here i go again

Today is pack day. I leave (again) on Monday for a 2 week adventure to see my sister and her family of 6 in Buffalo. I'm excited to make the beautiful drive, now that I know how great it is to be behind the wheel for these long jaunts and hope Abel cooperates with his carseat during the 10 hour event. Afton does great with the anticipation and a few movies. My mind if full of things to do the second time around with this trip:

1. Collect a rock from each stopping point. Afton started doing this on the last road trip so this time I'm making a game out of it. Abel, who loves to eat rocks, should have a blast with it too. My Mommy Mind knows this will be a good distraction when the antsies attack..."Afton what color of rock should we look for at the next stop. How big should it be? Can we find one in a silly shape?"

2. Limit DVD's to 2 or 3. Afton is a creature of habit which saves me a lot of packing space. I know if I bring 2 favorite flicks, she will be fine watching them over and over and over. Abel loves anything televised and will be equally happy.

3. Candy. Ring Pops. Candy Necklaces. Apple Gum. Rainbow Lollipops. I have a wonderful stash of the best candy and on road trips I don't have candy limits. I'm a cool road trip Mom.

4. Pack all my own food. All of us feel so much better when we eat the kinds of food on the road that we eat at home. PBJ's, apple slices, and cheese are easy to pack, don't stick up the car and leave us with calm bellies. And it's free!!!

I can always use more travel tips! Share, share!

i'm back

I've been home for almost a week from my GIRLS WEEK at the beach. But I'm leaving again soon for vacation #2 to visit my sister and family in Buffalo so I've been doing mass laundry to clean up and prep. mass errands (my sis has no costco!) and mass family time since I'll be gone for almost 2 weeks this time. Back to the GIRLS WEEK...you should all take one! Even a weekend to laugh and spend time with girlfriends. It was such a fun week, even though the elements raged against our favor.

If you want to see more photos of the fun week, check out my family blog.

Girls Week

I am so freakin excited. In 4 days, my GIRLS WEEK vacation begins (named such because 2 of my college best buds and our 3 girls...and one boy...will be vacationing at the beach for a week)!! I cannot wait to spend days and days at a resort on the beach, reading a stack of books and magazine, chatting the night away with great friends and living in total relaxation...while my kids eat sand and go days without proper sleep schedules!

weekly plans

It's been a couple weeks since I have posted our weekly plans. The ongoing theme around here has been "Whatever, Whenever" which worked nicely for birthday week but ti starting to get a bit boring. Here is a peek at our week (what is left of it):

Tuesday: plant pansies and carrots (we did this for a preschool activity)
Wednesday: flour drawing (cookie pan of flour, some utensils, draw away)
bed trampoline( it's clean sheets day, so while the sheets are washing, i put the mattress on the floor and let the kids jump, jump, jump!)
Thursday: blindfold drawing (a quick and new way to love drawing even more!)
Friday: create a story (i'll be packing most of the day and going to prom that night so while i pack, afton and i will take turns making up silly stories. also a great car activity)

truly inspired

lately, i have pulled quite a bit on inspiration from blogs. design mom helped me throw a great pink party for my 4 year old; cafe johnsonia has inspired my passion for cupcakes, including the lemon cupcakes with raspberry cream frosting that i made up all by myself this weekend, laura reminds me to have so much fun with my sweet kids, while liz helps me remember the ME in my life. i am happily inspired to be a better sister when i read my big and little sister's family blogs (and i get to see my adorable nieces and nephews for free!), i love reading blogs! they help me relax and find little new joys in life. thanks for blogging!

favorite birthday gift

Afton received lots of wonderful gifts for her birthday. I was pleasantly surprised that the only toys came from grandparents. This gift was my favorite:

I love dressing up these dolls with Afton. I love how easy it is for Afton to use. And she loves it too. Find it here.

I did it!!!

It's been a while since I have set a goal (a big one) and accomplished it completely. Usually I get off track due to schedule conflicts with the Mr (my hip-hop class) or the kids needs over my own (too long a list). But on Saturday, nothing could deter me from running my first 10k. I ran the entire length in 1:02. It was FUN (at least this first 3 miles were) to see crowds of people cheer on friends, family and strangers, run to live rock bands, and share the experience with 5 friends I trained with.

I didn't take very many pictures because once the race was over and I found my family, I was thrilled to have my family back together again. Patrick snapped a few shots and we headed home to spend a weekend together.

me after the race

the kids, not so excited about waiting around for mom

what i celebrated with, buttercup cupcakes!!