Hey hey!
I’m looking forward to blogging so much more now that the (self-inflicted) pressure is off. Your support of my atypical HLB-blogging ways totally lifted my spirits. Thanks! And while I did intend to blog last week on vacation, the idea of blogging on Zach’s iPad was a turnoff, so I just said screw it. Ooo speaking of Apple products, I ordered the new iPhone 5. I still have the 3Gs, which feels ancient compared to Zach’s phone so I bit the bullet and ordered a new one. The main reason is that I seem to take 99% of Bean pics using my phone and the newer iPhones have much better cameras.
Anyway, last week, well the 7th to the 16th, we were in Charlottesville visiting Zach’s family. I’m still trying to decide if it was a vacation. Sure I didn’t have to work, but taking care of bean nearly all day every day is most definitely ‘work.’ Particularly since he’s a squirmy little bugger and needs to be watched a lot more than when he was stationary (btw, I missed his 8mo update, but will post a 9mo update).
Rather than bore you to tears with a wordy recap of our trip, here are some highlights:
Polo match at King Winery:
Drinking at Sips for Cookie’s (MIL) Birthday:
Walking around the downtown mall:
Date night at Hamilton’s where I ordered the best veggie plate I’ve ever had: Mini eggplant parmesan, a savory tofu with tomato chutney, green beans with chevre and marcona almonds, roasted beets in a vinaigrette, and a stufffed poblano with a kalmata tapenade. So so so good. Oh and lots of bubbly. And err, maybe Sweet Frogs too.
Apple picking at Carter Mountain:
Hiking at Humpback Ridge:
And tailgating at the UVA- Penn game (Bean only lasted about 10 minutes at the actual game)
Not highlights:
Getting on our small puddle jumper plane from Charlottesville to Dulles, only to have to de-board after the door wouldn’t shut (some metal piece broke off). This resulted in us missing our flight and staying in VA an extra day. The bonus was more family time, the negative was feeling exhuasted and rushed on Sunday when we returned. Bean was pretty happy we stayed:
Bean on a plane. It was a cinch taking bean to NYC/Boston in May (5mo). Doing a similar cross-country flight at 8.5mo is not fun. Seriously. We were equipped with formula, water, puffs, books, teething rinks, binkies, etc, but bottom line is bean did not want to sit on our laps for 5 hours. He’s just way too autonmous right now. Luckily he didn’t scream, but he definitely whined. He’s lucky he’s so darn cute. Oh and did I tell you that the flight we missed the day before, I was bumped to First Class…yeah didn’t get that on the new flight. Argh.
Besides all that, I am loving the cooler temps and the onset of Fall. I have already welcomed the season with the Candy Corn Oreos (delish) and some Candy Corn M&M’s (just okay, but will be fun to bake with).
More importantly, I am digging out the boots and skinny jeans. I also have an itch to shop and freshen up the Fall wardrobe.
And I think I may be making applecrisp this weekend.
All in all, not too shabby.
How are you welcoming the Fall?
Your family is so cute. Glad you got to get away for a week! Is the hub’s brother single? Ha!
Hahahahaha, hub’s brother is 25 and is engaged
I’m welcoming Fall with pumpkin everything!! Just got some pumpkin coffee creamer — meaning Fall is definitely here
Pumpkin creamer? oh boy…
I’ve already said this, but seriously, “vacations” with kids are not really vacations for the parents. I’m already thinking of planning an adult vacation next year where my MIL comes in to watch Tate while we have a mini getaway.
And yes to all things fall!! I’m totally wearing tights today with booties and a skirt. I still haven’t gotten my p-spice latte fix, but that will happen shortly I’m sure. So excited for my favorite season!!
Oh, and a little aside… every time I put on Tate’s pumpkin hat that your mom got him I have a little urge to nibble on his cheeks. Hehehehe
I bet he tastes super sweet
And yes to mini- adult vacays. Where are we going???
Someplace tropical? I also have the urge for a touristy vacation, but if it’s gonna be kids-free, then I want to really relax. Like kindle and sun and paddleboarding. Maybe we could do something like the FL keys? We could leave Tot in B-town with Janie, and you could leave Bean in FL with your mom. Though that still means Bean has to fly x-country. Unless you move to the east coast before this trip happens….
Haha, I’m down for tropical or touristy or a spa somewhere with oodles of vino and pampering
Awww, love C-Ville! Glad to see you enjoyed your time on the East Coast and so happy to see you are loving the new no-pressure blogging schedule. Love getting updates girl. xoxox miss you!
Thanks…this is much more fun way to blog!
You very may well have the cutest baby ever. I just love his little face.
Thanks Leah!
I’m glad your trip was mostly fun.
I am dying to go apple picking.
Loving the fall vibes! I am trying to get into a similar mindset here in Chicago. The weather just turned, so it’s time for boots and apple picking
love your blog!
Oh Fall and Chicago is awesome. Perfect perfect time of year!
SO happy to have you here! We are happy to watch Bean, can you go without him though!?
I would love for you two to have a get away
We could both use a getaway
I’d miss bean like crazy!
Glad to hear you’re feeling happier about blogging. I’ve definitely tried to blog on vacation and it just isn’t worth it! Fall has been on my mind for weeks and I’m digging to cooler temps. That picture of Bean with the apple is adorable
I am so jealous you were in Charlottesville for so long! I just graduated from UVa in May and miss it so much already…you guys did all the best activities (especially polo at king winery…isn’t it beautiful there?!)…I was at the UVa-Penn game, super exciting, but unfortunately had to go back home right after (before the rains came
)…glad you had a pretty good trip minus the flight snafoos
Charlottesville is a gorgeous place as is UVa. What a great place to go to school!
Love these kind of updates! And the hiking picture is so cute – and I say that because I see Sawyer’s head poking out from behind Zach’s. Glad to see you guys had fun!
WAHHHHH. So sad you were pretty close to my area of Hampton Roads. Glad you enjoyed it though bit I do say-I miss ya and your blogging!
I love Charlottesville — was there back in 2009 and am definitely hoping to take a return trip one day. You’re so lucky that you were able to spend all that time there!
Totally understand how going on vaca with a baby is still alot of work, even with extended family around! We did that last month, had a blast, but the hubs said we need an adult vaca next time.
Your fam is adorable!!
Oh man, that picture of the baby on the chair kills me- he’s such a cutie! I’m trying to get on board with fall, but I’m such a summer girl at heart…I should probably go shopping and pick up some fun fall wardrobe pieces to get me excited for the cooler weather.
Bean is so so so cute! I’m jealous of all his hair! I’m glad you all had a great time in VA!