Playdate

Monday, July 29, 2013

Drew waiting for Duncan's arrival...

I read a parenting book a while back called "Bringing Up Bebe". Totally worth the read. I remember one part in particular talking about how American parents think that they need to basically be on top of their children during playdates until the age of 5 or 6. In France, you basically drop your child off at the age of 2 or 3 and it is the expectation not to stick around.

Duncan was invited over for a playdate today, and I literally dropped him off and Patrick picked him up a few hours later. Maybe it is because I read the book, or maybe it is because he is the second child, but I had zero problems leaving him there.

It does not hurt that I left him in wonderful hands. The playdate was with his best buddy. "Drew" is a name that has often been talked about in our house. During school last year, one of the first things Duncan would talk about when I picked him up was that he played with "Drrreeeeew". Even on his "report card" it was mentioned how much Duncan loved his buddy Drew.

When Drew's mommy asked if Duncan could come over, I knew that it had to happen. When I dropped him off, he was a little nervous, but it did not last. Drew has two older brothers that were as equally excited to have him over. Patrick picked him up almost an hour after we had talked about (only because the boys were having such a good time). It is safe to say that we will be having Drew over to our house soon.
Seriously? Can you just see this in a wedding rehearsal video?

Sweet, sweet boys.



Definition of a Sweet Boy

Wednesday, July 24, 2013


Wip had a physical the other day. When the doctor was finished she told him that he had been such a good boy that he was going to be able to pick out two toys out of the drawer. He looked at her with a big smile and said "that is great because I have a brother!".

Happy 2nd Birthday Lucy!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Duncan's buddy Lucy turned two last week and the celebration included a fun filled morning with brunch, sprinklers, and sunshine. To say that she is a sweet and fun little girl is an understatement. The party was (of course) the perfect blend of good food, precious children, and yummy adult beverages. Take a look to see what I mean...














Then and Now

Monday, July 22, 2013


First Campout

Saturday, July 20, 2013


I went to high school and college with Todd Musgrave. He was the kind of friend that was fun if you were having a beer or studying for a test. I remember he went through a "I am a cool camping guy" phase and asked everyone to go to the Red River Gorge with him. The only fools  friends that took the bait was myself and another guy named Shawn. Todd had no idea what he was doing. We climbed through fallen trees, sweat A LOT, and tried to put up the tents at dusk (which quickly turned to darkness). I will never forget the blood, sweat, and tears of putting up the tent only to flash a light on the tree that had a huge sign that said "DO NOT SET UP CAMP HERE". It turns out it was a trail and not supposed to have tents on it. We stayed anyway. Todd passed away about 13 years ago. He had epilepsy and suffocated in his pillow while having a seizure. He was taken way too soon, and I miss him so much, but I am so thankful that I have the memories (especially the crazy camping memories). 

Wip and Duncan have wonderful friends. John and Lucy gave them a "campout" birthday gift which took place on Thursday. The children played, had hot dogs, and lots and lots of treats. A tent was set up and while the heat prevented the boys from staying in the tent all night, the fun was not diminished. I am so thankful that Wip (and maybe Duncan) will have these memories with their buddies. 




So, what happens when you stay up until 10pm rocking it with your friend?


You pass out on the couch at 4pm after reading Ranger Rick.

Forecastle

Friday, July 19, 2013

The picture above was taken last year at the Forecastle festival. We learn from our mistakes and the biggest mistake we made last year was taking the children to a crowded, hot, and late running concert. This year we got a couple of babysitters (it was a looooong day/night).


Upon arrival we met up with Kent, a good friend who lives in Charleston, SC. So much fun hanging with this guy all day.


My purpose for even attending the festival was to see The Avett Brothers (more on that in minute). The show that blew my mind...as in I had SO much fun (dancing, singing, etc.) was Baauer. You might say to yourself, Baauer? Never heard of them. Oh, but you have...Harlem Shake anyone?  This DJ brought it. Click here for proof. And yes, that is a Hunter S. Thompson puppet at the show.

Major thunderstorms came through, but did not dampen the fun. I will say one of the more disgusting things I have ever seen was folks "showering" in the rain water that was coming from the highway overpass...can you even imagine how gross that would be...yeah, I witnessed it happening.

So I finally got to meet up with my sister for The Avett Brothers. Perfect timing. We danced and had a ball. My favorite part was dancing to At The Beach and not knowing 100% if it was the song that we thought/wanted it to be. It was a clear sign that children have replaced learning every word to all of the songs from our favorite bands.

The Avett Brothers also played Kick Drum Heart found here...it is one of Wip's favorites!

Girlfriends

Tuesday, July 16, 2013


Girlfriends rock. About 23 years ago (omg 23 years, really?), Lindsay and Ann came into my life. To say that these gals know me inside and out is an understatement. Sure, we have had our ups and downs, but we have also had many more laughs than tears. Oh the stories we could tell...(and often do when we get together).

This past weekend, Ann made yummy pimento cheese with a half opened box of Triscuts mixed with Wheat Thins (recipe can be found here), Lindsay provided wine, and I supplied the summer beer. We had dinner at Decca (great patio) and then came back to the house (who needs a bar?).

What I know about these ladies is how easy it is to be with them. I can tell them things and then follow it up with "I have never admitted that to anyone before!". They have seen me go through bad boyfriends, awkward teenage years, many career paths, and so much more. I can honestly say that they mean more to me than they will ever know.

True friendship is based on enjoying each others company. I hope that Wip and Duncan can find in their friends what I have with these fine ladies...years and years of making fun memories (and forgetting a few along the way:).

Lovin'

Friday, July 12, 2013


Photography by Mary Giuliani

1. Sweet Paul is such a wonderful online magazine (I feel like I have raved about it before). I came across this recipe, and the first thought that I had was "my boys will LOVE this", and the second thought that I had was "wow, I have all of the ingredients!". Done.

Photography by Mandy Mulloy (selfie)
2. Is there anything better than snuggling with your baby on a rainy afternoon?  Full disclosure: I wanted to kill him about 4 minutes before this picture was taken...it turns out that my "baby" has learned to climb out of his crib. Tear. 

Photography by Danielle Petersen

3. Jelly of the Month club has nothing on the Totem of the Month club found here. Trust me, I know that Wip needs none of these animals (not to mention it is a bit pricey). He would not only go bonkers over getting a new precious animal each month, I know that he would also take good care of them. You should have heard him when we got home from vacation greeting each of his toys and asking how they were doing...it. was. adorable.


Photography by http://savingmoney.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/03/forever_stamp.php
4. Patrick passed along this article to me a few weeks ago. I have read over it a few times and it is one of the few "life lesson" articles that has really stuck with me. I especially love #3 and #9.

Photography by postgradproblems.com
5. Make sure you have some tissue when you click here. No, I am serious. If you do not cry when you watch this, you are made of stone.


4th of July

Thursday, July 11, 2013


I love the 4th of July! Fun traditions and lots going on. This year was no exception. Between decorating bikes, parades, balloon animals, and almost making it to the fireworks...this year, the celebration of our country was for the books...












4th of July and s'mores are like peas and carrots, click here for the proof





Click here for the live version of this picture:)