A NORMAL WEEKEND IN OUR SECOND HOME

I have to admit I haven't loved our trips to Denver the last few times because of how crazy they have been. It feels like we try to pack a whole month of activities into just one weekend.

Now with five kids things like that are becoming increasingly more difficult. 

Rob and I have talked about buying an apartment or condo so things could be more "normal" less vacation-ish when we visit but it really doesn't make economic sense. And we definitely couldn't afford the indoor pool we get at the hotel. 

For now the Courtyard Marriott will just need to be our second home. 

This trip we really just chilled and had a "normal" weekend. 

Saturday we went to Sawyer's baseball practice, hung out at the hotel, did some swimming then ventured out for dinner and ice cream.

Sunday was more of the same except church and a park instead of baseball. 

My step kids are getting older and behaving better and better each time we are together. Especially Brielle, she is blossoming into such a beautiful young woman and is a great example for Brooklyn. I love how much little B looks up to her older sister. She chants her name every single day while pointing to the many pictures around our house. 

It's pretty darling. 

Please notice Rob in the background of every single one of these pictures. 

This guy has had so much going on with work lately, (and our week of love last week, blog post coming later) he really needed a relaxing weekend. 

We chilled h.a.r.d in Denver. 

 

SAN FRANCISCO JANUARY WEEKEND

Last weekend we were feeling touristy so we got a hotel in San Francisco for the night. 

Even though we are only 45 minutes from the city we rarely go up, just because. 

We started the morning at the farmers market in the Ferry building, played in some parks, walked the Embarcadero, and explored Pier 39 all afternoon. I had a freak back attack which kind of ended the fun towards the evening. Instead of hitting the night like we planned we got chinese food delivered, watched TV and were in bed by 9PM.  

We had a grand plan to get brunch and bring it to Dolores Park, until we woke up. It was down pouring and cold. Instead we ate at Dolores Cafe and enjoyed views of the park from instead. We finished the weekend at the legendary and completely underwhelming Bi-Rite Creamery. 

^^ ferry building.. such a cute spot

^^ matching jean romper and sun hat. dressing these girls is one of the best parts of my life

^^ my little musician tipping the band

^^ this family of mine,… just makes me smile every time i see us togther

^^ i spy Alcatraz on my left  

^^ there wasn't a happier face in san francisco at this moment 

^^ i can't believe we order her a kids meal

^^Bi-Rite Creamery… 

^^ so excited, sadly suchhh a disappointment.  

^^ of course, brooklyn liked it 

^^ and my favorite picture of the weekend ...love him, so much...  

WILLOW GLEN ICE CREAM

One of our favorite things to do as a family is walk down town to the Willow Glen Creamery. 

It is just over a half mile walk along a fun street. I lie to myself and say we get exercise that negates the ice cream but really I just love to chat with my husband while the girls are entertained on the stroller ride. Brooklyn has the best time playing in the fountain when we finish.

When I realize we have already outgrown our little house I can't imagine moving away from this awesome walk. I just love Willow Glen! 

BROOKLYN IS EIGHTEEN MONTHS

I have a one and a half year old. I am going to have a panic attack when she turns two. 

Brooklyn, stay a toddler forever! I just love you so much at this age!!

I have to believe everyone thinks their child is the greatest and I am no exception. Brooklyn truly is such a sweet, sensitive and well behaved little girl. There is so much she does that makes me proud. Her good manners, sharing, athletic abilities and that constant high energy. She is so busy but I absolutely love it. 

Some of Brooklyn's recent interests & "tricks"

* singing row, row, row your boat and the happy birthday song
* pushing her high chair into position to be feed, pulling her bib out of the drawer and climbing into the high chair to be fed

* loving FaceTime with her grandparents and uncles

* wanting to take over all her sister's baby things 

* being such a sweet big sister and saying "stop crying Lydia" or rocking her car seat 

* every morning running to Lydia's crib to see her 

* perfected kicking the soccer ball and stacking blocks

* swimming like a little fish

* counting 1- 10

* answering "i'm one!" when asked her age

* able to identify and say the names of all her siblings, parents and uncles in our family pictures 

* listening to music  

* obeying mommy and daddy almost all the time 

* able to point out all her body parts 

* posing for pictures, but never actually looking 

* loving to look at and line up all her bows

* letting me dress her up in all different outfits and sitting obediently while I do her hair 

^^signing row, row your boat! 

^^ listening to some beats 

^^shouting candy!