Friends Visit Plus a 5K and Triathlon

August 12, 2018August 12, 2018 / 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.

Nonna and Grandpa Come to Visit

April 29, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

Despite having an awful weather weekend (40s and rain), it was a GREAT weekend. Why? Because my parents (Nonna and Grandpa to FW) came to visit.

Friday, they got in earlyish, so they were able to join me for daycare pickup! We picked up FW and then got some pizza from our favorite place, Marotta’s.

FW even ate a whole slice!

Then it was time for some reading and relaxing before they put him to bed. I love how when my parents come to visit, they take the lead on most diaper changes and bedtime.

Saturday morning, we hit up the Zoo and Rainforest! It was cruddy and cold and wet, so we spent most of the time indoors.

FW probably watched this baby orangutan for at least 5 minutes. It was playing around with its mom and swinging around.

We then met up with B for lunch at a local deli/diner. I got some GREAT matzo ball soup and a HUGE corned beef sandwich.

This was the half sandwich. There was like 5 lb of meat on here.

That afternoon, while FW napped, my mom and I got pedicures!

Then, it was time for more reading.

Sunday was pretty low key. We enjoyed some breakfast at Luna with my parents before they got on the road back to NY.

My go-to at Luna…love their yogurt and granola!

And then in the afternoon, we did some work on the house (it’s never ending!). By we, I mean B did, while I entertained FW.

Oh, and FW took a nap in HIS BED, which never happens so I was pretty happy with that. He loves napping in the stroller and in the car, but barely in his bed (especially since he can just get up and get out of it, which is what he did at first).

AND while FW slept, the CAVS won! I’m hoping we get another great series in this year with a better ending than last season. Who’s with me?

That night we enjoyed dinner with B’s family. FW got in some good cousin time, as usual. I love that he loves hanging out with them!

Some questions for you:

Was it cold near you again? Or did it feel like spring?
Do you like matzo ball soup?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

A Weekend of Celebrations

March 11, 2018March 12, 2018 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 6 Comments

This weekend – though cold and snowy – was a fun-filled weekend of celebrations. From my sister-in-law’s swearing in as a U.S. citizen to my friend Nicole’s baby shower, we had a a few fun reasons.

Friday started with the swearing in ceremony. More than 50 people were sworn in as citizens in the ceremony, including my sister-in-law, who is from Finland. It was a pretty cool ceremony to be able to see, and it was amazing to feel part of so many people’s emotional journeys.

The ceremony lasted a little over two hours, and B and I had taken the day off, so afterwards, we went out to lunch – just the two of us. We don’t get to do that often, and it was nice to have a relaxed grown up meal and drinks (or a sip for me).

We were planning on going to the movies after lunch, but we were both so full and in a semi-food coma, we decided to go for a walk instead. We visited the Towpath for a 4+ mile walk in the snow. The path was paved, so it was at least pretty.

We then spent some time reading and warming up in a coffee shop. These are all things we used to do all the time before FW, so it was nice to get out and do them once again.

Then, it was time for the first celebration- off to a bar for my sister-in-law’s celebration in honor of her new citizenship! We hung out for about an hour with FW before it was time to head out.

AND we picked up my favorite local pizza on the way!

Even FW ended up having a few bites (he is picky and hasn’t been liking pizza).

Saturday ended up being a pretty low-key, yet productive day. It included some cleaning, reading, piano playing, and baking.

baking – buckeyes!

And a quick stop to our favorite local chocolate shop for some goodies before dinner. Fun fact- chocolate covered pretzels are pretty much my FAVORITE.

For dinner, B made us homemade pasta with potatoes. I made the pesto. It came out SO good!

FW had grilled cheese – but also a peanut butter macaron for dessert! It was his first macaron and he wouldn’t put it down.

Sunday morning started with my friend Nicole’s baby shower! She’s due a little before me with her first and it was fun to celebrate with her. Isn’t she adorable?

She is also part of my Ladies Craft Beer Society – so naturally, we did a craft at her shower!

That afternoon, despite the snow and cold, the sun was out, so we got in a short walk with FW in the backpack.

And then it was time to go out to celebrate my mother-in-law’s birthday. We went out for Italian food to celebrate.

And that was it – 3 celebrations in one weekend 🙂 Some questions for you:

Is it still snowy near you?
Do you like chocolate covered pretzels? Or what’s your favorite chocolate treat?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!

Easter Weekend With Family

April 16, 2017 / Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

Is the weekend really over already? Man, it was a really great weekend with family and great food and weather. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Friday afternoon started with a walk with B and FW. We hit up a local candy store that we had never been too – look at their soda collection! Do you see the sweet corn and peanut butter flavors?

We also looked around for some Easter stuff. FW was not impressed by the bunny ears 🙂

We then met up with my parents and brother who were in town! We enjoyed sushi for dinner.

Some of the bazillion pieces of sushi we got.

It was passed FW’s bedtime, but he got a story read by grandpa.

Saturday morning started with a short walk around downtown for breakfast and then coffee with my brother. It is SO SO good to see him. He lives in Germany, so seeing him even for just a little over a day was great.

My brother had to go to the Apple store to get his laptop fixed before heading back to Germany, so while he was there, my mom and I got in a little retail therapy. What do you think of this dress?

We then got lunch at Boaz, one of my favorites. I love their fresh, cheap food. This is a sad with chicken, pickled veggies, hot sauce, beans, lentils, quinoa, tabbouleh and baba.

We spent the afternoon walking around Ohio City and the West Side Market and then relaxing. For dinner, we ended up making grilled cheese which were SO GOOD. They definitely hit the spot.

Sunday morning came early – B and I had DOUBLE the brunch plans! First, an early brunch with my parents and brother before they headed out.

And then after Mass, Easter brunch with B’s family.

Which included some sticky buns AND a snooze with Francis and Grandma.

We finished up with brunch around 5 and then went out for a walk. It was another beautiful day and great to be outside again for a perfect way to end the weekend.

Some questions for you: