Life In Pictures

Wonderful Long Weekends

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 7 Comments

A good three-day weekend with the family can put you in the best of moods – don’t you agree?

I had a really nice weekend with our family of four. The weather was pretty amazing and felt like a great way to wrap up summer. Our days involved plenty of outside time, running, baseball, baking and more.

Friday night included some of my favorites – patio beers with B, a walk with FW (we walked to pick up our CSA) AND dinner outside on our porch.

Saturday morning, we took a trip to the local farmers market. There’s one we can walk to, so LM and I ran there while B and FW rode the bike.

We picked up some fruit and meat for dinner.

The afternoon included an impromptu trip to the lake to watch the annual Labor Day air show. We got there just in time to catch the Blue Angels! FW was amazed by the loud and fast planes.

That night, B cooked us a pretty amazing meal that just screamed summer. AND it was all local food – the steak was from the Saturday farmers market, the bunching onions were from the farmers market at FW’s school and the corn and potatoes were from our CSA.

Sunday morning started off pretty perfect as well! B and FW surprised me with bagels. My favorite bagel, an everything, was even warm when we ate on the porch.

They also picked up a local blend if everything bagel seasoning.

We decided to go for a little family run together before it got too hot out. It was out fastest family stroller run since we became a family of 4.

That afternoon, while B did some yard work, FW and I made muffins! He loves these chocolate chip banana lentil muffins.

And then it was time for baseball! We left LM with a babysitter, and FW, B and I went to the Indians game. We stayed for the whole game- I was impressed with how good he was for 9 innings.

Monday brought a lot of fun, too. We started off the day with a trip to the park for a picnic with some other mommas and their kiddos, too. FW loved the playground and I had fun catching up with my friends.

The afternoon included some meal prep grocery shopping and even a 2ish mile family walk. It was 90+ degrees out, so it was a sloooow walk and hot.

And that night was our fantasy football draft! I’ve never played before, so this should be interesting … maybe it will get me more intrested in football?

Some questions for you:

  • Are you obsessed with everything bagel seasoning too? What do you use it for?
  • Do you like baseball?
  • Do you play fantasy football?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

I Love Summertime

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 8 Comments

Summer is officially my favorite season. I know for many girls it’s fall — but I just love summertime and don’t want to see it end!

We had a wonderful summer weekend here. It started early with a date night for B and me – his mom watched both the kids and we got out for dinner and drinks. Getting out with two kids is HARD and I’m so grateful to have family in town to watch them!

Friday night, we got in some time on our porch after the kids were sleeping. We definitely have not done that enough since we moved in a little under a year ago, and sitting on the porch with white wine was pretty much the best way to spend a summer evening.

Saturday morning, we went for a little walk/run to the nearby farmers market. Yet another reason to love summer – all the local produce!

FW loves peaches, and I don’t blame him for not being able to wait to try one.

Saturday afternoon was my friend Cari’s baby shower! She is due in October and is having a little girl.

I’m so excited for her! She is going to be a great mommy- she already loves babies and kids.

That evening, we had plans to meet up with Dave and Anson for dinner- they had slow cooked a pork shoulder all day long and it was SO good.

This is all the meat that was left-

And I love a good cornbread.

After dinner, the kids played and we went for a little walk to a nearby community garden.

Sunday morning, I went for a run with FW. I pushed him in the stroller for 4 miles, a new postpartum record for me!

That afternoon, we took a walk to the bakery to buy some bread. Then, FW and I baked muffins.

See one missing? Someone had to eat one right when they cooled!

That evening, we enjoyed dinner with B’s family. As always, FW got to spend time with his cousins.

Some questions for you:

  • What’s on your end-of-summer bucket list?
  • Do you have any traveling coming up?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Friends Visit Plus a 5K and Triathlon

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

To say we had a busy weekend is an understatement. From 5 pm Friday through Sunday, we had something going on pretty much at ALL times! The weekend started with a 5K (for me) and ended with a triathlon (for B), but also included some park time, a cookout and friends visiting.

Friday night started with a race! It was actually my first race since LM was born. One of the boards that B is on was hosting a 5k fundraiser (The Sunset Sprint 5k) to kick off the USA Triathlon weekend that was taking place in Cleveland. The course finished through the triathletes’ finish chute and included most of the sprint’s 5k course.

I was excited to race in my first 5k since baby #2 was born and had really no expectations. I knew it was a semi-hilly course, and my goal was just to not walk it and perhaps get under 10 min/miles (my typical not-sprinting pace these days is slower). AND I was going to be running it with Mary who is faster than I am, so I was hoping to keep up with her for maybe a half a mile or so.

I was pleasantly surprised- maybe it was the race adrenaline, but I finished with a much better time than I expected, including running the first mile in the 8s!

Saturday, we got to spend part of the day with some friends who were in town with their kids. In the morning, we started the day with a playground and park followed by lunch. That night, everyone came over to our house for a cookout. B made chicken, eggplant, green onions, and I made a salad and cookies to go along with the meal.

It was fun to see all the kids together – but wow, 7 kids in our house was a little overwhelming.

Sunday morning started EARLY – I got up at 4:30 to feed LM before getting FW ready — we were headed out to watch B compete in his first triathlon! I’m so proud of B – he didn’t have much time to train after LM was born, and all his runs and bike rides were done with a kid either in a trailer or stroller.

Some of our friends came to celebrate B at the finish line – and brought donuts!

And we got a pic of most of the kids- minus Maddie and LM.

That afternoon, the four of us took a little walk out to lunch. I don’t know how B was still moving after his race but I was happy to get in some activity.

Sunday evening usually includes dinner with B’s family, but this Sunday instead was pizza night! We enjoyed pizza from Geraci’s before taking a family walk. Two family walks in one day (plus a triathlon for B) makes me a happy camper 🙂

Some questions for you:

  • Have you ever competed in a triathlon? Which was your hardest event?
  • How often do you eat pizza?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps.

Weekends with Sushi, Pizza, Running, Soccer and Then Some

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

Well, what a weekend. For having nothing really planned, we got in a lot of fun! Friday night included sushi and a family walk. Yup, we keep things simple these days as a family of four. But I am LOVING sushi right now and can’t get enough of it now that I’m no longer pregnant!

Saturday morning started off with our first run as a family of four! B took LM in the stroller and I took FW in the stroller and the four of us went for a run around our neighborhood. We live about a half a mile from some paved trails and it makes running with a stroller so much easier.

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It was semi-hot and I was tired afterwards. I don’t know how I bounced back so quickly after FW – it’s harder this time around for sure!

LM may be going through a growth spurt, because I spent the rest of the day feeding her on and off, while B did some work around the house and yard.

That night we got pizza! A weekend with pizza and sushi is a pretty good weekend 🙂

Sunday morning we took a walk around our neighborhood before it got too hot. And then it was time for the World Cup! My friend Stephanie was having people over to watch the game for a brunch at her place. There was so much good food – and soccer – and babies!

Sunday afternoon, after doing some more yard work and work around the house, FW hung out with his cousins for a little. They had been on a vacation in Spain and brought back matching soccer jerseys!

FW and I also got in a short walk – it was HOT but nice to walk around the lakes.

Per usual, Sunday night ended with dinner with B’s family. FW got in more cousin time and it was a nice end to a nice weekend.

Some questions for you:

  • What’s your favorite pizza topping?
  • Did you get n any runs or walks this weekend?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Summer Weddings and Grandparent Time

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 5 Comments

We had a good weekend. It included a wedding, some berry picking and some family time. Pretty much all things I enjoy!

Friday night started with some sushi! B is pretty skilled – he was able to eat some sushi with his chopsticks AND have FW and LM on his lap.

We got in a lot of playing and reading.

And time with Grandpa and Donna.

 

They were in town to watch the kids while B and I went to one of my friend’s weddings.

FW came to the church ceremony – they even had coloring book programs for the kids!

B and I stayed solo at the reception and it was our first date since L had been born. It was the first night out AND my longest time away from LM since she was born!

It was a TON of fun. My friend Cuoghi, who is in my Ladies Craft Beer Society, got married and we had a BLAST. I love these ladies and can’t believe this is the first wedding we have all been to together!

It was a late night (for me), but thanks to having two kids, Sunday still started early (LM got up at 4 am to eat … and again several times before FW woke up at 8). After my parents left, we got to go raspberry picking at my brother and sister-in-law’s house!

LM wasn’t much help but she came along.

FW enjoyed picking …

… and eating the berries

It was a pretty great way to wrap up the weekend!

Some questions for you:

  • What’s the last time you picked berries/fruit/vegetables? What was it?
  • Do you have any weddings coming up? Yes! We have 2 more this summer. 

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

What We’ve Been Up To Lately

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

I can’t believe it, but it’s been more than three weeks since our family changed dramatically and LM entered this world. The days go by faster than fast, and weeks have flown by. But we definitely have been busy! And while I’m not cleared to run yet, I’v been trying to stay active as my body heals by walking nearly every day and working to heal my diastasis recti with some simple exercises. Here’s to hoping that in 3 more weeks, I’ll be running (or more like run/walking) again!

Anyway, here are some highlights of the past few weeks.

We took LM downtown and hit up one of the Cleveland signs. We took a similar picture with FW when he was just a few weeks old!

When we’re not walking too far (and it’s not too hot), I love wearing LM for walks. 

We also made B a Father’s Day gift. Nicole came over with her little girl and we did some crafting on the porch!

Trying to entertain FW while also nursing and taking care of LM is no joke, even with B around. So, we’ve been getting creative. Like visiting the fish at the library.

And playing with all the toys there.

And hanging out on our porch!

Heck, FW even enjoyed going to the store with me. Maybe because while we were getting groceries someone gave him a free milk?

When it’s been hot, FW has loved playing with his water table. 

And, of course, goofing around with his old bff Celia. Even though they no longer go to the same daycare, we still try to get them together!

I’ve enjoyed having summery drinks – like this mojito made with mint from my sister-in-law’s garden.

And food that I didn’t really indulge in during pregnancy – like pope!

Some days I’ve had time to bake. Our CSA gave us some strawberries and rhubarb, so I made a crisp with them. 

FW even got in on the fun and helped me make some of his favorite muffins. 

And we’ve been introducing LM to everyone in the family when we can – she loved meeting all her cousins!

Those are some of the highlights. Hopefully in the weeks to come, I’ll have some more activity-based ones to share. Until then, keep your fingers crossed we get some sleep soon!

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps.

So much to love about weekends

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

Ahhh, I looooove weekends. And we finally had a weekend with beautiful weather that felt like SPRING. It was sunny, not too hot and felt good just hanging out in sundresses. Which is my favorite type of weather. Especially with being super pregnant – not having to pull on pants or winter boots or my winter coat has been amazing!

Anyway, here’s a little how the weekend went.

It started with Friday night pizza. I had to work late (work is a little cuhhhhrazy right now), but it was all worth it when I got home and got to enjoy pizza night with my boys. Especially since FW ate nearly a whole slice!

Saturday morning, we walked to the nearby Farmers Market and got breakfast at a diner while we were there. There’s a diner right by where the train stop is and FW loved watching the trains go by. 

He also loves it when the weather is nice 🙂 

I love Farmers Market season! There were so many great flowers and plants out there.

That afternoon, after doing some chores, it was time to celebrate Cinco De Mayo AND Derby Day! B’s family hosts a big Derby party every year and this year was no different. We bet on a few horses and enjoyed watching the race. 

It was such a beautiful night to be outside with his family and FW loved playing with all the kids. He may have been out a little past his bedtime … but look at that sky!

Sunday was a pretty productive day. We cleaned, cooked, meal planned and went grocery shopping. We went out to breakfast, went for a walk and even took naps. We had originally had lunch, mid-afternoon AND dinner plans but they all ended up falling through, so we ended up doing some prep for when baby #2 arrives.

Oh yea, and of course we had to watch some basketball this weekend. Go Cavs!

 

this was my breakfast. They ran out of yogurt so my granola and fruit were a little dry 😦

FW liked his grilled cheese and ate a few bites of his nest egg.

Is the baby’s room ready yet? No … but we’re getting there!

Some questions for you:

  • If you have kids, do you remember how far in advance you got their rooms ready?
  • How often do you do yard work? What’s your least/favorite yard chore?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps.

Sick toddlers and sunny Sundays

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 9 Comments

Whew. Having a sick toddler is tough. I’ll start out this post by saying that. Because that is how my weekend started out: nonstop snuggles with FW and caring for him, since he had a fever that started Thursday morning and didn’t magically go away after Motrin, as we hoped (got the call from daycare Thursday afternoon to pick him up).

So, my Friday mostly looked like this. After a short run in the morning, we were mostly sitting on the couch. Except he was mostly on my lap or in my arms. B was traveling for work and I had sick toddler duty.

We spent the day coloring and watching movies, something we don’t typically let FW do. It was in the 50s, but even when I took FW outside, he just wanted to be held.

B got home late and thankfully brought us Indian food for dinner! With FW in bed, it was eaten on my lap while we watched some Glow on Netflix.

Saturday morning, we took FW to the doctor. He of course seemed to be feeling better there and afterwards, so we decided to go out for breakfast! We went to Jack’s and I had some great challah French toast.

We also decided to go for a super short walk. It was near 50 degrees and it was nice to get outside and run around for a little bit. 

That afternoon included a long nap from FW, along with some cleaning. He was sorta helping …

For dinner, we took B’s grandmother out! We went to a place they used to go when they were kids, which had some good bar food. FW even ate some of his grilled cheese – well, he ate the cheese off the bread …

After dinner we decided to stop for a quick detour a the Container Store. We hadn’t been before and it was a new place for Francis to run around at. They have a wall that is just garbage cans!

The Container Store just happens to be right next door to a local ice cream shop, so of course we had to make a quick stop. I had the caramel fudge brownie and hazelnut – both flavors were great! 

Sunday included some running, napping, grocery shopping and enjoying a little time outside.

B, FW and I all went for a run together! B pushed FW in the stroller and we discovered a new path near our house to run along.

I had to stop and get a pic of the frozen lake, above, with the blue sky. A picture-perfect day for sure!

We finished 5 miles, which is the longest run I’ve done this year! It was 40 degrees, so FW may have been a little over bundled up 🙂 But he’s finally feeling better, thank goodness. Fingers crossed that he stays healthy for the rest of cold and flu season.

We finished the day with dinner with B’s family per our usual Sunday tradition. It’s always nice spending the evening with a home cooked meal among family and FW always enjoys seeing his cousins!

Some questions for you:

  • Do you have any Sunday traditions?
  • Favorite ice cream flavors?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Three-Day Weekends Are Better Than Two-Day Ones

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

This is the OMG IT’S A THREE-DAY WEEKEND?! face.

Okay, maybe not – this was his face when we went out to breakfast, because that’s how our weekend started. With pancakes! I got the lemon ricotta pancake because it’s truly the best. It’s custardy and I pretty much am in love with anyone and everything lemon that’s sweet. I also don’t typically put butter or syrup on them either, because they’re just so good.

Friday started out with 58 degrees and rain (and a run in short sleeves!) – and then it ended up with sleet and then snow. The weather actually got so bad that my Friday night plans had to change. I was originally supposed to have a girls night with my sisters-in-law and go to the art museum to see their new Jazz Age exhibit, but due to the weather, the museum closed early!

Luckily, our dinner plans didn’t fall through and we were able to have some french food at L’Albtross.  We started with cheese …

And after our main course, ended with dessert!

Saturday was pretty good too. The day included some surprise chocolates from B — Mitchell’s has some great chocolates near me, and I love their pretzels and chocolate covered ginger.

The day also included a 2+ hour car nap for FW!

While he napped, I baked some zucchini breakfast cookies for FW to hopefully enjoy. They weren’t that sweet, but I’m hoping FW will want to eat them for breakfast. 

After the nap, we headed to the art museum to finally catch the Jazz Age exhibit. Since the museum was closed early Fri. night, we were able to exchange our tickets and go Saturday.  All of us ladies couldn’t all schedule the same time, but

I was able to go with B and FW – and Katie – instead.

The exhibit was great! It had so many cool parts and pieces – jewelry, textiles, cars, dresses, and more.

After the art museum, we went to Little Italy for some pizza and dessert.

It was a cold night but we had to walk to get some pastries, too!

Chocolate cannoli and rainbow cookies. My favorite!

Sunday morning started off with some ME time! B and FW went outside to brave the cold and get in some sleighing, while I stayed home. I was able to get in a short run and walk.

I was also able to start some cookies (and do some laundry,  but that’s not as exciting 🙂 ) – so that means I baked TWICE this weekend!

We finished off Sunday with a trip to visit our friends’ new baby girl (she is so sweet!!!). I brought some of the cookies over and B made some homemade chicken soup to bring as well.

And then it was time for a Polish-inspired dinner with B’s family, where FW enjoyed playing with his cousins. Pretty much perfect comfort food for a COLD weekend!

FW’s daycare is closed tomorrow, so I’m spending the day with him. Thus, the three-day weekend! Some questions for you:

  • Any tips for keeping a toddler entertained when it’s cold and snowy/icy outside?
  • Do you like Polish food?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Very Merry Indeed – Christmastime in Upstate NY

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

I’m back from a great trip to NY to spend time with my family and celebrate Christmas. B, FW and I were lucky enough to spend nearly a full week there and got in some wintry weather, lots of cookies, gifts and some holiday fun.

Some of the highlights included:

FW and Miso hanging out. He is so cautious of dogs, but Miso is the perfect dog for him. Calm, and pretty nonchalant, and by the end of the trip FW was pretty comfortable with him.

FW and Grandpa sleigh riding. This was the first day before we really got any snow – there was just a dusting, but you can see they still went down the hill!

Family time 🙂 FW can nearly say “Nonna” now!

A little gym time. It was either snowy or icy or “feels like 1 degree” while I was home, so I didn’t get outside for any runs, despite bringing outdoor running clothes. Luckily I was able to use a guest pass and make it to the Y for a few indoor runs.

A visit from Santa! FW was overall interested and not scared.

Family photo! FW loves that bowtie – he wanted to wear it with his PJs!

Plenty of cookies. 

Also, some new toys!

Lots of running around the house and of course a few naps. 

We needed to get out of the house, but one day it was so cold (aforementioned “feels like 1 degree” at one point!), so we went to the NYS museum. It was the perfect place for FW to run around and even have some fun.

It was such a great trip, and while I’m trying to keep up with the holiday spirit and feeling I had when I was home and with my family, but I’m starting to feel the post-holiday blues set in. I’m not sure when I’ll see my parents or brother again, and it’s a little sad to think about that. That, and the frigid temps we’re experiencing this week and I can’t but help to countdown until spring.

Happy MONDAY and I’m linking up with the weekly wraps for today’s post.