent perfectly!  The weather was great and we were surrounded by good friends...and food of course!

Julie just had a baby a few weeks ago, so I was trying to give her some time to adjust to her new life, but she called me and was ready to go go go, so we took the kids to her house to play for a while and then went to Olga's for dinner.  Lizzy loved playing with the baby.  She kind of tried to treat him like a doll though and wanted to feed him and shake him, and just be in his face.  It was kind of cute...but probably not for Julie!

The next day we went to our friends Jenny and Donny in Oxford.  It's too bad that they live so far away because the kids get along so great with Jonah and Emerson!  The adults were actually able to talk quite a bit because the kids entertained themselves.  It was great...they had a big pool set up, a bounce house, slip n' slide and most importantly...a bowl of M&M's which were conveniently at Lizzy's reach.  She helped herself to quite a few before I told them that the bowl was going to have to move!  She happily moved on to the chip bowl which I had to move as well!  So, the only thing left was the vegetable platter...she put a tomato in her mouth thinking it was fruit and spit it out on the floor.  I guess we're going to have work on the whole vegetable thing...she's a little to obsessed with junk food!  Of course, we allowed it, but we were having fun and the kids were really well behaved.  We'll have to do it again soon!!

5th Anniversary

This past weekend Jason and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.  Usually this is all about the kids, so to continue with that theme, I will include the kids to say that...they weren't there!  Actually, I take that back, our actual anniverary was on a Friday night, and we decided we would be less tired that Saturday, so on Friday we took the kids out for dinner to Champps...nothing too exciting...it's nice and loud in there which is a good thing since the kids were singing at the top of theri lungs...I guess it's better than crying and complaining!!

The next day Grammie and Grandpa came over to babysit overnight.  Jason didn't tell me where we were going, which is cool with me, I love surprises!  He ended up taking me to the Motor City Casino.  They had the best hotel room ever (well, I don't have that high of standards since we don't travel all that often, so to me, it was awesome!)  I loved the bathroom...I even took pictures so one day...a very long time from now...I can remodel my bathroom (it will probably never happen, but hey...it might).  Anyway, when we got there, Jason popped open some champagne and then he told me to get ready for the spa...yayyyy!  It was so great!  They started off with a reflexology massage for the two of us, which was really relaxing!  Next, they sent us into a room with a hot tub and mud bath.  I felt really rich as I laid there with cucumbers over my eyes.  That is something that I would never find the time to do at home!  Finally, they gave us each an hour long body massage!  I think we were there for almost 3 hours!  Jason knows me well..it was perfect!  The only drawback was that the fire alarm went off during part of it.  I am kind of cursed when it comes to fire alarms...I won't get into that other than to say that I'm not surprised at all that it happened!  But fortunately, it happened in between two of the sessions.  But to make it up, they brought us cupcakes and gave us an aroma therapy treatment!

Then, it was time for dinner!  The Motor City has the only 5 star restaurant in Detroit, called Iridescence.  It was on the very top floor and had an amazing view.  It was a little expensive, but hey...we were celebrating!  It was REALLY good, and of course, I loved the dessert.  Jason and I shared one since I was so full (and because his 3 course meal came with one).  And just when I thought I couldn't eat anymore, the chef sent out an anniversary dessert for us.  I thought I was going to explode...but I ate it (of course).

Finally, it was time to gamble!  We played Craps and Blackjack!  We didn't hit it big, but it was great entertainment for a few hours!  One of these days I'll hit the jackpot!  Then is was off to bed...it was long but perfect day.  I almost forgot to mention the awesome present that I got, as if this wasn't enough...a new Nikon camera...it's really really nice...I love it!  I got Jason a sweatshirt...pretty much chopped liver compared to what he got me.  But in my defense...he begged me over and over again not to get him anything.  And now I see why...he spend a pretty penny on our anniversary celebration!

That morning I took a shower in the really nice shower and put on the robe that they let you borrow during your stay so I could feel all relaxed and care free before we headed home!  We ended up going out for breakfast and then back to reality...which wasn't a bad thing...I always miss the kids and was happy to see them, but it's always nice to have a break and a good night sleep!  It was a great weekend!

Stop!!!

Ms. Bossy (aka Lizzy) is really starting to figure out how to get under Sydney's skin, or maybe she's just irritated with annoying sounds.  But lately, if Sydney is whining about something, she says to Sydney, "stop it, you a bad girl", which just sends Sydney into orbit.  She does not like to hear that from Lizzy and then she just starts screaming and crying, so Lizzy's naturaly reply is, "Sydney, STOP crying" (and she really does emphasize "stop". I just don't think Sydney likes taking commands from her little sister, but sometimes I kind of agree with Lizzy and let her carry on.  Jason and I just laugh, which doesn't help the situation at all because then Sydney feels like she has no one on her side.  Lizzy, on the other hand, could care less if I or anyone else tells her that she's a bad girl, all she says is, "no, Lizzy a good girl", and goes about her business.

Lizzy is also the same way with Savannah.  Every time Savannah barks, she tells her to "BE QUIET", or she says, "Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Savannah, no barking".  Well, today, she just couldn't take it anymore.  Jason was out on business, and the three of us were sitting at the table eating (Savannah had already eaten and gone outside), but she was constantly barking at us for our food...she wouldn't stop...and I have to admit it was pretty annoying, but I was able to ignore it.  Afterall, it had been a long day, and I was starving, and I was definitely not getting up for the dog.  But all of a sudden, without saying anything, Lizzy got out of her chair (we had to retire the highchair by the way...Lizzy has no interest), went into the laundry room, got out the scooper, dumped some food in Savannah's bowl, and came back to the table.  So, I don't know if she's a really good helper or just can't stand annoying noises...but either way, it helped me out and was pretty darn cute!  I wasn't going to get up, but I had to snap a picture!

July 4th Weekend

Water, water, and more water.  That pretty much sums up the entire weekend.  Oh, and food...can't forget about the food!

I took Friday off of work to spend with the kids, so that gave me a nice four day weekend, and nice it was indeed!  The very second Lizzy woke up on Friday, she asked to go swimming...she loves it!  I didn't really have a reason to say no, so off we went to Grandpa's!  When we got home, Lily came over to play with Sydney while Lizzy napped, and what did they want to do?  Play in the water, of course!  So Shauna and I blew up our water slide and pool and the kids were in heaven! 

Since we didn't get enough water that day, we took the kids to the Troy Aquatics Center the next morning and met up with the Beckers and Schwartz's.  Grandma Sharon came too!  We had so much fun.  Lizzy was a little scared of the fountains (she is starting to show a little fear) in the toddler area, so I took her to the big pool which was zero depth, so she just splashed and played over there and had a blast!  Sydney couldn't get enough of the water slide!  She has been so brave lately...thank goodness for swimming lessons!  That night we went out for dinner at Modern (yum) to meet Grammie's sister Lisa...and of course we had to go to Dairy Queen after!  It was a very long day, but we HAD to light sparklers again...cuz Sydney said so!  Lizzy called the sparklers "happy birthdays".  She was having so much fun until Jason lit the fireworks we bought!  She was FREAKED out!  Sydney loved every minute of it though!

On the day of the 4th, it was so incredibly hot, but Lizzy wanted to walk to the pond in our neighborhood to see the turtle and quack quacks.  We brought bread along to feed the fishies.  I was lethargic, it was just too hot for me.  I hate the cold, but I also hate the extreme heat...a typical woman, I'm never pleased!  Savannah was so hot that she jumped in the pond.  So, we didn't stay long, but the kids had fun!  Savannah even stopped in the middle of the road on the way home, her feet were burning, so she walked on the grass the entire way home...poor dog!  That night we headed to the Alvin's for a bbq in Huntington Woods.  After dinner there was a concert in the park...Lizzy and Sydney were dancing to the music and enjoying the concert.  I was having fun until the heat started to get to me!  I just never drink enough water and then I get dehydrated!  So, I layed in the grass for a while waiting for the fireworks to start.  Jason lit sparklers with Sydney...guess she never gets sick of those!  I started feeling better by the time the fireworks started.  I thought Lizzy would go crazy after the way she reacted the night before, but surprisingly she liked them.  I was very impressed.  She kept saying, "oh my gosh", "pretty", "yaaaaaaaay".  It was a loooong day for the kids.  They didn't go to sleep until almost midnight!

And then the dreaded Monday...dreaded because I had to back to work the next day.  I always have a difficult time returning to reality.  I tried to make the best of the day.  We took the kids to a sprinkler park at Heritage Park near our house.  It was a great way to beat the heat!  Sydney had a blast, but Lizzy was a little scared...something about the fountains and water shooting out of the ground.  But she still had fun!

And last but not least...that night I got a new car....woohooooo!  I got a Chevy Equinox and I love it!  Lizzy keeps saying, "new car new car" over and over again...it's cute!  Sydney says she enjoys being up high, but she loves the hands free phone system.  She keeps asking me to call people so she can hear their voice over the speakers...I have to admit, I think it's fun too, so I call people just for fun!  I'm sure the novelty will wear off, but I'm definitely enjoying it!  I love new things!  This is the first time I've ever purchased a car...I ALWAYS lease...but with the prices these days, it just made sense to buy...hopefully I don't get sick of it...and if I do...I think it will just be too bad....Jason plans on me driving it into the ground...so, might be a while!  Now I have to start working on him for a new camera...among other things...I have a long list!!

And now...back to reality...

Sisters

I just can't get enough of Sydney and Lizzy playing so cute together!  They totally love eachother.  Of course, they get their fair share of fights in, but when it comes down to it, they really enjoy being together.  Lately, Sydney has been spending time at one of my parent's houses, because they both have pools, and school is out, so why not?  Might as well go swimming!  But Lizzy gets so upset when Sydney isn't there.  She mopes around the house asking "where Sydney? where Sydney?" and brings me my phone to call her.  Bedtime without her is hard as well because Lizzy likes a "kiss kiss" from her.  Sydney loves sleeping at her grandparent's house, but both times she went away, she asked to come home a day early, and she told me it was because she missed her sister...that makes me so happy to hear that...I can only hope their relationship continues.

The other day we went to Jason's friend's house on the lake for a little bbq and the girls were hysterically laughing with eachother and just running back and forth enjoying the great weather.  Their laughs were contagious! 

Sydney especially had fun because Jason's buddy Kevin was there, and for some reason, she has really taken a liking to him.  She has only met him a couple of times, but always talks about him.  So, she enjoyed kayaking and swimming with him in the lake.  Speaking of the lake, I thought there was no way Sydney would step foot in the lake with the rocks and sand, etc. at the bottom.  She was a little apprehensive at first, but LOVED it.  Lizzy was scared, but fortunately there was a lot of food, so natually she ate the entire time...not kidding!

I might be a little biased...but I've got two cute kids who are growing up so fast!!!

Father's Day Weekend

Our weekend started out at the old ball game on Friday night!  Jason and I had a great night with friends while the kids stayed home with Grandma Sharon!  I always like going out on Friday nights because for some reason it just makes the weekend seem a little longer!  Fortunately, the Tiger's won the game, and finished the game just in time before a huge storm rolled in!

We celebrated Father's day with Jason's parents on Saturday.  Joe and Polly don't have any deli's in Midland, so they always make a trip to the deli for corned beef when they are here...and we gladly helped them eat it up!  Lizzy was so cute, she kept saying, "hi, Joe" (instead of Grandpa).  Sydney hadn't seen Grandma Polly in a while and she had really been missing her, so she was happy to spend time with her!  We spent the day outside enjoying the awesome weather while the kids showed off the new swingset and played in the kiddie pool.  Lizzy had been begging to put on her "waters" (bathing suit).  She gets extremely jealous when Sydney goes to swim class and just sulks around with her bathing suit (on her head), so she finally got the opportunity to put hers on for once!  It was a great family day!

On Father's Day, the kids and I made breakfast in bed for Jason.  We made French toast, eggs, and fruit.  I had already given him his gift the other day (a barbeque), and I wanted the kids to be able to give him a little something, so we bought him a new casual shirt.  After he ate, we let him sleep in until 11, but after that, the kids couldn't take it anymore.  All they wanted to do was go swimming at Grandpa's!  And oh my goodness, they had such a blast!  I was so proud of Sydney.  I think the swim lessons are paying off.  She has come a long way since December in Disney World where she wouldn't let go of me for fear of her life and would only go in the baby pool.  She was jumping and going under the water and "kicking and scooping", as she says.  After two hours, I was getting cold and was ready to get out, but not Sydney!  Jason took Lizzy back to Grammie and Grandpa's for a litle nap and Sydney continued to swim.  I think this was the first time since Sydney was born, that I was able to relax by the pool and watch her swim.  Usually I have a kid clinging on to me the whole time.  So, it felt extremely good to just relax for a while!  That night we all went out for dinner at Modern, my new favorite restaurant ( I know, every restaurant is my favorite). But it was really good.  The chef came out to take our order.  They didn't have a kid's menu, they just ask the kids what they want, and try their best to accomodate and boy did they do a great job...it was amazing...we will be going back for sure!  I had stopped at the bakery earlier, so we went back to their house for dessert!  It was an awesome day!  Sydney slept over at their house, which was nice for me because Jason has to be away for work until Wednesday!  So, it's just me and cute little Lizzy until Sydney decides to come home.  I have a feeling that she won't want to leave the swimming pool life!