Christmas Traditions

A few days ago I got very concerned with Christmas traditions. Cade is old enough to be totally in love with Santa and Rudolph now and I wanted to make sure this Christmas - and subsequent ones - was totally awesome for him. Ross' schedule throws in the monkey wrench of date inconsistency year after year and that was throwing me off. When would Santa come? How would we explain the ever-moving date? What could be consistent, even if the date moved?

I stressed sufficiently but eventually was distracted by something else. Like in the moment needs of caring for a family.

Today is Christmas Eve and what our tradition could be, should be, will be dawned on me. Since Ross is off for 48 hours, whenever it happens, our Christmas tradition is going to be just that. 48 hours of Christmas awesomeness.

It "came to me" because really, that's what we're trying to do this year. Ross is off Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (jackpot!) and I really wanted to make the most of it. So we're spreading the fun out over both days. And while it is really awesome to have Christmas Eve and Day this year, I realized we can always celebrate for two full days. Every year. So that is what we'll be doing.

This year that meant Christmas music and stockings this morning. Stockings, for us we've decided, are from family. No Santa involved and they are done just the four (Mom, Dad, Cade & Lexi) of us. That's our own little private slice of holiday time. So at 8 a.m. today we busted into our stockings.

Aquarium trains for his train set, complete with water and toy fish and they light up!

Now we're laying low. Everyone is in pajamas; Cade is watching a Thomas Christmas movie, Ross is napping and I am drinking really delicious special Christmas wine. When Cade's movie is over, he and I will decorate gingerbread-man cookies for Santa and early this evening, we'll go to church with Nana and Grandpa Jack.

Tomorrow my parents will arrive, and after naptime, we'll have the big family Christmas party with tree presents and dinner.

It's all the normal things of Christmas, but I'm really enjoying stretching them out across two days instead of cramming everything into one. It also means we can do EVERYTHING: movies, stockings, tree presents, big dinner, and church. Literally all of the Christmas things.

In 20 years, when Cade is in college and everyone is talking about their Christmas traditions, I hope he'll say "we had Christmas weekend. It always lasted two days." Maybe he'll say "we did stockings just us" or "we had surf-n-turf for dinner," some of the little more traditional traditions we're slowly establishing. But if his story is we celebrated and had the best time ever for two days, I'll feel like I've done my mommy job on the Christmas front.

He's coming home!

We just received word today - my brother will be flown off his air craft carrier on October 1! After all the necessary travel, he should be stateside October 2 and then will have a couple weeks on base (paperwork I think). And then, THEN, his Naval enlistment is officially OVER!

In late October, Kev is coming to Texas for a long weekend. We're going to celebrate with a Houston Texans game! A "homecoming game" if you will. We are all SO excited!

The Greatest Show on Earth

Sunday evening, Ross, Nancy, Cade and I went to the circus! Cade loved it, especially the elephants and motorcycles. It isn't often that we all do something - Nana included. Often if Nana and Cade are hanging out, Ross and I are doing grown up things. So this big family outing was really nice.

He was too interested in the show for a selfie

Last year of elephants in the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus

Taking it all in with Nana

Sunday Funday at the Thinkery

Yesterday was totally a Sunday Funday. It started with a duck pond walk with the neighbors. Then it was Mommy Morning Off during which I read at Starbucks for almost 2 hours, did a quick return at the outlet mall and then hit up yoga class.

For the afternoon, my favorite toddler and I went to the Thinkery (ie Austin's children's museum). He hadn't been in about 6 months and he's still young enough that in 6 months he's like a whole different kid. We had so much fun! It was our longest trip and our most engaging.

Probably his last time in the babyroom (0-30 months...he's 29 months).
We're officially in tat phase of not knowing how to smiley nicely and consistently

He was really into the tumbling space. That's not the official name but it is a room with mats of different sizes and shapes, hula hoops and the like. Basically the perfect place to run and crash which is his most favorite thing in the world. So naturally, very popular.

There were even some forward rolls down the stairs.

 

And even though he's dramatically different in so many ways, one exhibit continues to come out on top: the toy train table.

Beach Vacation!

Hi, hi, hi!

We did it - we took our first family vacation! It was great! Both kiddos did overwhelmingly well and LOVED the beach. We built sandcastles, crashed in the waves, ran in the water and really just had a great time.

Since Cade is just a tiny guy still, we only did 2-2.5 hours each morning at the beach. Then he was just about beached out and it was creeping close to lunch and nap time. So back to the condo to eat and nap (except 1 day when he went on a nap strike). It was also nice to be out there in the early morning when it wasn't 1000 degrees out, before the beach was crowded and actually before the park rangers came by to take payment for the beach pass. $12 saved per day :)

Ross had the good idea to buy a dinosaur kite before the trip and he and Cade had a ton of fun flying it. Cade is still talking about it. We had sandcastle toys galore and by about the middle of the first day he'd figured out how to build them. Also of note is that Cade slept in a regular twin bed for three nights! He did really well. Two of the nights he slept the whole night; the other he woke up several times but didn't do anything dangerous. In fact he didn't really get out of bed. So I think our transition from crib to toddler bed may happen a little sooner.

Lexi chased crabs and even splashed in the water. For a dog who has always been anti-water in every form or fashion, the ocean sure fit her nicely.

For the Austin Moms Blog, I've written a post with our bloopers from the trip. (There were several.) So once that publishes I'll share a link to the post. Until then, enjoy the pictures.

First night, after dinner beach walk; Cade loved splashing in the tidal pools

Discovering sand

Trip to Texas State Aquarium

They are TWINS

We said smile but he chose roar

Two Toddler Morning

A first time for everything they say. Today was my first time for chasing two toddlers all on my own.

At my request, Erin dropped Rowan off with us at Safari Champ this morning for a few hours of fun while she and Jon get the house ready for baby Carys. 

It took Rowan a few minutes to warm up to the idea of mommy leaving. Literally like 3 minutes. And then these kids were off to the races...and slides and tunnels!

After Safari Champ we headed toward Rowan's house and had a picnic lunch at the park. This was admittedly the most challenging part of our morning. I should have done more park research because we ended up at one that was not fenced in and where the picnic table was just a little further from the playscape than I would have liked. It made chasing both kids and keeping an eye on our stuff more challenging than I would have liked. The playscape was wet and even though I wiped down the slides, Cade did manage to slip on a step (he's fine but it scared us both). And the kids were only mildly interested in their food which required quick course correction (you don't want a chicken nugget, here let me open this yogurt, oh you don't want that either...ummm...).

Thankfully I had sidewalk chalk which saved this part of our adventure.

Finally, here's my favorite picture from our morning adventure. The kid-cuteness is too much!!

Christmas Eve Eve

This year our family is celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve to accommodate Ross' work schedule.And since Ross grew up celebrating on Christmas Eve, it isn't really a stretch. (Does this mean he never got to watch a relevant Santa radar on the news? I must ask; that would be sad.)

Cade started his Christmas Eve Eve with his "Christmas calendar" and today received a box of raisins, a delicious addition to his breakfast. Then it was off to preschool while Mommy and Daddy worked, built his big Christmas present and did the grocery shopping.

Let's visit the building part though. It included dropping temps, rain, a 20-page instruction book and lots of parts. But in the end, we got the job done (we may have gotten pneumonia from being out in the cold wet weather but damn it, Cade has his playscape-thingy).



The name of the game this evening was "keep Cade out of the backyard" so we closed all the blinds, went on a walk around the neighborhood and watched cartoons.

After bathtime we enjoyed one of the best Christmas Eve (Eve) traditions of all - cookies for Santa! Now I'll be honest, I didn't remember this until about 3:30p today so it wasn't quite June Cleaver fresh baked Toll House cookies. But since Cade isn't quite two yet, I think that's OK. Instead Santa got some strawberry newton cookies on a Santa plate (so he would know the cookies were for him, duh).



As you can see, Cade was very excited to put them out on the coffee table for Santa. (Since we don't have a fireplace, we just place them convenient to the Christmas tree. How Santa gets in without a chimney is a conversation for next year...or never if I can make that happen.)



And with that the little boy in reindeer jammies was off to bed, with visions of sugar plums dancing in his head.

Happy Halloween from the Littlest Trick or Treater

Cade went trick-or-treating! Like real actual trick-or-treating to multiple houses with both parents and for part of it, his favorite pup.

Yesterday we got decked out as NFL stars and knocked on four neighbors' doors. All were very nice and Cade made out like a toddler candy bandit. Which really means we made out like candy bandits since he is not allowed to eat it yet.

 

After our formal trick-or-treating, Cade and I went on a stroller adventure to Margeaux and Ryan's. Mostly because I wanted some exercise but it was fun to show off his costume, see Ryan's big bird costume (feather boas and dyed long-johns included) and enjoy a candy corn punch cocktail with Margeaux.

Patio Project

Since we started building this house in 2012 we've been saying we were going to cover the patio. Then we spent money on something else, and then another thing, then we had a newborn, then I went the less secure self-employment route, then we bought my new car, then we had a landscaper fall through. But then, THEN, FINALLY, it happened.

After changing plans several times, we finally had our patio extended, put up sunsails and added an outdoor bar. Woohoo! Our yard is now 100% more enjoyable and liveable.

Of course like any home renovation project, we run the very high risk of this just being the start. We're already discussing replacing the table and chairs, adding a step down and may even flagstone-ing over the cement part.

But first thing's first - a party!

M+R Wedding!

It's like a flashback to our wedding :)

They tied the knot! Yesterday was the big Margeaux and Ryan wedding with all members of the Family Black involved. We were extra lucky too because my Mom spent the weekend (and thus her birthday with us) to help celebrate and keep tabs on the cutie ring bearer. Hurray for grandmothers!

As you know, Cade got 1/2 ready at home (me and Mom  got full ready) and then we met Ross, the happy couple and the rest of the wedding party at the venue around 5. We finished getting Cade dressed, had some pics with the boys, snapped some selfies, changed a diaper, and snuck a look at the bride (just me that is). Then it was time for the big moment!

We weren't totally sure how Cade would do going down the aisle. He had two role models in Ryan's nephews but still, big crowd, new kiddos, it was all a little strange for him. BUT HE DID AWESOME!

I walked the boys into the building, pointed the older two in the right direction, put Cade down and told him to walk to Daddy. And so he did. All by himself. He stopped about 2/3 the way down the aisle to say hi to flirt with one of the lady guests but then toddled the rest of the way, straight into his Dad's arms. They stood at the front together for a minute and then right before Margeaux's entrance, Ross handed him off to my mom who was waiting with books, snacks and toys in the front row. He quietly sat with her for the whole ceremony. Like a champ. Cuz he's the best.

Ryan looked dapper, Margeaux was stunning and most important, they both seemed very confident and happy. They were sung out by a Michael Buble song, took some pics and then it was dinner and dancing to a live band.

It was a great night and we are so happy to have celebrated with our fun and loving framily all night long. Enjoy the pics!

Like father, like son

My best boy looking dashing in a bowtie and mustache

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Newlyweds

Aug 3 + Vegas = Wedding

Mrs. Vancil's new ring and her
"old new borrowed blue" wedding gift.

Last August, Val and Justin got hitched on the 3rd. In Vegas. At the Little White Wedding Chapel. In a pink Cadillac.

This year MEGAN AND STACY ELOPED on August 3 (ie yesterday). In Vegas. At the Little White Wedding Chapel. In a pink Cadillac.

So it appears that if you go to Vegas on August 3rd, you are bound to get married in a pink Cadillac.

And have family and friends who are over the moon happy for you.

Congrats to the newlyweds! We are so incredibly, unbelievably, really and truly overjoyed for you both and thrilled to welcome Stacy into the family officially.

Knock knock. Who's there? Opportunity.

Also, when opportunity knocks, you celebrate with a
(outlet mall) shopping spree, champagne and ($6) roses.

When opportunity comes a-knockin, you answer. And so I did.

I've been very happy living in self-employment land. Like any job, it isn't perfect (that's why they call it a job), but I really dig cutting out at 3p most days and noon on most Fridays. I dig the lack of expense reports, the uber-responsive IT department and the down-the-stairs commute. So needless to say, it would take a seriously sweet full-time job to put all that on hiatus.

Like most good opportunities, it started with a margarita and ended with a dinner date with my husband. Somewhere in the middle came a whirlwind interview, job offer and acceptance. To cut to the chase: I start as a Marketing Campaign Manager at Abila on August 4.

What makes Abila (Uh-bill-a) and this particular job so sweet I'd leave the land of yoga pants and short days you ask? Well, a lot of things.

First, I know my bosses already and I like them. Not only that, they are smart and I can learn a lot from working with they day in and day out.

Second, it focuses on a part of marketing I've only recently become acquainted with: lead generation. I've dipped my toe in that this year with a couple of my clients and I'm really geeky for it. Going right along with smart bosses, being down in the lead gen weeds day in and day out will be the best way to really sharpen that skill set.

Third, it's back in nonprofit world! You know how much I love nonprofit world.

Fourth and finally, it's a good logistical match. Only 15 minutes from home, health insurance (because it's not if the wee baby breaks a leg, it's when), family-friendly company, good vacay and potential for flexible scheduling (which lends itself nicely to yoga pants).

The odds of finding all four of those is practically unheard of so I did what any smart working mama would do: I jumped on it.

Big change for our family? Yup. Good change for our family? Totally. Excellent big picture decision? Absolutely.

Cold Day in July

Like seriously, a cold day in July. I went on a run (ie walk) at 1p today and it was as cool outside as inside. As in well below 80 degrees.

Never in all my days as a Texan have I known a sub-80 afternoon in July.

Seriously. The weatherman said we set a record low for the month.

Vacation 2015

In addition to having Cade's super awesome summer vacation week, I've been planning my next year vacations a bit. This was kicked off in Pennsylvania when we started talking about the 2015 Delta Vacation.

Let me tell you this: it is lookin' good. Are you ready for the big reveal? OK here it is...

Delta Vacation 2015 is.... Nashville! We're going for a three-day weekend in early June. As a bunch of Type A sorority girls, we've picked the city, the weekend and have a top pick for our lodging. (Val found us this great house.) I suspect by the end of this month, the house will be secured and only plane tickets will be left to purchase...which is really just a matter of waiting on Southwest Airlines to make June 2015 dates available.

Cabo - what's not to like?

30th Birthday Trip is.... Cabo! I had two requirements for my 30th birthday trip: tropical and accessible via direct flight. God bless Southwest Airlines because in November they'll start flying direct to Cabo San Lucas which doubles the number of tropical locations accessible via direct flight from Austin. This is as far as I've gotten on these plans. I know I want an all-inclusive hotel and to go the actual weekend of my birthday (which falls on a Saturday this year). I'll sort out the details this fall when Ross has the vacay days secured.

2015 travel is looking pretty freakin' awesome. Hurray!

African Safari Style in Wimberley

Because as you know, the only print magazine I regularly read is Texas Monthly that's what I was reading this afternoon on the porch during part of Cade's nap. Specifically the issue with the weekend getaways cover story. I mean, c'mon, that issue has my name all over it.

The first getaway I spied was to Sinya on Lone Man Creek in Wimberley. And it looked AWESOME. See what I mean...

It is inspired by the owner's African safari travels and the idea of "glamour camping" which is as the Texas Monthly writer explains "for when you want to spend time in nature, just not without your hair straightener." This is definitely my type of camping. Plus in our recent travel conversation on my birthday, Ross said that he wants to take an African safari trip one day (he's said this before so I think it is actually a real thing he wants to do). So when I saw Sinya, I knew it was for us.

And that is how we came to have our anniversary getaway booked. This place is so popular (I'm guessing the recent Texas Monthly feature didn't hurt it), there was only one October date left, the night after our anniversary. Close enough for me. We've got it booked, plus their fancy schmancy continental breakfast to boot.

Woohoo! I am so looking forward to this! What a cool, different thing to go do and within a 2 hour drive!

A Heaping Helping of Motherhood

For Mother's Day today my kiddos gave me a heaping helping of motherhood. With Ross at work we had the day to ourselves and as is par for the course with a toddler, that meant we were go, go, go all day.

Unfortunately the Wee Baby Cade is kinda a hot mess right now. His perpetual runny nose, which I am 99% is allergies, evolved into what Ross calls a "productive" cough this weekend. Poor baby actually coughs so hard it brings tears to his eyes. In part because of his cough, and probably in part due to the diaper rash I discovered this morning, we had a wakeful night. Bedtime is at 7p but Cade was up at 7:30, 10:30 and then 3a. The 3a awakening unfortunately was somewhat inconsolable. It was almost 4a before he was finally back in his crib, calm and quiet. I assume he fell asleep shortly thereafter but of course I'm not 100% sure (I was far too tired myself to hover around his crib and keep tabs. Besides I find if I stay in the room he doesn't sleep; he just wants to play or be snuggled which is 1000% counterproductive to what I am trying to achieve at 3 or 4 in the morning).

Since Ross' alarm goes off at 5:45a to go to work and then Cade and I started our day by 7:30a per the usual, it was a wakeful morning to say the least.

Once we really started our day Cade and I went to Starbucks, the Play for All Park, Walgreens and HEB. He was very very well behaved at Starbucks. I'd like to think it was equal parts his general awesomeness, his genius self knowing it was Mother's Day...the short line and the snacks I bought and continuously offered him. Those Starbucks snacks may be pricey but you can put no price tag on a happy toddler at 8:30a on Mother's Day Sunday.

The Play for All Park is definitely our new favorite park. It is like 6 parks in one and we hung out there for FORTY-FIVE minutes which is like 5 days in toddler time. We discovered a xylophone thingy and per the usual, Cade really enjoyed the tunnels and slide. The cutest thing though has to be the Round Rock Village part which is a mini-downtown with kid-sized stuff. As you can see, Cade is already learning all about safety and the importance of using crosswalks.

After our morning fun, it was time to run errands including the grocery shopping. There was a small meltdown in the check-out line but those Starbucks snacks proved their value once again. God bless 'em. Also to Cade's credit, he is a remarkably good grocery shopper. I've taken him grocery shopping, like big for-the-whole-week shopping, at least a dozen times, maybe twenty even, and this is the first in-store meltdown he's ever had. And hello, he has a snotty nose, tear-inducing cough and diaper rash. And I was taking his snack pouch away from him (because he was insisting on flinging pureed fruit all over himself, the cart and the poor HEB employee standing next to us). So really, I can kinda understand the meltdown.

Once we were home and Cade ate lunch, it was time for a slightly early nap. He definitely needed it per the unusual levels of pre-dawn activity. Now, I will admit, in the spirit of total honesty, I was ready for naptime too. I mean I'd basically been up every 90ish minutes since 3a and then up for the day for real at 7:30a and had to manage a grocery store meltdown. And Lexi has allergies and I have to give her 3 pills today which she is totally not into and I still haven't done because its very challenging and just thinking about it exhausts me. So by 11:40a, I needed quiet time too.

Thankfully Cade and I both had a naptime rally. He slept an hour and a half or so and I wished my own mom a happy mother's day (because she's the best mom on the face of the planet and holy cow if you think you want your mommy just wait til you're a mom because then you need to talk to/consult with an experienced mom [and your own is always best] like 4 times a day, 7 days a week. Happy Mother's Day Mom! I love you!).

Then it was off to Meg & Stacy's for Mother's Day lunch. They hosted this last year too and it is really nice. With their pool, great patio and beautiful yard, it's a perfect, pretty and easy event. Not to mention Stacy is bad-ass on the grill.

Margaritas, fajitas and a lot of toddler-led entertainment. Believe it or not, as the only small person in attendance he was the center of attention. Shocking I know.

For my Mother's Day gift, Ross and Cade gave me pearl stud earrings. I tip my hat to Ross for catching it when I said a few weeks ago that I needed simple pearl earrings to wear for every day things with my pearl necklace (the earrings that match the necklace are lovely but with diamond chips and dangling pearls are more special occasion earrings than business meeting earrings). Well done boys!

And now Mother's Day is winding down. Cade is in bed, hopefully for a better night's sleep now that he has a humidifier. (Thanks goes to Nancy for picking one up and bringing it to lunch. I had every intention of buying one at HEB but totally forgot [ditto to milk] and in my "I need quiet time" state after shopping, could not muster the will to go to the store again today. She totally saved my sanity.) I am about to enjoy one of my favorite guilty pleasures of a bowl of popcorn with melted real butter and 1-2 episodes of DVRed trashy TV from the past week.

Finally, I tried to think of a witty transition but I can't. So I'll just share. We got our family photos back this week and they are AWESOME. We've already printed and hung two in the living room and I LOVE THEM. I can gaze at them forever because it is simply incredible what a perfect, beautiful little family and life we have and the photos are such a wonderful, tangible reminder. Sometimes, honestly, I think I must be dreaming. Because it's exactly what I've always dreamed of: a husband I am madly in love with and who is crazy for me too, a happy, healthy, stunning child, even a sweet loving family dog, a beautiful home in Texas and a prospering business.

Grocery store meltdowns and grouchy 3a anythings aside, I have been blessed with a wonderful life and I love the warm fuzzy feeling I get every time I catch it looking at me from the living room wall. I'll take a heaping helping of this life, this moment, this motherhood any day.

Cade Hearts Parks

You know, just an every day after school trip to the neighborhood park. And loving the hell out of it.

#BestbabyinTexas
#Parksrock
#Wiggleybaby

Also, as you can see he was feeling more like his usual happy baby self today. He's still not eating like the food monster we're used to but I noticed today that he seems to be most refusing crunchy things (plus the normal things he refuses like broccoli...so added to no crunchy things, it's a very short list of things he'll actually eat). Maybe there are some teeth coming in and that hurts? So tomorrow he's getting a lunch full of soft items. Fingers crossed he'll eat more.

#ThingsIneverthoughtI'dsay
#Iknowhashtagsdon'tworkonblogs
#Orwithapostrophesinthem

Good Deal Scorecard

I love to shop (no surprise). And I also really really love to get a good deal. It's like a game. Can I save more than I actually spend? How good of a deal can I get? Can I get a really nice item for a Target or Walmart price?

This also lends itself really well to the classic "honey, look how much I saved us!" v "look how much I spent."


Ross and I had agreed on a rough budget for my shopping spree, one that I felt like I could enjoy and not have to be a penny pincher, so hypothetically I didn't have to be an aggressive sale hunter this weekend. And when I say weekend, I do mean weekend. In the end I shopped Thursday evening, Friday afternoon and again this afternoon (there were 3 stores I really wanted to go to at the outlets that went unshopped yesterday and I just couldn't have that).

On today's excursion I finally found a purse that I liked. Purses are hard for me, especially if and when I want a small one like I was looking for this time. The criteria was small but big enough for phone, keys and wallet; straps long enough to easily throw over my shoulder but short enough that the purse hangs at chest height; and not a logo print. Coach had lovely leather options but the straps were all wrong. Michael Kors had a good size and strap length option but only in a really over-the-top logo print. Nine West, Banana Republic, Guess and the other stores really didn't meet the size requirements, all too small or too big. Fossil ended up being just right. And though I am usually a Coach girl, I realize the past 3 bags I have picked out have been from Fossil (today's buy, my laptop bag and my diaper bag). Their designers and I are clearly on the same page.

Work blouse, tshirt dress and Banana Republic tshirt

But anyways like I said, I just really really love a steal of a good deal. Walking away from my birthday shopping spree with way more than I expected because of the sales made for that much sweeter of a birthday celebration.

So here's my Good Deal Scorecard if you will. Keep in mind I did all my shopping at the outlets (or DSW) so everything was already lower than the regular store price.

• Tshirt dress: 80% off (clearance)
• Calvin Klein tshirt: 75% off (strangely the blue shirt was on a much bigger sale than the other colors; it is a lovely sapphire so I don't know why)
• Heels: 62% off (DSW + clearance + $5 birthday coupon)
• Jeans: 60% off (I wasn't shopping for jeans at all actually. I just put these on so I could see how the tops I was trying on looked with jeans. They fit great and the sale was so good I figured you can't have too many jeans, especially not in Texas. Also I always buy cheap jeans so there was something irrationally "grown up" feeling about buying higher end jeans.)
• Banana Republic tshirt: 50% off 
• Tank top: 50% off
• Polo for Ross: 50% off
• Purse: 40% off
• Dress for wedding: 30% off
• Work blouse: 20% off
• Cardigan: 0% off but only $8 anyways (I have no idea how The Gap is selling cardigans for $8 even at the outlet but I'm not asking questions. Even if it only lasts a season, who cares.)
• Work out tanks: 0% off (but the Old Navy price is 2 for $15; also not an outlet but Old Navy is easy peasy anyways)

Things are looking pretty stellar

Yes, indeed things here are looking pretty stellar if I do say so myself!

Tomorrow Ross and I are taking my former coworker out for BBQ at the Salt Lick. The lovely Margeaux and her sidekick Ryan are going to babysit Cade since it collides with his bedtime (and nobody wants a fussy baby at a restaurant). I'm looking forward to everything about this!

Then of course on Friday I turn the big 2-9 (for the first time). Ross and I have a lunch date, then I have a fancy pedicure and then probably some shopping.

Because a baby pic is
always a good idea

Sunday Erin, Jon and Rowan are coming over to celebrate birthdays and Jon's business ownership. Hurray happy hour!

In mid-May I am attending a marketing conference downtown. I haven't been to a conference that I wasn't "working" in ages. I am SO excited! Double excitement because Nichole is coming to town for the conference too!

There are probably more exciting things happening in May but the next thing I can think of right now is the Delta trip in June! One date night in Philly with the hubs and then two nights on the lake with all the girls (and their respective boys). WOOHOO!

And the newest addition to the super stellar list is a trip to Boston! Cade and I are going up there for five whole nights in September. We're flying with Nancy and Jack who are attending Jack's son's wedding on the Vineyard. We were all invited of course but with Ross' work schedule he can't make it. It works out though because Cade and I can go to Boston and Nancy and Jack can be my extra sets of hands for the flying part. I am really really really excited for Cade to meet his Boston family, Deltas and Delta children included.

6 Year Engage-iversary

Six years ago today my honey asked me to marry him. 

I'd say it's working out pretty well. Happy engage-iversary hubs!