Weekend Recap: Lake George

We had the pleasure of accompanying really close friends of ours to Lake George for the weekend. I was honored that they invited us because they are a tight knit family and they consider us as such and invited us along for their weekend getaway. My son was thrilled because he loves their children and always looks forward to playing with them despite their age difference (around 8 years and less). I love it because they are old enough to not have to watch them like a hawk and the older two care for him so much.

Our rooms were suite style with a full kitchen and a grill outside our room. So we spent no money on food except the groceries we bought.

Okay, I take that back.

I had a craving for ice cream so we did make our way to Ben & Jerry's...twice. Don't judge me. We had such a good time relaxing with our friends, watching the kids enjoy themselves, and even listening to the stories/advice that their parents had for us. It was 10 people in total but it never felt like too many, but always just right. Hubby and I loved it so much we want to make plans to go back with our nuclear family.

So, here are a few pictures from that weekend. I wish we lived closer because there is so much that we didn't get to do. This was my first time at Lake George and I was pleasantly surprised by what it has to offer.

Five on Friday: The weekend

Our weekends this month are kind of packed. But that's the way we like it! I am hoping to be able to actually share the outcome of each of these but here is what's deck for the next 48 hours...

Tomorrow morning is the first of our hospital classes. Buggy is up first. He's attending a sibling class which I'm really excited about. According to the class description they will go over normal infant behavior, feelings the children may have, and ways to help mom and dad. My son is really excited about the new baby and we've been discussing it a lot. He says he is going to share with her, help take care of her, and teach her everything. Every once in a while he asks me to take a video of him so he can send a message to the baby. It so adorable! He even knows that when baby has a stinky diaper he will get a new one so baby can be changed. The class will also make a project for the baby to give as a gift and have cupcakes as a birthday celebration.

The rest of the day is going to be spent prepping for Father's day. My family is coming to visit with us again and we have lots planned. So, I have to start getting the house ready. Making sure the guest bedroom is ready, continue our spring cleaning, etc. It's not exciting but it has to get done. It's the only weekend we'll be home between now and then so I gotta start somewhere. I'm also home to spend sometime just relaxing as a family. I got buggy a new water table and if the weather is warm enough I'm whipping that out for him!

 Sunday we will - as a family- attend our first 5K run/walk. We've missed this event in years past so I'm happy we will finally have the chance to attend. I've started prepping Buggy for what to expect and I'm secretly hoping that he will win in his age category. I have no hopes of winning anything in my current condition though but it's a fun fundraiser for a good cause. Anybody have any good tips for us?!

 My current condition... It might be time for a bumpdate.

Sunday evening is going to be more relaxing. I have a one day business trip the following day and it's a long drive there and back. I almost wish I could drive down ahead of time just to easy the anticipation of the 'long drive'. It's not the drive itself that I'm not looking forward to- it's just that I'll be in the car with my coworkers and while I like them (a lot) I'm not a conversationalist and find it awkward to have to make conversation for 6 hours (3 there and three back). Plus, I'm a pretty private person (despite having such a public blog) and I don't want to go on and on about myself. Nor do I care to hear every single detail about someone else's personal life. Certainly we share our family updates and funny stories at the water cooler just like any other office, but not for 3 hours. In fact, we have to leave so early I'd probably like to be asleep for most of the drive. Of course that won't happen but still. Fun stuff. However, a day out of the office is a day out of the office...

Weekend recap: Diggerland

Disclaimer: This happened in October 2014 and was written November 2014. So, don't get confused when you see Halloween references- Ha!


I was so excited about this trip. I've been waiting to take my son here since it's opening in June. I knew he would love it and it was supposed to be apart of his "birthday theme."

My son had no idea this place existed so I knew once we got there his mind would be blown away. And I was correct! It's just under a two hour drive (from my parents house) so he fell asleep during the car ride down. All he knew is that we were going on an adventure!

When he woke up

Weekend recap: Beach fun

While everyone was out enjoying their fall festivities we snuck away to the beach. Yes, I know- it's not ideal beach weather but we have to seize the opportunity when we can. It was our first and last trip to the beach this year.

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Most people are going apple picking, to the pumpkin patches, and gearing up for Halloween. Not us. We finally made it to the beach!

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A friend of ours invited a group of us down for the weekend- there was no way we could pass up a beach house on Cape Cod! We arrived first and made the most of our time while waiting for the rest of our friends. Last year when we all met up we were the last to arrive so this was a nice change of pace.

My plan was to have breakfast on the beach but we were so tired that we all slept in! So instead we had breakfast at the house then headed out to the beach.

We still had a great time. There is something to be said about a not-at-all-crowded beach, even if you can't get in the water. My little guy enjoyed running in the sand and collecting seashells. But his highlight was digging. It's the first thing he asked to do as soon as he saw the sand!

After a few hours of building sandcastles (that didn't look anything like a sandcastle so I'll spare you those photos) we headed back to the house for lunch. We had to stop at the grocery store to get food. It's funny how we all agreed that going out to eat just wasn't part of the agenda, we much preferred to enjoy simply being at the beach house.

My favorite thing about New England is the seafood. I am a lover of all things seafood (well mostly all seafood) and I was so excited that hubby made lobster rolls. Because of my gluten strike I had lobster lettuce wrap but it was sooooo good. I wish I had another one right now. Also, I'm going to work on my food photography.

Our friends arrived not too much longer after lunch and that's when the fun began. And clearly there was some fun going on because I didn't pick up my camera again until it was time for us to leave. I did get a few pictures of our next day digging adventures but I thought I'd rather leave you with this.. Our attempt at a family picture on the beach. Clearly we need to work on our timing... 

Weekend recap

Since I just shared my first cruise experience with you, I'm piggy backing on that with another sea excursion.

A few weekends ago my Dad decided to treat us to something really special. He chartered a sailboat and we went sailing on the Hudson! This was originally meant as a date for just my mom and dad but I'm so happy he decided to let us tag along. It was so much fun and different from what we normally do on weekends. Initially, I was worried about the weather for this time of year but it was perfect- not too hot, not too cold, and the sun was just right!

Our captain was nice, personable, and accommodating. he even let me "drive" us out of the marina! Check out my boat navigating skills. It took some getting used to as it doesn't drive exactly like car (duh! 'cause it's a boat!) but I didn't crash it! However, if you let my husband tell the story you would thought I sunk the Titanic.

I did get a little help from one of the deck hands :)

While we were out at sea river... it got me thinking

Pumpkin Patch fun

At the start of fall I knew I wanted us to take a trip to a pumpkin patch. I thought the idea of making pumpkin treats from fresh pumpkin sounded like a good idea and what's not to love about a pumpkin patch?!

Although I wanted to go- I thought for sure I would have planned this out more. You know- go to a touristy farm, have some cider, do... 'pumpkin'y things... if that makes sense. But instead we pulled off on the side of the road onto a pumpkin patch farm. Aaaaand....

Memorial Day Weekend

Just in time for the 4th of July holiday- here is our recap of Memorial Day. And now I can come to expect that this weekend's holiday festivities will be ready in time for... Labor Day!

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I always enjoy a long weekend. Long weekends are a time for family get togethers, laughing, reminiscing, eating, and plain old good times. My parents and brother came to visit us and let me tell you- I was excited! We normally go back "home" but to have them visit us is always heartwarming to me. Anyway- we went craft beer tasting, wine tasting, ate, laughed, and just relaxed. Relaxing is a very important thing we often don't have time to do.

 Here is my recap in pictures:

Mother's Day 2013

In case you couldn't tell- I thought I was going to be disappointed in Mother's Day. I know that is incredibly selfish and self-centered of me but it's the truth. I can't begin to imagine exactly how many women wish they could celebrate Mother's Day with their moms or as a Mother and here I am lucky enough to do both and I was worried about how it was going to turn out. And lucky me this is how Mothers' Day started off...

Easter Weekend

For the past 4 years my Easter weekend has always started with Maundy Thursday and Ended with Resurrection Sunday. I worked at a Catholic institution and while I am not Catholic 'Holy Week' is one of several things that the two sectors of the Christian faith share.

This year is different. I am now at a public institution so religion has nothing to do with anything :( I did however, at the last minute, decide to shift my schedule around and have Good Friday off.

Impromptu

Friday afternoon I got a text from hubby asking me if I was down for a little overnight road trip. A colleague of his had some spare rooms available at a ski lodge and wanted to know if we wanted to come hang out... I immediately started packing.

Saturday morning after breakfast, we loaded up the car and took a 2.5 hour drive to the ski resort.

Apple picking

I've only been apple picking once in my life. Yep, you read that right. And when I went I vowed to never do it again- it was muddy and there were bugs. Boy have things changed!

Now that I have a child of my own I wanted to start some fall traditions. Things we could look forward to and moments to look back on. My parents came to stay with us for the weekend in our new home and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to start this fall tradition.

I'm glad I changed my mind because I had a blast! My goal for the day was to entertain my parents and basically show them a  good time in our new area, start a new fall tradition, and it had to be very budget friendly. There was an apple festival in a nearby orchard that was all the rave for weeks but the was an entry price in addition to paying for games, food, and apples (and parking too depending upon how close you wanted to be to the festival entrance)- no way... maybe next year. So hubby gathered enough information from the locals and found what I think may be the best apple orchard yet (based on my experiences of course)!

Clearly impressed with what's about to go down!

I was giddy with excitement the entire time! It had rained the night before so I was a little disappointed that I was going to have the 'muddy experinece' all over again but honestly I didn't care. I don't remember apple picking being this fun the first time I went. I must say the owners of this orchard sure knows how to suck you in. There were apple fitter stands, hot apple cider, and live entertainment. I took my first tractor ride (a first for me and the baby!) got tons of apples and a lifetime of memories. I must say I can't wait to do this again next year!

Sorry for the scary face- I must start wearing make-up! We're on our very first tractor ride :)

I don't know what is up with our faces- good thing the baby is sleep and my dad bought his camera!



I promise you my husband and dad are somewhere in those tress!

Look who woke up and picked his own apple!

The weather ended up being beautiful despite it raining all night and most of the morning. I truly had fun going up and down the orchard rows picking apples and tasting a few really fresh right off the tree apples.

I did learn a few lessons being that this was our (semi) first trip and all. First, it is definitely colder in the orchards than it is on the streets. We were a little under dressed- thank god I packed his blankets. Lesson learned. Second, I didn't bring my moby wrap. We when go next year this surely won't be an option anymore but if we are blessed with more children the wrap comes. Third, pack a bigger lunch. We were there way longer than I estimated. The baby had plenty of food- the adults ate lunch at the Orchard. While the menu options were okay and the food was tasty this surely wasn't in the budget.

Although lunch at the Orchard may have not been a part of my plan it sure as heck was tasty. We picked up an extra dozen of these to keep the party going way after we left the Orchard :)

After lunch we listened to the band, perused the country store (where Hubby picked up a really nice find), and watched the children go on pony rides. The owners of the Orchard also has a vodka and a wine distillery (what a pleasant surprise!). So, what do you do when you see a vodka distillery? Why, you pull over and have some (and a photo sesh of course)! And, across the street from the distillery? Why, the wine store! And what do you know they do wine tastings... HOLLA!!!

We're def doing this again next year :)

Weekend wrap-up

I haven't wrapped up a weekend on my blog since I was pregnant!

This weekend we took baby boy on his first road trip! I was actually a little nervous about traveling with a 12 week old (OMGosh he's 12 weeks now?!) especially because I've never travelled with a baby before and I was afraid of forgetting something important.

There were two wrenches thrown in the plan before we even left! First, we learned that we wouldn't be staying in a house but rather a hotel, second we had no heat Thursday night. Aye yai yai!

This trip was planned for pleasure. Hubby's alter ego had an event this weekend in Massachusetts. So, since I'm on maternity leave we decided to make this trip Baby Boy's second time leaving the state....ROADTRIP!!!! So we packed up the new mom wagon and headed out. My plan was to spend all day Thursday packing and getting prepared to leave. Whenever I leave my house for more than one night, I like to leave it nice, clean, and spotless so that when I return I can focus on unpacking rather than unpacking AND cleaning. Well much to my dismay we ran out of oil :(  Yep, I leave in a house that still has oil heat... yes I know that's really old school... no we are not upgrading the heating system anytime soon. So my plan for all day prep went right out the window as we bunked with my parents on Thursday- I couldn't have my little guy freezing his tookus off!

So Friday morning I was in a frenzy. I had made a packing list ahead of time so that helped but I hate being rushed because I always forget something. Let me tell you- packing  a baby is no easy feat. I ended using a miniature suitcase for all his clothes, blankets, bibs, and burp cloths; one of his diaper bags for all of his bottles, water, and formula; another diaper bag for diapers and wipes, and yet another diaper bag to stay in the front of the car with us on the road. I know anyone else who received three diaper bags would have returned at least one- but I didn't. I knew they would come in handy at some point and I like the fact of being able to switch up diaper bags every so often. It prevents the diaper bag from becoming too worn and there is a lot less wear and tear on them- hence lasting longer! All those bags plus a pack and play for him to sleep in was a little overwhelming. I had spent so much time packing him that I barely was able to get my stuff together. Men don't require much so he put some drawers and a toothbrush in a bag and asked me was I ready. Oy vey! I ended up using an unnecessarily big suitcase for a two night trip because a) we never thought about the baby needing a suitcase and b) the baby was using my 'weekender' bag.

*Note to self: get baby boy a suitcase of his own before our next trip*

Baby boy slept the whole 4 hour drive! Well almost. 30 minutes before we arrived at the hotel he did wig out cause he was hungry so hubby pulled over, I hoped in the back seat and fed him. After that he immediately feel back asleep. I wish I had taken some pictures of this part of our trip but of course I didn't.

We got to the hotel, checked in and decided to explore downtown. We were in Amherst Mass. and while hubby had been there before he never got to hit the town. Insert reason why I hate being rushed here ---->

I left his winter coat romper thingy. Shoot!  I remember having it in my hands so why wasn't it in the suitcase? It was about 39^o out and I didn't have his winter coat. So I had to wrap him in a bunch of blankets in order to make it work. *another note to self: never ever ever plan on packing the day before- Murphy's law* Despite this little snafoo we actually had a good time in downtown Amherst, Mass. That night the college band was playing in the center of town and Santa Claus drove in on the fire truck! It was pretty cool and they band was actually pretty good. It also seemed as if they had a lot of support because the street (though small) was packed!

I spotted a shop called... actually I have no idea what it was called but it was a creperie. I've only had crepes twice in my life. First was when hubby (back then he was my boyfriend) and I was in Paris and the last time I had a crepe was on our first anniversary cruise- so I needed to go in and have a crepe. Again, I failed to take pictures of the place (that definitely would have helped me remember the name) or any of the cure little details about the shop (it was Paris themed... of course!) but in a stroke of genius I actually got a picture of the crepe!

Mine was bananas with caramel sauce and whipped cream topped with nuts

I can't recalled what hubby had but it came with two scoops of gingerbread gelato... yum! O and you see that nifty little Nikon next to his plate? Yea, we'll talk!

The crepes were tasty and nostalgic. But our little guy wanted to keep moving- luckily he let us finish first. After perusing the streets for a little while longer we headed back to the hotel. While hubby got ready for a panel discussion I attempted to put baby to sleep. Boy was this extremely difficult. I'm not sure if he knew he was in unfamiliar surroundings but he would not go to sleep an stay sleep. It really did take what seemed like forever to get him to go to sleep. Then when I would put him down, he would wake up after 10 minutes. The night before I had done all of his middle of the night feedings so I was exhausted and really couldn't play up and down with baby all night so after getting him down for the umpteenth time, I layed him on my chest and we slept together. I really wanted to stop doing that because I go back to work next month.... (crap!) but I was desperate for some sleep. I heard hubby come in the hotel room but I could barely open my eyes. Once he put the pack and play together he took the baby off my chest and layed him down. At that point I did get up to put on my PJ's and talk to hubby for a bit but we both quickly fell asleep.

The next day was more sightseeing and hanging out before hubby's show. I actually had to run to Target to get some soap and a bottle brush to wash his bottles with (see I hate being rushed!) and I came back with a small little haul for baby boy.

We attempted to have lunch at a Chinese food restaurant and all went well expect two things. 1. They didn't have a changing station in the bathroom ::FACEPALM:: so I ended up changing him on a chair outside of the restaurants banquet room hallway and 2. All h*ll broke loose in the parking lot as we were leaving. Let's just say hysterically crying baby + vomiting mommy = embarrassed dad.

We headed back to the hotel for a nap before hubby's show. At the show my little guy behaved pretty well. I was scared that he would be terribly disruptive (actually just a normal 2 month old) and we would miss the whole thing. He was sleeping when the show first started and the first round of applause's scared the stew out of him and he immediately began to holla! But that was no biggie because we made friends with another mommy and her cute as can be 7 month old baby girl. We ended up chatting it up through the entire show! Baby boy did watch his dad perform and I think he kind of liked it :)

The rest of our stay went pretty smoothly and I'm kind of sad that we're back home so soon. Once we got back we put up baby boy's first Christmas tree (post to come) and after that hubby was off to another performance (in-state this time...such a hard worker!)

I'd say our first road trip was a success, which is great because we have another coming up at the end of the month...