Ack! August is here! I’m NOT READY for summer to be over, school to begin, and all the madness that that entails. Sigh. So I’m going to just try to sit back and enjoy these next few weeks in the meantime.
July was a good month! I had almost 200 miles of running, several swims, walks, stroller running, some pickleball and several days of weight lifting.
This week was a little slower. After racking up nearly 50 miles last week, I decided to take it somewhat easier this week. This meant some shorter mileage, and no long runs thanks to some travel. Here’s how the week looked:
Hi friends! I can’t believe we’re in August, but here we are. I’m joining Coco and Deborah for their virtual coffee today, while also sharing a fitness update for a fitness linkup, so I’m excited to share what’s going on over here. Here’s what I’d tell you if we were chatting in real life (most likely on a patio because it’s patio season in Cleveland!):
We Threw a 100-Year-Old House Party! Our home turned 100 this year, and we celebrated with friends and family. We hosted an open house/backyard bash with about 75 people. It was a great mix of friends, neighbors, families from our kids’ school, B’s family and kids running around everywhere. We had a DIY taco bar from Cilantro (so good), bubbles, temporary tattoos, sidewalk chalk, lots of sporting equipment, drinks, and I baked a bunch of desserts. It was supposed to storm but we lucked out and the weather held out! It was one of those days that just felt so much fun from start to finish. I wish I had taken more photos, but I was too busy enjoying it all. Maybe I love hosting more than I realized?
Summer Is Flying By If you know me, this will come as no surprise – I’m not ready for summer to end. I love the slower mornings, the warm weather, the way it’s lighter in the mornings. I’ve been running more on the trails and paths near me, something I can’t do in the winter when it’s too dark. There’s something about being surrounded by trees and nature that just feels good for the soul!
Birthday Season = Complete! With my kids’ birthdays in May, June, and July, summer is basically one big celebration. We had Guardians games, outdoor movie nights, trips to the Zoo, SkyZone, and so many treats. It’s a whirlwind, but a fun one. I’m always a little sad when GM’s bday is over because it’s so much fun to celebrate everyone!
Some Music in the Mix This was the first summer FW is taking piano lessons at Musicologie (he took last summer off), and it’s been going really well! He’s been learning some Beatles songs (which makes my heart so happy), and while it’s definitely a challenge to get in practice time when the weather is so nice, rainy days and no school have helped. It’s been such a sweet addition to our summer routine.
Summer Fitness Wins Fitness-wise, this summer has been one of my best! A few weeks ago, I hit my highest mileage week (almost 50 miles!), and July ended up being a nearly 200-mile month. I’ve also been swimming laps while the kids are at their swim lessons and I’ve continued weightlifting a few times a week. I’ve alao got in a few strollwe walks and runs with GM! It’s been a great balance, and I’m feeling grateful for the time and energy to move.
Fall Sports Are Coming After softball and baseball ended, we had a bit of a break from the usual sports/activities chaos (just swimming lessons in the evenings), but that’s about to change. My son starts flag football and soccer next week, and in a few weeks my daughter will resume ballet, cross country and soccer too. I’m not quite ready for the schedule shuffle, but I do love cheering them on from the sidelines.
Summer Reading I’ve been reading a lot this summer, and it’s been so nice! One Golden Summer by Carley Golden was the perfect beachy, feel-good read. I’m definitely going to check out more from that author. Got any recommendations?
A Little Travel, A Lot of Cleveland Love We didn’t travel much this summer, just Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta in May, a week in Boston in June, and a quick trip to Albany (now!) to see my brother who’s visiting from Germany. But honestly? I love summer in Cleveland. It’s my favorite time to be here.
So that’s me. What about you? What’s been bringing you joy this summer?
We had a fun summery activity-filled week with celebrations for my youngest’s birthday, a Guardians game, and a house party … and I ran almost 50 miles in one week (not one sitting, I’m not an ultramarathoner)! So once again, it was a good week of running, weight lifting,swimming, walking. I don’t think I’ll have such a high mileage week again anytime soon, but it was good while it lasted! Here’s how it went ….
This week continued our summer vacation. Last week, we were in Upstate NY with my parents (full recap here) and I still managed to get in a few runs. Some mornings, they would watch the kiddos while I went out on a run, taking in the oh so familiar scenes from where I grew up.
But on Monday, we said goodbye to my parents and headed to part two of our vacation, Philadelphia. It was just B and me and the kids in a hotel room, so I knew I wouldn’t get to sneak out for a run every day. But I was lucky enough to still get in some miles – and lots of steps just from walking! Here’s what the week looked like:
This week started our summer vacation. The kiddos have been home for a month, but this week B and I both took off some time to start a family trip. We packed up the car and headed out to Albany late Wednesday night/early Thursday morning.
With vacation comes late nights, fun times — but not as regular running, at least for me. It’s hard for me to get out and leave the little ones when I’m traveling, especially since they get up so early.
Still, this past week was a good week and I got in daily runs and core exercises before we hit the road. Here’s what the week looked like:
Welp, last week was my first full week back at work after maternity leave. And I’m not gonna lie, it was a doozy. I put in more hours than I have in a while, and working late plus little sleep (yay toddler and 3 month old) made me SO pumped for the weekend! And thank goodness, it was a good weekend.
B and FW made dinner Friday night, which meant we were able to have homemade pizza on the porch!
Saturday started out with breakfast for FW and me. We both had eggs – his were in fun shapes.
Then, I took FW out for a run.
It was pretty much perfect running weatherweather- low 60s and cloudy. We got in a little more than 4 miles.
Also, when did FW get so old? He looks so old compared to LM!
For dinner B made homemade pasta, which is pretty much my favorite comfort food. He also grilled some scallops for the perfect meal.
It stayed perfect weather for an after dinner walk.
Sunday morning started with pancakes! B made us all breakfast.
The day included some catching up on work, chores (yay for laundry … and then more laundry after a blowout) and a trip to The Container Store.
The rest of the day was low key, especially since it was pouring rain and super windy all day long. We didn’t make it outside for a walk or run or anything. Instead, we watched football and did some reading.
But, we did make it to B’s family’s home for dinner. FW got to enjoy some time playing with his cousins.
AND how excited are you for this? I’m a little afraid on how it’s going to portray CLE, but excited to see what’s in store for one of my favorite podcasts.
Some questions for you:
Did you have crazy rainy weather this weekend?
What kind of workout do you do if you can’t get outside?
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.
We had a HOT weekend here in Cleveland – it was 95ish or so degrees both days and humid. Or as FW says, “toasty!” So, we had to find some ways to keep 2 kids entertained and stay cool.
Friday night started off with a walk to get some ice cream at a nearby ice cream shop. It’s about a mile walk there (FW didn’t make it the whole way there or back on foot).
FW enjoyed sharing ice cream with both of us.
Also, this little lady turned 1 month old!
Saturday morning tarted orly – B and his dad were going to chop down a tree in our backyard. It was starting to grow and invade our neighbors’ house so they asked us to do something about it.
FW joined in – he watched over the chopping with donuts:)
And made sure the ladder was safe to use.
Then, we took a little family walk. It was HOT out so we didn’t make it too far.
That afternoon, B had plans and was out of the house for a few hours. It was my first extended time alone with the two kids … and to be honest – it was hard! They got along for some time, but there were a few meltdowns from both of them at some points.
When B came home, I was READY to get out of the house. It was past dinnertime and FW (and B) were hungry. So, B went with the kids to pick up pizza, and I went for a short run. It was 90 and humid and I’m so out of shape from not running after giving birth, but it felt SO GOOD to be outside and moving!
And, my favorite local pizza – plus wine and soda! – for dinner.
Sunday morning, we watched some World Cup and went for a walk before it got too hot. We walked to some local lakes where FW likes to watch the fish.
The afternoon included trying to keep cool – hanging out in the AC, watching some World Cup inside, and relaxing on the porch. A perfect weekend for the summer!
To say it was a busy weekend would be an understatement. BUT it was a GREAT weekend filled with lots of memories with family and friends, so I wouldn’t have it any other way!
After doing a few hours of work on Friday morning, I took the rest of the day off to get prepared for the weekend. Meaning baking cupcakes, shopping and cleaning. But of course, I had to get in a nice run first. Love these views of downtown!
After that, I found time for a pedicure. The massage felt so good!
Said cupcakes I baked. I made banana cupcakes because FW loves banana and the plan was for him to have his first cupcake that weekend 🙂
That night, B and I ordered sushi takeout. I had a great veggie roll, seaweed salad, and some sashimi – tuna and mackerel.
And then we had to stay up and watch the Cavs game. I don’t usually stay up ’till midnight anymore, but I HAD to watch … they finally won one! Now to win 3 more …
Saturday morning also started with a run. I got in 5.89 miles before meeting B and FW for some grocery shopping.
We headed to the West Side Market to get some groceries for the week, plus supplies for Sunday. Sunday we had plans to celebrate FW’s baptism AND birthday and we were going to be having a make-your-own sandwich station.
On the way home, we came across this great new mural. I love it!
Then it was time for Nicole’s backyard wedding celebration! I didn’t get any pics of the bride and groom sadly, but here’s FW and I all ready to go!
We left the festivities a little early because my parents and my mom’s cousin were in town! We met them for dinner at Masthead. Pizza and beers.
Sunday morning started early- FW got baptized!
I felt so lucky to have my parents in town to celebrate. And I know FW loved it too.
One of my college roommates just happened to be driving through Cleveland on Sunday, too so we got to see her!
FW had his first taste of cupcake. He looooved the frosting!
B’s mom made us a bear cake – it was so cute and tasty!
FW also got to hang out in the sandbox. At first he wasn’t too sure about it, but after a few minutes, he started to really enjoy it.
By the end of the afternoon, everyone was pooped. Me included. It was a long day!
We were all pretty tired, but content after a great weekend of family and celebrations. A perfect summer weekend!
Some questions for you:
Was it hot where you were this weekend? It was in the 80s here!
You guys. June is here. JUNE IS HERE. I know you know that – but this is a BIG DEAL in our household this year because it means that the BABY MONTH arrives is here. Baby C is due in June! Guess we’d better get our act together, huh?
Anyway, this weekend flew by. Guess when you are used to three-day weekends they’ll do that, huh? I really enjoyed it though – it was a great mix of hanging out with B (it’s only a few more days/weeks/who knows that it’s just the two of us!), seeing friends and getting baby ready.
Friday night we started with a date night – dinner at the Flying Fig. Started with their special toast and it was GREAT – cheese, mushrooms, onions and pea shoots.
And I got the soft-shelled crab for dinner. We(surprisingly) didn’t get dessert – both of us were too full! We took a walk after dinner and enjoyed the warm evening.
And we stumbled across the new Forest City Brewery! We of course had to stop in for a beer (not for me..soon!!). It was a cool place – they had a huge outdoor patio/beer garden area and it wasn’t that crowded (at last yet).
Saturday morning B and I took a walk around downtown again because it was another nice morning and not too hot. We always seem to end up in the Flats – its so nice to be able to walk around downtown and enjoy the sunny weather!
And then we got breakfast at Restore. It had been too long since I’d been there and I got an amazing dragonfruit bowl!
Then we headed to the east side. I had plans to take a walk with Nicole (my former downtown running buddy) and I can’t believe I didn’t snap a photo of us on our walk. Oh well. Instead, here is part of Nicole’s garden.
Then it was time for our Ladies Craft Beer Society! As usual, a great spread:
And here are some of the ladies crafting.
We made monograms with succulents. My C came out pretty good, huh?
That night, B and I had plans to go on another date night but ended up unexpectedly having to babysit our niece and nephew last minutes. So plans then included takeout pizza ..
Drawing and some board games. I ended up winning this one – beginners’ luck I guess? The game was called the African Star (my sister-in-law is Finnish, thus the Finnish game board).
Sunday brought a day of errands and a little bit of work catchup. So not that many exciting pictures – BUT I did manage to find an “expectant mother” parking spot for the first time in my pregnancy! I was pretty pumped to park here, especially since it started down pouring right when I got to the store.
And of course, Sunday dinner with B’s family to round up the weekend. A nice summery meal of chicken, burgers, dogs, fruit salad, corn salad, beans, salad .. yum!
And of course ended with ice cream sundaes 🙂 No pic but imagine the goodness.
Some questions for you:
What’s your go-to babysitting food? What did you have growing up with a babysitter AND/OR what do you get when you babysit people? almost always pizza! or when i was growing up i could choose a fast food item.
What are you most looking forward to for the month of June?
I Crashed The Web 