Summer Bucket List: John Ball Park Zoo

John Ball Park Zoo has been on our to-do list for some time. It's the perfect size to get through and see everything in a short amount of time (took us about 2 hours). Yet there's enough to keep their interest and make it worth going back to several times. This was Rocco's first time at this zoo, but we had been to Potter Park Zoo a few months ago and he had a blast, so I knew he would love this one too. And I love anywhere we can go where Rocco can just run and not have to wrestle him into the stroller for the whole trip.

I don't know what it is about zoo maps, but these kids sure love them! We always need to make sure to grab enough for everyone. Rhiley and Rocco loved looking at theirs together, but also liked carrying their own.

Rhonen suggested taking a break from the animals to play on the wooden train and all the kids loved it. There were benches close by so we could sit while they played, which is always great.

Summer is flying by and we are almost out of good weather weekends to spend the morning outside. There was definitely rain in the forecast on the day we went, but we decided to go anyway since it wasn't supposed to start until the afternoon. The weather was perfect for most of our visit. We started hearing thunder as we got near the back of the park so we figured we should probably head back to the front before it started to storm. We ended up making it back to the gift shop right before the downpour. We hung out inside for a few minutes while Rhonen and Rhiley picked out toys and Rocco lost my keys! Crazy how quickly panic sets in...I knew he had them when we went in so part of me figured they couldn't be too far...but quickly I came up with a scenario in my mind of another child finding them and tucking them away to play with later. Luckily that didn't happen and Ricki found them within minutes.

We had to run to our cars in the rain since it didn't seem like it would let up anytime soon. It was so great being able to spend the morning with my best friend (seems like there's never enough time to spend together these days) and for Rocco to run free with his cousins.

 

 "Tee-tee's" stroller was a bigger hit than his own, and she had way better snacks :).

 Much Love,

B.



Wings of Mercy Runway 5K

Joe set a goal to do one 5k per month for an entire year. He's doing so great, and I'm so proud of him and the dedication he has to always follow things through!

This month he signed up for the Wings of Mercy Runway 5k in Holland. The race was set up on the runway at a small local airport. They had planes parked outside for everyone to walk around and look at, and a pancake breakfast set up inside for after the race. The weather was perfect, a beautiful setting for a race.

I don't run, so Rocco and I just went along to cheer Joe on and eat free breakfast afterwards.

Future airplane mechanic?

Rocco and I just wandered around while Joe ran his best time yet.

They had these really cool airplanes inside for the kids to play on after the race.

After the pancake breakfast they put on an airshow right above where they ran.

Such a cool place to have a 5k. Can't wait to see where he runs next month!

Much Love,

B.

 

32 Years Young

Birthdays aren't exactly what they used to be. No more late nights out, feeling sick in the morning, drinking games, cab rides, or all nighters. This morning I woke up to "mama!" at 5:30a.m. and although it felt WAY earlier than it actually was, I love the sound of his sweet voice. I had to be to work earlier than usual anyway so it worked out just fine.

Joe helped Rocco write me a happy birthday message on the etch-a-sketch and after climbing into my car at 7a.m. with a half full mug of luke warm coffee, there was a sweet card waiting for me from all my favorite boys.

It was another crazy day at work, just like the last several weeks. Some days it feels like we are just doing what we can to keep our heads above water and stay on schedule or as close to on schedule as we can. Today was no different in that aspect, but Joe delivered 2 dozen roses, a cake, and a card to me at work. My coworker made me a cake and bought me lunch. The free coffee cart showed up today. And another coworker bought me a Starbucks gift card, balloons, and candy. It was a great day!

I received lots of texts, voicemails, and facebook messages wishing me a happy birthday, and that sure makes the day feel special!

Joe and I both got home from work late and the dishwasher broke earlier today but there's so much more to be thankful for than there is to complain about. Joe walked in the door carrying a new pair of shoes for me and we ordered my favorite Thai food for dinner. The icing on the cake for what turned out to be a pretty great birthday!

Never a dull moment in this house though...after bath Rocco was running around naked...in my new found old age I was just too slow to get a diaper on him after all the signs of an accident coming my way. He ended up pooping on the floor and apparently was traumatized by it as he didn't stop crying for at least 10 minutes! Pretty sure potty training isn't in our near future after the look of terror on his face when he saw what was on the floor!

Here's to another year full of love, chaos, and adventure.
Much Love,
B.

Punta Cana 2015

Vacation came at just the right time. Things got crazy at work for me and Joe's busiest season is coming up in the Fall. We haven't been on a true vacation in 3 years, so this one was much needed. It was the first time I was away from Rocco overnight, so I had a bit of anxiety leading up to our 4 night trip, but it was definitely good for all of us in the end.

Joe had mentioned a few months ago that one of the things he really wanted was some time away with just the two of us. We started researching locations, resorts, and flights and long story short...we eventually stumbled across and Apple Vacations Square Deal that seemed like a good fit. Neither of us are very spontaneous, but both of us love a good deal, so we figured why not. We booked a 6 Golden Apple Adults Only Square Deal. We knew our resort would be one of 3 that met those criteria and were told we would receive a phone call the day before we left letting us know which resort was chosen for us.

I am terrible at waiting so I definitely tried cheating the system by emailing and calling the 3 resorts ahead of time to "confirm" our reservations so I could figure out which one we were booked at...but no such luck. Not a single one would confirm. We eventually got the call Friday afternoon and were told we would be staying at the Breathless Resort in Punta Cana. This was our last "choice" of the 3 we could have been placed at, but it still had a good rating and pina coladas on the beach in the sun taste the same anywhere, right?

Our flight out was on a Saturday morning at 6a.m. which meant we had to leave the house by 5a.m. We did our best to be quiet since I really didn't want to wake Rocco before we left. No matter how much tiptoeing and whispering we did, he still woke up 10 minutes before Joe's dad arrived to pick us up. Hearing him call "mama!" from his crib at 4:45a.m. ended up being a blessing in disguise. Later that day during all our travel I thought back to the morning and was so happy I got some snuggles and kisses before we left.

After a long morning of 2 flights and a van transfer to the resort, we finally made it! Joe worked his magic at check-in, striking us a deal with upgrades and an ocean view at a way cheaper price than if we would have booked it that way online. The room was nice, but so humid! We read a great tip on trip advisor about sticking a coaster in the air conditioning key slot to keep it running while we were out of our room (it only runs if your room key is in the slot) and that was definitely the best advice we read.

 Our upgrade included access to a private lounge so we hit that up as soon as we got our things settled in our room.

The view from our room was beautiful.

Nothing better than hearing the waves roll in as I drank my coffee on the balcony in the mornings.

 We had our own private cabana on the beach every morning.

 One thing I loved doing before having Rocco, but haven't figured out how to fit it into the day since, is reading. It was so nice to just relax and read for hours on the beach or by the pool. Joe would put in his ear buds and listen to podcasts or music and I would just sit and read. It was so relaxing and a much needed mental break from life.

 I honestly can't remember the last time I did a shot. Years maybe? This stuff was disgusting but all the rage in Punta Cana so we figured we would give it a try.

 Sadly, some of the food didn't taste quite as good as it looked, but it was still fun to check out all the different restaurants and try as many meals as we could.

Anyone who knows me, knows how deep my love runs for dessert!

 This time away just the two of us was much needed. Rocco has been our whole world these last 21 months and he always will be, but it was nice to just focus on us for a few days.

We sure will miss this view!

 

A side note on leaving Rocco:

I've suffered from anxiety for years so when the familiar but unwelcome symptoms started creeping up on me at work and at night, I knew I must be more anxious than I realized about leaving Rocco for so many days/nights.

The great thing about kids though is that they are resilient and can adapt so quickly. While we were away he slept well, ate well, and had great days at daycare. He didn't even bite anyone while we were away! And just as quickly as he adapted to us being away, he was able to get right back into the swing of things with us when we got back.

Much Love,

B.

Summer Bucket List: Popsicles & Pool Days

Rocco is at such a fun age this summer. We are able to get out and try new things and see the excitement on his face when he tries something and loves it.

I remember always having flavored ice in the freezer as a kid and thinking it was the best thing ever. Joe and I have always had them in our freezer too, even though neither of us eat them as adults. My niece and nephew love them though and always ask for them when they are over.

I hadn't even thought of giving one to Rocco to try, probably because I forgot we even had them. Joe brought one out for Rocco one day and he absolutely loved it! I have to squash my OCD brain while he eats it since it's guaranteed to make a big mess. But the sticky hands and spots on his clothes are totally worth it to see this level of excitement over something so simple.

Joe's mom has a pool at her house and we haven't been over near as much as we should to enjoy it. We went over during a really hot day to try it out with Rocco. Even though it was so hot out, the water was still really cold. We weren't sure he would go in at all since he was pretty scared every time we tried to get him in the float we bought for him. He ended up loving it as long as Joe held him.

Earlier in the summer I considered signing him up for a few weeks of swimming lessons at the YMCA down the road, but decided he was too young to start. I'm glad I decided to hold off until next year since he seemed pretty scared whenever Joe wasn't holding him and we really haven't spent much time at all in the water this year. I'll sign him up next summer and we will make a point to visit Joe's mom's pool more to get him used to it.

Much Love,

B.