I think I'll go to Boston (Day one!)

Every year I certainly make sure to celebrate my birthday. But this year I was turning the big 3-0. So not only did we have a fabulous birthday bash (celebrating all the summer bdays) but me and my sisters planned a celebratory girls trip to Boston.

Why Boston you ask? Why NOT Boston?! I love the East Coast, and had yet to leave my mark on Boston. Originally the trip was planned for July (just a few weeks post my bday) with a trip to Fenway on the itinerary. Well we drug our feet a little due to airfare prices and kind of missed our window for July. So we decided potentially September - hello East Coast in the Fall! But then the heavens opened and all the stars aligned. A perfect weekend in August opened up when... the ROYALS would be playing the Red Sox. DONE. Signed, sealed, delivered. We were in!

And if that wasn't enough of a sign that it was all meant to be, on the way to the airport the amazing people behind Freely Given Movement posted free Starbucks. So with my free iced coffee in hand I boarded the plane. Where the entire plane started to chant 'Let's Go Royals!'. This was one of those moments that are reserved for the movies. It give me goosebumps! It was so surreal. Birthday weekend was off to a fabulous start!

We gathered our luggage and navigated our way to our hotel (a big thank you to the actual navigator - Stephanie, I just happily followed).

We walked around and explored the city for a while, it was absolutely beautiful. And even though we were there for 4 days, I'll definitely be back again.

Once again Stephanie exceeded all expectations with her research and preparations for the trip. So if you're ever in need of a good travel buddy - she's your gal. We browsed Newbury Street (gorgeous), and ate at Shake Shack. Unbelievably good. I don't even know how to describe it that's how good it was. Burgers and chocolate shakes? I was in birthday heaven. Oh and while we were waiting for our food, I found a heads up penny. Of course I instagrammed it with the 'find a penny pick it up all the day you'll have good luck' caption, and then... I FOUND FIVE DOLLARS. I'm not even joking. Again - this day just kept getting better and better!

After a little more wandering, we ended up starting a mini pub crawl and watching the Royals game. Also - a note for next time, I should've just worn Royals stuff all weekend. But anyways. The Royals bit it big time that night, so I'm pretty thankful we didn't have tickets for Friday night's game. Despite the loss, the drinks were delish (give me ALL the sangria margaritas!!). But after stuffing my face with burgers and shakes and traveling all day, the mini pub crawl was cut short and we headed back to the hotel for the night. #oldpeopleproblems

Stay tuned for Day Two!

First Day of School

I'm fully aware that the first day of school was well over a month ago.. but let's just pretend I'm better at writing things in a more timely manner.

Gracen started second grade this year, which means more homework, and harder homework. She's just such an active kid that it's kind of hard for me still to send her off to school for 8 hours a day. Don't get me wrong she's a smart kid, but unfortunately she inherited my attitude towards grade school. The 'what's the point of all this' attitude. So we're working on it. She's come a long ways in reading since last year and it's pretty amazing to watch. I'm horrible help to her (zero patience - thank goodness I didn't want to be a teacher). But now that everything's clicking, we're starting to read some chapter books and I truly hope she develops a love of reading that matches my own. (Except maybe just don't try to read during school ok? Teachers frown upon reading a chapter book while you're supposed to be reading your history book. Just ask Aunt Nanie.)

We were a little late to Gracen's classroom because she wanted to go with me to drop off Hadley. Sorry Miss Wilkerson!

We had to sneak a pic with Miss W on the second day of school since were running late on day one. #typical

She didn't want to smile with her teeth this year since she lost her top teeth. But I promise she was excited. And I'm also wondering how long she'll let me keep doing her hair the exact same way on the first day of school! (Answer at least through 8th grade! ha) It was also HER idea to curl her hair. She likes to be fancy.


Sending Hadley off to kindergarten wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be. I mean I was still teary eyed and sentimental (par for the course) but girlfriend was ready. We had a countdown for over a month on when school would start. The first day she was only there about an hour and half, and the second day was a half day. That night she was so excited because "tomorrow we get to go for EIGHT WHOLE HOURS!". Who is this kid?

"Mom it's time for school - stop taking my picture!"

I'm so excited that she's so excited. It's just amazing to me how totally different she is from her sister. Despite how many times we're asked if they're twins, they couldn't be anymore different in personality. Hadley despises bows and was so embarrassed I made her wear it to school. HA! I'm only getting started sweet girl. This kid is already reading by herself, does her math homework in no time flat, and even when she's done, she wants to do more. Hallelujah for this kid! I'm not entirely sure how she's so independent at 6 (tear) but it's a joy to watch, and really it's all her - her parents take no credit for it. We hit the studious genetic jackpot with her.

I mean really - it does not get much cuter than this. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE uniforms??

And just like that we're off. Before I know it, it will be Christmas break! I mean can someone please explain to me how it's already a day away from OCTOBER?!

God speed to all the fellow parents out there sending their littles back to school (ya know a month ago...) May you have the patience and calmness of a saint during homework time! St Ann - pray for us!

Worlds of Fun

I have a very vivid memory of the first time I ever rode a roller coaster. It was on our annual summer trip to World's of Fun with my Mom, sisters and Aunt, and for the first time my sister Steph and I were tall enough to ride the roller coasters. We got in line for the beloved Zambezi-zinger (RIP). We both started panicking and crying. My Mom most likely laughing, would not let us anywhere near the chicken exit. I'm sure the workers that day were highly amused by the spectacle we were making. Despite our begging and pleading she dragged us on literally kicking and screaming. Now if you're familiar with the classic coaster it spirals upwards towards the top and took its sweet time. We cried the whole way up. By the time it actually started going down hill we were both laughing and having a blast. Maybe even holding our hands up throughout the ride, and then running back in line as soon as it was over. #embarrassing

Fast forward to this summer when my Aunt was in town and we took my girls on our own annual trip to World's of Fun. I spent some time beforehand checking out the height requirements for all the rides and measured both girls. Unfortunately my measuring skills were apparently a little off and the only ride they were both tall enough for was Spinning Dragons, and Gracen was barely tall enough to do Fury of the Nile.

The Grand Carousel is always a favorite. And of course the Flying Dutchman. We were pretty lucky this year that even though it was quite warm out (that's what we get for going in August!) there weren't any lines.

Except of course the Spinning Dragons. I don't know if it's because only 4 people go on it at a time, or if it's because it's the ride the most people can go on, but 45 minute line. In the baking sun. As you can imagine we only made it on once.

I'm not sure which was more fun, the roller coaster, or playing in the water waiting in line.

They were nervous/excited but overall were just kind of like oh a roller coaster? Cool. So no fun traumatic story like my own. Whatevs. I am glad I got to document it though!

Such an awesome day! I do hope that 20 years from now, they look back on these memories as fondly as I do.

But we all know I'm a sap. #Sigh