Day 747 | Snuggles

The boys have been extra snuggly towards me lately. 

No complaints here. 

Day 746 | Outdoor Time

Due to the *finally* beautiful weather, we busted out of the house today and ventured over to one of our favorite places: the Wheaton Regional Park. We played at the park. We rode the carousel (twice). We hung out with some friendly turtles, swans, and fish at the pond. We had a picnic in the shade. We even got to ride the miniature train (which was questionable due to an overnight rainstorm). Sounds pretty awesome, right? It was.

Side note (that is definitely worth documenting): Chris and I noticed some unwelcome garbage in our front yard the other day. Because our house is right off a busy road, it's not unusual for some stray candy bar wrappers or newspapers to get caught in our grass, but this discovery was particularly disturbing. It looked like chicken feet. Gross, bug-attracting chicken feet. I finally got the stomach to clean them up today and, it turns out, was in for a crazy surprise: they weren't chicken feet at all. They were these rotten-smelling, oozing mushrooms called stinkhorns. I know I should somehow feel comforted that we didn't, in fact, have discarded chicken feet in our yard, but if you had been the one to try to remove the stinkhorns, you would understand how terrifying it was (I didn't know they were mushrooms at that point, after all). To say they were foul-smelling with a terrifying consistency just doesn't cover it. I hope these new friends aren't here to stay. 

Day 745 | Corn Avocado Salad

This *might* just be my favorite salad. I've been counting down the days until fresh sweet corn hit the shelves at the grocery store...and this week it did!

Here's the recipe. I look forward to enjoying this yummy concoction several times this summer.

For those of you recreating, I don't add the jalapeno. We're not a big fan of spice around here and I don't think we're missing anything.

Day 744 | Spray Park 2016

You'll be glad to hear we made it to opening day of the neighborhood spray park. It's funny how every year brings a new attitude towards it.

2014: Robbe was too little (just a few months old) to really enjoy/appreciate. Chase was super excited.
Two years ago.

2015: Chase was more leery but Robbe loved it.
Last year's post.

2016: Now Chase is back on the bandwagon but Robbe would barely get his toes wet.

Interesting, isn't it?

Day 743 | Toms

Thanks to two super-generous gifts, the boys and I got some fantastic new Toms. In case you can't tell, the boys got space shoes and they glow in the dark. When Chase saw them lit up for the first time as the four of us shoved into the closet to check 'em out, he said, "they're just beautiful," in kind of a quite whisper.

We're all really impressed.

Day 742 | It's Hot

It's becoming apparent that we went right from winter to summer around here. It's been in the 90s the last three days. As you might have guessed, I'm not a fan.

The photo above was taken upon our return from a one-hour outdoor birthday party we attended. These boys were sweaty to say the least. Robbe faired pretty well. Chase, however ended up with a mild case of heat-knee and heat-belly (both those areas hurt) so he requested we leave early and enjoy our air conditioned house instead. I did not argue. 

Day 741 | Homemade Granola Bars

I've been doing a monthly recipe post on my friend's blog. Have I mentioned this before? I forget. This month's post was a sugar-free granola bar recipe that I'm *pretty pleased* with. Even the boys agree that they are delicious.

For the full recipe + additional photos, check out my Simply Sugarless post here.

Day 740 | Petey Update

If you look closely, you can see the little black escape route from Petey's cocoon.
Luckily, the Bulldogs are satisfied with this development with or without a moth in the cage.

Good news and bad news about our favorite little caterpillar: he emerged from his cocoon, but he didn't survive the weekend.

Remember, Petey started as a caterpillar. Then, the next day, we woke up to him in a cocoon. We brought the little guy into Chase's classroom so all the Bulldogs (his class mascot) could enjoy Petey, the Chrysalis. And they did. They really did. He was stared at, talked about, loved and shaken. A lot.

This type of caterpillar stays in their cocoon for about two weeks. After about three weeks, I had all but given up on seeing Petey as a moth. Then, last Friday, Chase's teacher emails to say that he emerged from his cocoon!! Unfortunately, the Bulldogs didn't have school on Friday so we all had to wait until Monday to meet him in his new form.

As if the roller coaster of emotions I had already been through wasn't enough, I then get an email from Ms. Liz yesterday saying Petey didn't make it through the weekend. Are you kidding me?!? After all that? Urgh.

Please note: if you talk to any of the Bulldogs, Petey escaped to be with his family. :)

Day 739 | Serious Art

Drawing is serious business around here.

Day 738 | Under Contract

No, this photo isn't from today. You can tell because the sun was shining and, once again, we've gone two days without seeing it. Oh, and there's more rain in the forecast for tomorrow. Are you kidding me?!? Ahhhhh!

We had a productive Sunday with lots of quality indoor time. But nothing was caught on camera. Sorry about that. Instead, enjoy this cute little bug posing with the official "under contract" sign in our front yard. At least it's a constant reminder that this whole moving-across-the-country-thing is really happening.

Day 737 | A Typical Saturday

We had a quiet, uneventful Saturday. Just like I like it. I think everyone realizes how fleeting this type of no-plans, just-our-family, home-most-of-the-day Saturday might be for the next couple of months.

Day 736 | King of the Swing

This guy rocked the swing today. He's never been terribly interested in this particular piece of playground equipment so it was quite a shock when he successfully pulled of the in-and-out leg motions of the pump to keep himself going.

Nice work, big guy!

Day 735 | Mr. Sun

Look who came out for a bit this afternoon: the sun! We haven't seen this guy in weeks.

It was glorious. Just glorious.

Day 734 | Fun With Red Lentils

Robbe loves his little toy trucks. I decided to kick up the fun factor by letting him drive them around in red lentils. The boys managed to have a blast while not making *too much* of a mess.

Why don't I do things like this more often?

Day 733 | So This Happened...

Remember how I posted yesterday that we accepted an offer on our DC house? Well, I'm beyond thrilled to report that we have a new home to move into. This one...behind the adorable four year old who posed like that completely spontaneously.

Our offer was accepted this evening and it's everything we dreamed it would be. The location, the yard, the kitchen, the screened porch...everything. It has been an anxious couple of weeks around here but it looks like this might all work out after all.

There have been some happy dances around here. Ok, lots of happy dances. The boys seem confused and embarrassed.

Day 732 | Our First House

It is with great excitement that I report we accepted an offer on our house last night. Whoa.

After four days on the market, we were beyond lucky to be able to cross "sell DC house" off our to do list. That's a big one. 

It's not going to be easy to lock the door on our beautiful red house for the last time come July. We've loved calling this place home (and the first we've owned) for the past two years. 

The neighborhood, the neighbors, the trains out our front door, the access to all the District has to offer, our home: it will all be missed. Terribly missed. 

Day 731 | Confirmation Celebration

Sweet Isabelle was confirmed today. I mean, she cannot be that old, right? It's absolutely true that when I think of this girl I still think of the peanut of a three year old with the big, beautiful eyes and infectious smile.

It makes me beyond happy to know that we'll be back in Wisconsin to participate in her high school experience...and maybe, just maybe, I'll come to terms with the fact that she isn't three anymore.

Maybe.

Day 730 | Dance, Dance, Dance

Driving four hours round trip in one day...

Watching 12.5 hours of dance routines...

Being there for my three super-talented nieces as they impressed and moved me... 

Totally worth it. 

Day 729 | A Farm Outing

Robbe has been *not so patiently* waiting for a trip to see the "moos" for the past two weeks. Thankfully the rain finally stopped yesterday and we got to make all his dreams come true with some tractor horn-blowing and atv-riding in addition to all the cow-sightings.

Grandpa has done his job of instilling a love for the farm into both my little guys. I like it. :)

Day 728 | A Good Day

It was a *nearly* perfect Wisconsin day. The boys and I walked down to meet Grandpa, Great-Grandma, and Uncle Brian for breakfast. Then we spent over an hour at the sweet little library. And we even squeezed in some hot-tub time (the boys love that thing) before lunch.

After that fun-filled morning, I was treated to my very own spa day (thanks for the amazing Mother's Day gift, Chris!) with a manicure, pedicure, and facial. It was the best.

To wrap up the day, I got to hang out with my nieces for a bit and then hosted some friends for dinner. Sounds pretty wonderful, right? The only thing missing was my #1 husband. That would have made it absolutely perfect.

Day 727 | Sippin' Tea

No big deal, just my four year old sipping the blueberry tea he requested.

Day 726 | Happy Mother's Day

On this Mother's Day, I couldn't feel any luckier to be called "momma" by my two boys. The three of us flew to Wisconsin (without Daddy...ahhh!) and had a nearly flawless trip. I'm so grateful and in awe of their patience, cooperation, and good behavior during less-than-ideal circumstances.

I'm also feeling especially lucky to be with my own mom on Mother's Day. It's been awhile. Thank you, mom, for all the patience, cooperation, and good behavior you continue to instill in me. I love you!

Day 725 | Big News

It's official! Plans are being made for a move back to the Midwest for our little family and we couldn't be happier. It's not going to be easy leaving behind our [amazing] friends and this [fantastic] city but we're confident this is the right decision for us. Yippee!!

Day 724 | Whatever It Takes

We had an impromptu play date with some good friends tonight and the kids played contentedly together for much longer than we would have ever expected. How did this miracle happen, you might ask? They spent a good chunk of time "mailing" all these books under Robbe's bedroom door. It was glorious. 

Day 723 | A New Helmet

We finally purchased a much-delayed birthday present for Robbe today: a new helmet.

He picked out a fun blue animal pattern and wore it for most of the afternoon. Thanks, Aunt Erica and Uncle Jason for the money for the helmet. Sorry it took so long to pick it out and get you a photo!

Day 722 | Wednesday Dinners

For the past couple of months we've been rotating houses for Wednesday dinners with a friend down the street. Do you know how amazing it is to not have to cook + clean once every two weeks? It's glorious.

This sweet photo is of Robbe with our friends' little one, WD, watching out the window for any daddy sightings. So sweet.

Day 721 | Mr. Independent

I was running around the house cleaning like a crazy person today and stumbled upon our little two year old with a pretty impressive train set up, which he did with absolutely no help (and, just to be clear, Chase wasn't even home at the time of construction, he just showed up later to play). 

This scenario depicts Robbe perfectly. He's such an independent little sprout who enjoys playing solo even more than with his parents. Crazy, right? It's pretty amazing. 

Day 720 | Undies Update

Remember this post? After a short break from his fascination with undies, Robbe is going full-force again. He loves his truck undies so much he insists on wearing them over his diaper (he's really not quite ready for full-fledged potty training...and neither am I) and over his pajamas as you can see in the photo above.

Yes, just to confirm what you're seeing, Robbe (at exactly 2 years, 2 months) wearing truck undies over truck pajamas. This guy takes his interests seriously. I respect him for that.

Day 719 | Two Years

A rainy trip to the National Archives allowed us a break from lots of home projects this weekend.

Yep. It's been two full years of blogging [nearly] every day. That's no joke.

Here's the list of my favorite posts from the past year. If you have any favorites you think I should add, I'm interested.

First Day of PreK 3
Moms
Baby Gordon
Panic Attack
Girl Talk
On Missing My Life: Part 1 and Part 2
Rocket Craft
The Great Blizzard of 2016
The Year of More
Sticker Addict
Advice for Soon-to-be Moms
Undies
So Long, Farewell
And He Turns Two
And He Turns Four