weekends in cleveland

Weekend update: Picnic and Baseball

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 4 Comments

This past week I was SO ready for the weekend. It had been a slightly busy work with catching up on work after being out, a few client meetings and presentations, and by Friday I was definitely ready for some R&R and family time.

And that is exactly what the weekend included! While B got some stuff done around the house/outside, I entertained the kids. We got in some baking (lentil banana muffins of course), and outdoor play.

For lunch on Saturday, we opted to have a picnic. B took FW on the bike and I walk/ran with LM to a nearby playground. We had lunch and the kids got in some playtime before naps.

Sunday, I took FW out for a stroller run, and we literally ran a few errands. We returned library books and then picked up some fresh bagels.

In the afternoon, we headed downtown – we had tickets to the Indians game an went as a family of 4.

FW even got a chance to see Slider, which made his day. LM also got on the Jumbotron with B!

That evening, we finished with dinner at B’s parents’ house. It’s always a nice way to end our weekend and get ready for the week ahead.

Questions for you:

  • What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently? Any recommendations?
  • How do you feel about mascots? Yay or no?

The Weekend It Didn’t Rain

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / Leave a comment

You guys. We FINALLY had a weekend where it didn’t rain. No flash flood in our backyard. No mud on our shoes. We went all weekend without a drop of rain ruining any of our outdoor time and it was GREAT.

Here’s a look at some of the fun we had:

Friday after was B and LM’s school’s end of year picnic. The school closes early for preschool graduation (thank goodness we have a few years before that cryfest), and all the kids are invited to fun with facepaint, a picnic, food, games, an artshow, etc.

B and I skipped the hot dogs and ended up getting takeout, Cilantro (local Chipotle-esqe restaurant).

And the evening included some low key reading on the porch while listening to the Indians game (spoiler – they beat the Yankees!).

Saturday was another gorgeous day, so we spent most of the morning outside. It started with a stroller run and walk for LM and me – a little over 5 miles on a stroller-friendly path near our house – and then a run to the Farmers Market.

We did some shopping and hung out at the market, enjoying the weather.

Then it was time to head home. This time, FW hopped in the stroller (with some of the groceries) while B and LM biked alongside of us, and we ran home.

After we got home, everyone was pooped! After some brief women’s World Cup watching it was nap time. I even got in a quick snooze.

That afternoon included some more outdoor time – including playing with a water table and water gun! My friend Emily came over with her family – she has a 3 year old and almost 1 year old – for a little while, too.

Dinner that night was pizza on the porch. The gorgeous weather continued and we couldn’t stay inside.

Even after the kids went to bed, we went back outside for some summer reading and relaxing. I’m reading The Immortalists for book club right now and can’t put it down!

The next day included MORE outdoor time. We started the day with breakfast on the porch, followed by a ride around the block.

And then a family run! B pushed LM and I pushed FW in the stroller for an easy 5k.

We even saw a big turtle on the run!

After our run, it was time for some errands and then the Indians game! It was a hot game that went into extra innings, but they ended up losing.

We then spent some more time outside at B’s parents’ house on their swing set before heading home for the night.

It was so amazing to spend so much time outdoors. I’m pooped and slightly sunburn, but so happy to have gotten some much needed Vitamin D! (but don’t worry about our plants — of course we have rain in the forecast for today)

Some questions for you:

  • Was it clear/sunny near you?
  • What’s your favorite thing to do outside?

Early Turkey and Game Night

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 3 Comments

Happy short week!! I’m so excited for Thanksgiving and to see my family this week that I almost didn’t get a weekend update post up … but have no fear – here it is! Hope you all had a great weekend as well.

My Friday started a little early- FW had a Thanksgiving lunch at school so I decided to take a half day to stop by the lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon with him.  This meant enjoying some early turkey and stuffing (me – not FW.. he stuck to a banana, roll and cookie #pickyeater)

And then we spent part of the afternoon outside. It  was nearly 50 degrees so it was fun playing around in our backyard.

Friday night, the three of us went out to Aladdins and had some Lebanese food for dinner. FW loves hummus, so he was content for a little while.

And then after FW went to bed, B and I finally watched a movie that had been on our list forever- Get Out.

Saturday morning started with a walk to Stone Oven for pastries and Phoenix for coffee. FW has started liking croissants so we split three of them – forgot to take a photo until after the first few bites. They were delicious – cinnamon, ham & cheese and almond!

The day ended up being mostly rainy after that, so after a trip to the West Side Market to get some food, we pretty much hung out inside and read.

That night we had plans to head to B’s brother and sister-in-law’s house for a sibling family game night! We played Scattregories and Trivial Pursuit. My team won categories but didn’t win trivial pursuit. Believe it or not, the answer to last question in trivial pursuit was “Finland” and the question when to my Finnish sister-in-law. Needless to say, she knew the answer before the questions was fully read 🙂 What are the odds?!

FW hanging out with his cousins during game night

Sunday morning we slept in a little (even FW did after being out so late for game night!), and started the day with some pancakes. B made us pancakes on our new griddle, and I had one with an egg and toast. Sweet and savory breakfasts are the best, don’t you agree?

The rest of the day was pretty gloomy with rain and snow, so we stayed inside most of the day. We played hide and seek (okay, we really just played where FW hid in the cabinets) …

And did a lot of cleaning. It felt good to clean the kitchen and part of our bathrooms. And of course, there was a lot of reading and coloring. FW loves books so much- I think we ready at least 13 books this weekend (or at least a few of them 13 times!).

Even with the cold and less-than-stellar weather, it was a pretty good weekend. And now, the countdown to Thanksgiving!

Some questions for you:

  • What are your Thanksgiving plans? Are you hosting? Traveling?
  • Have you ever played Scattergories?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps.

A WINdians Weekend With the Grandparents

/ Melissa (I Crashed the Web) / 2 Comments

This weekend FLEW by. I seriously feel like I blinked and it was over. Maybe because we had just too much fun?

Our weekend started with an AMAZING Indians game. They are in the playoffs again and B and I had tickets to game 2 of the ALDS vs. the Yankees. Yes, I’m from NY but I’m cheering for the Indians all the way! (don’t worry – I grew up in a Mets and SF Giants household) The game was a good one – it went into 13 innings but we came home with a win!! Now onto game 3 (which they’re playing now … eep!)

Saturday morning I took a short stroller jog with FW. It was a run/walk and we ended up at some lakes again. I enjoy this view 🙂

Then, it was time to head to Celia’s for her birthday party! I can’t believe this girl is two already.

That afternoon my parents came into town! We grabbed pizza in Little Italy after they got into town for dinner.

Another highlight from the weekend? FW transitioned into a big(ger) kid car seat! I cannot believe he’s pretty much officially a toddler. Or almost. 

The weekend also included some delicious brunch (avocado toast for me!) at Luna.

And, we headed to the Zoo to watch the animals.

FW was way more into the elephants and the other animals this time!

He was also adamant about walking around on his own. Which means things took a lot longer to get to 🙂

We ended up Sunday with a baseball-themed dinner and a little game watching. Go Tribe!

Questions for you:

  • Are you watching baseball right now?
  • Do you like zoos?

I’m linking up with the weekly wraps!