First Chicago....

So last year, Eric and I took a trip to Chicago with with my friend Tory and we had a blast.  Granted, I was 4 months preggo, just getting over morning sickness, and we went during the Taste of Chicago...a food festival. Even though I can recognize my bias (*ahem*) it was still a great time! Before I go on...

Oh! Did I ever mention I'm a model? Because I am.

Or that I passed on a career as a professional dancer am a crazy dancer/exerciser with seniors in Chicago that I've never met?

 

I'm sure that was the best 32 seconds of your life. :) Anyways....a few more scenery photos before I continue...

We also went to the Aquarium, which I have tons of pictures of that I'm not going to post AND we got a free manicure in the park.  It was a pretty great extended weekend.  Either way, I know Eric and I came away from that trip saying that we want to explore more of the US.  I'd say we've travelled a fair amount, but it seems a lot of our travel (when it's outside of driving across the country...more on that some other time...) has been outside of the US.  But I know we both want to travel some more in the US.  So I decided to make a list of the top five places on my list!

5. Attitash, NH - E and his family went here a few times when he was younger and the pictures are gorgeous.  I definitely want to go in the fall first though.

Yes, please.

 4. Washington D.C. - I never got to go on the classic 8th grade trip to D.C. but still really want to go to our nation's capital at some point (hopefully in the not-so-distant future!)

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3. Austin, TX - I don't even know that much about Austin, but Jenni was one of the first blogs I ever read.  I'm not even sure how I found her blog originally. But she's definitely one of my weekly reads.  Maybe it's her pictures and the unique little places that she always seeks out really neat restaurants and cafes, even her pictures of the farmers market make me want to spend a weekend in Austin. 

2. New Orleans, LA - I mean, does this really need an explanation? 

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1. Sedona/The Grand Canyon, AZ - Even though we've lived in AZ twice now, we haven't been able to make it up to Sedona or The Grand Canyon.  And the pictures are just breathtaking. 

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Just looking at these pictures is giving me the travel bug!  Good thing we've got Vegas coming up in just a few short months!  What are your favorite places to visit?  What's at the top of your travel bucket list?

My little man....

...one day, you will learn that things can't always go your way.  And also, that mom putting you a high chair really isn't the end of the world.  I promise, B-man.

You guys....it's finally fall!  And it feels like it might actually stick.  Eric and I both love the cool crisp air...but we both woke up freezing this morning...which is the first time in who knows how long!  Also, we may be moving towards having a house.  I can't wait to be in our home and be able to decorate....especially for fall...and Halloween! Once we're in our house...and I have time back into my day again, I'm really hoping to be able to make a fall wreath myself, kinda like the one I read about over at TidyMom.net - Cheryl, maybe one day I'll be as organized and crafty as you!

Even though I definitely want to do this...I know we'll be super busy moving in.  I think that my goal will be to have it for Thanksgiving. Also, in case you missed it, we went apple picking the other weekend.  Well two apple crisps later, I still have half the peck left.  Enter: Pinterest!  If you don't follow me yet, maybe you should! I think today, my Falling for Fall Board is definitely my favorite.  I can't wait to make some of these...maybe this Sunday my boys will wake up to some new delicious creations Brady will wake me up before 6AM so I can make breakfast for Eric and we can all enjoy together! Check out my board here for some great recipe ideas.  If you don't love fall, I don't think we can be friends.

Sunday breakfast anyone? 

Apple cider in actual apples?! So cute! 

Can't wait to make these apple dumpings!

Oh it all makes me want to get baking right now! Yum :)

I'm already planning a big day for a little man...

I can't believe our little B-man is almost 10 months...we're a few days away from that.  You know what that means, right? It means he's going to be ONE in a few short months!  I don't know if I can handle that...but what I can handle is planning a big day for him.  Here's a few things I've been looking at as my inspiration (thank you, Pinterest!)

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....I can't wait!

I'm Warning You Not To Read This....

Seriously. If you get grossed out easily. You should stop. Now.

No, you're still with me?  Then you should thank me now that I don't have pictures for this post.  When B was a little baby (a couple weeks old) I used to get in the tub with him and he would always calm down...it was peaceful and he really seemed to enjoy it (or at least not mind it).  Well, one fine day, I was in the tub, with B.  I should mention this is a new tub that we put in when Eric redid our bathroom.  Well my darling newborn decided he had some some solids he needed to dispose of. Yep, in the nice warm tub with all the night time lavendar scented bubbles.  Then, it was easy because he was so little...scoop him up, stand up and get on out of the tub.  And let's be real, he wasn't even 10 lbs so while it wasn't exactly heaven, it wasn't the end of the world.

Fast forward 9 months.  Our babbling, stubborn little monster man is in the tub (mommy no longer included).  Now, B doesn't like to sit still to start with.  He just has too much energy.  So you would think I would find it odd when the tub is emptying and my angel is just sitting down.  But I didn't. I was grateful. I was enjoying the moment of my baby enjoying bath time and relaxing.  He looked up at me and I knew. He had the look.  Moms...you know which one I'm talking about.  The look.  The look of relief on a little babies face...I tried to stand him up.  I really tried.  When he stood up?  Yup, solids...being disposed of...in shallow bath water...with bubbles...and toys...and a wash cloth.  And then?  And then it was too late.  There was nothing I could do.  I'm pretty sure I just called Eric in and laughed.  He took B into the room after we cleaned up his bum.  And guess what I got to do. Bleach the tub. It was super.  Yes, I bleached the tub.  But not right away.  It took two shopping bags to clean up the solids and try to filter them from going down the TUB drain.  My baby is a little poop machine angel.  Thanks, B-Man.  Let's not do this again sometime. Ever.  Thanks....love, Mom.

B's First Apple Orchard

This weekend was phenomenal.  We looked at houses on Saturday...and found three that we really liked and would definitely be happy in...so we'll see how this goes! Even more exciting, E surprised me on Friday and said that we should go apple picking on Sunday morning, before football.  Some things you should know about me...I love fall...football season is awesome...and Sundays are my favorite!  I don't think you really need to know a whole lot more...other than this is one of my favorite apple orchards and just so so cute!

They say never wake a sleeping baby....but it turns out if it's to go apple picking for the first time, it's well worth it!

 Not interested in the camera...

 Even less interested in the camera....

 C'mon guys, now I see all the other kids!

 Imagine....all the apple crisp...mmmm

 Apple time!

 Clearly, B hit another developmental milestone....

 Favorite place to be...on Dad's shoulders... 

Old fashioned candies!

Getting sleepy...

And what do you do after a long day? Well you've earned yourself a little nap in Mommy's arms!

Sunday sure is Funday!

I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you...

Bonus points to you if you know this song.  I was driving home by myself today, E had to take a later train, and this song came on.  We had both liked this song for a while now, it's just so cute.  But I will never forget the first time I heard it after we found out we were pregnant.  I remember tears rolling down my face, and I looked over at E and wouldn't you know his eyes were a little welled up, too.  If you have a little boy, or even a girl, and whether or not you like country...this song will get you.