A few of our favorite things

Well it's true that money can't buy happiness, but we sure did have fun spending some money at a few of our favorite local businesses yesterday. 

We began our day with Nana at the Blue Manatee Children's bookstore. Decorated in colorful wall art and hand painted murals, this book store ignites a spark within me to put all worries and responsibilities aside and curl up in a good book. 

We explored new books, made Messy Art (a class we signed up for), introduced Elliana to Where's Waldo, played in the book tunnel and happily purchased a few books too.

 

After reading for awhile we walked down a few stores to King Arthur's Court, a local toy store where kids can actually play with toys!!! 

We loved on the train table, mothered some baby dolls and daydreamt of having our own Playmobil village someday. 

After all that playing, we worked up an appetite! Off to the Bonbonerie for lunch and dessert. We stuffed our bellies with fresh fruit, Belgium waffles, chicken salad and chips! 

And of course we took some desert to go too! It was a delightful day and likely one that will soon become tradition :)

The Next Big Thing

It's only somewhat recently that I was able to pinpoint the unsettled feeling I've had lately. You see, in life there is always pressure and expectations to be constantly reaching a goal. First college, then graduation, marriage, job, house, kids, etc. The list goes on and on. But, what about once you've done all of that? I've married the love of my life, established a home and been blessed with beautiful, wonderful kids. Now that we know that our family is complete, I keep wondering... So.... now what?

I feel like I've been programmed that retirement is the next "big thing" but given I don't officially have a paying job and am barely in my thirties, I have a feeling that milestone is still aways away and not truly what is next for us and our family. It just can't be.

We consistently talk of moving, relocating, starting fresh. New house. New city. New job. City living. Country living. International living... it has all been discussed and none of it has been ruled out. Not because we are unhappy with what we have. Not at all! In fact,  I don't even have logic to explain our rationale at times. The rush and excitement of pregnancy, marriage, etc have been experienced and enjoyed. We've unintentionally been programmed to look forward to the next rush, and are left clueless as to what and where that rush will be.

Add in the decisions of homeschooling, private school or public and the demands of a teething, strong-willed strong-lunged baby and an attention seeking, mothering boundary testing 4-year old and it's a wonder we hardly sleep at all.   I think we have just been programmed to always be doing something, working toward something, working on that "next big thing".

No one talks about the stages of life where you are "in between" milestones. So...I'm talking about it. Talking about the unsettled feeling. The not quite content itch that we have for something new and different. Hubby and I are building into these little lives that we we've been blessed enough to raise, we love on each other and demonstrate a healthy marriage and relationship. We teach values, faith and respect (not always gracefully, but we try). We share our passions with our kids, watch them hike and explore nature, or carry a suit case through an airport with confidence...and we find great pleasure in watching them grow and thrive. But, are still seeking more. Seeking that next big thing.....

For the Love of Travel

It's no secret that I love to travel. In college, I would book a flight as soon as my savings account allowed. I met T.J. and on our first or second date, rather boldly told him he needed to own a passport to keep dating me. Lucky for me, he got one rather quickly and learned to love travel just as much as I do.

It's hard to explain, but somehow we thrive on travel. We are rejuvenated, relaxed and recharged when we get away from our everyday responsibilities and embrace a different environment or culture. Together, we've traveled North, South, East and West. Internationally and domestically, we have done it together. Normally, while on vacation, we would begin discussing or even booking our next vacation, always giving us something to look forward to in the future.

Along came our beautiful children, and along they come on our travel adventures with us. Sure, our types of vacation have changed a bit with the little ones, but we are working hard to foster in them a sense of adventure and love for travel.

This past weekend, we ventured a few hours south to Louisville, Kentucky. A city we have frequently driven through on our way to other destinations, but never have stopped to explore. What a pleasant surprise to find so much to do so close to home! We spent our days exploring the Kentucky Science Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum, local malls and eateries. Oh and of course lounging in our hotel and swimming in the pool. We had grandious plans to hike and play outside as well, but God had other plans with the weather.

Looking back on our vacations thus far as parents of two children, I can honestly say that we no longer come home from vacation relaxed or rejuvenated. In fact, we come home exhausted, as vacationing with little ones is a lot of work. Lots of schedules thrown off, lots of extra luggage and snacks, compromise and changing of plans.

I am hoping and praying that Maya's restless sleep this past trip is attributed to the 8 teeth she currently has popping through, and not her dislike of sleeping in one hotel room for all of us. For, we have at least 16 more scheduled nights in a hotel room in the next two months, which could result in lots of sleepless nights if last week was an indication of future travel. Even if all future trips result in lack of sleep, traveling with our little family will always be worth it in my eyes.

With every vacation, we all learn and grow. We communicate better, have more patience and appreciate each other more than before we left. I see a lot more traveling in our future, and am okay with the extra work it requires for traveling with little ones as we are shaping their personalities and broadening their horizons. And that...is priceless.

Maya - 15 Months

Oh sweet Maya...you are a joy! Currently you are getting about 8 teeth, including all four molars so we've been allowing your pacifier far more than usual, and I'm beginning to miss that sweet little smile behind that "bah bah" as Maya refers to it. 

We've had such adventure these past few months, and Maya is truly always a part of it! This month we've visited  multiple splash grounds, played at parks and in our yard, toured the zoo, visited Coney Island, traveled on a ferry boat and had a LOT of play dates :) 

LOVED jumping on that bed in our screen room sleepover

We frequently put on a family marching band as we bang on instruments and parade around the house. Maya, at just 15 months, you grab an instrument and yell at the top of your lungs as you parade along with us. I LOVE your constant adventure!

Picnic lunch with big sister

You still aren't a great sleeper, but I'm convinced it's because you don't want to miss out on anything. That and the multiple teeth you are getting! :) You love your momma milk and frequently throw your paci and announce "ILK!" as you point to our favorite chair. I am no longer in a rush to ween you as you are my baby, and that is the only baby like thing you still do! 

Big kid in a little sand box, her favorite place!

 During our recent strawberry picking adventure, you couldn't fathom the idea that some berries had gone bad and weren't worthy of eating. You just bent over, picked up the smashed berries and shoved them in.

Sampling the strawberries we just picked :) 

Begging to sample the not yet ripe blueberries

You have moments of non-stop talking. A few of your favorite words being: Mommy, Daddy, Dada, Bah bah (nickname for paci), Ana (Elliana's nickname), ilk (milk) and recently Daisy (as in Daisy Duck).

I love you sweet girl and you are growing up way, way too fast!!!