San Diego

When we first relocated back to the Midwest we purchased tickets back to SD for the middle of January. I thought we had scheduled our trip for the weekend of MLK Day so imagine my surprise when I received an email informing me about my upcoming flight which happened to be the next day. We had planned a visit the weekend before MLK day because it was less expensive and we had completely forgotten the dates. After some texting to see if my friends would be available for us to stay the next day we decided to go ahead and go. 

Charlotte had been asking to see her friends for a couple weeks and was excited it was finally time for our trip. We decided to leave E at home and I'm so glad we did. It was so much easier flying with one kid and not needing to lug around a stroller or carrier. 

Making herself comfortable while waiting to board the plane. 

Enjoying some inflight entertainment. 

We of course would have loved to see all of our friends. But time and notice prevented us from doing all our favorite SD things. We were able to catch up with our Friday MOMs group and hang out all day. C had a blast playing with everyone and I loved catching up all my friends too.

On Saturday we visited our favorite donut place and Farmers Market. 

That night we went to Chuck E Cheeses to celebrate birthdays! It was packed. I don't know what I was thinking when I suggested we go on a Saturday night. The pizza took over an hour to arrive, but the kids had a blast playing the games and riding the rides.

Sunday was a lazy day that we spent relaxing and hanging out. She is attempting to make a rainbow loom bracelet. 

This girl and I are 20 weeks and due on the same day in May. How crazy is that! It's hard being away from her especially during this exciting time. 

We had so much fun and it was hard to leave, but we know that we have made lifelong friends. This trip came at a great time and left us both feeling refreshed. We are looking forward to our next trip to SoCal. 

What's Up Wednesday: February Edition

I've been working on several recap posts but none of them are finished so I thought I would start with a relatively easy one.

I'm linking up with Mel and Shay for this month's What's Up Edition.

1. What we're eating this week...

Lots of different stuff, but my favorite might be Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple Rice. 

2. What I'm reminiscing about...

Our trip to San Diego a few weeks ago

3. What I'm loving...

It's almost Valentine's Day and I'm loving all the decor, food and valentines. One of my favorites that I saw recently was this Shopkins valentine.

4. What we've been up to...

We've played in the snow some...

And we've been doing all sorts of house stuff. (more to come)

5. What I'm dreading...

Moving next month. We close at the end of February. I'm looking forward to getting settled in our new home and unpacking, but I'm dreading all of the changes.

6. What I'm working on...

Researching preschools for next fall, looking for dance classes, creating school tools and trying to get caught up on my blog.

7. What I'm excited about...

Newsies this weekend at the FOX!!!! I have loved this movie since I was a young girl. 

8. What I'm watching/reading....

I finished reading two of Elin Hilderbrand books Winter Street and Winter Stroll

Winter Shows have started and I'm excited about...

And I've picked up Blacklist and Chicago Med in addition to all my fall shows which return next month. 

9. What I'm listening to...

The sound of my kids crying... LOL We have been struggling with sleep this past month

10. What I'm wearing...

PJs, boots and sweaters

11. What I'm doing this weekend...

Heading to STL to see Newsies

12. What I'm looking forward to next month..

Moving into our new house and a weekend trip to Chicago

13. What else is new...

Looking for and buying a house has consumed most of our time this past month

14. What is my favorite Valentine's Treat..

Chocolate Fondue

It's a New Year, time to start blogging again

As the new year has come and gone I thought it was time to start blogging again. I'm working on several posts to recap the past 3 months and what we've been up to. I pray everyone had an incredible Christmas and Happy New Year.

This year we are focusing on gratitude and simple happiness. We have so much to be thankful for and enjoying/appreciating the little things has recently been hard for me. The days can be LONG sometimes, especially since this is our first real winter in years, but I know that I'll miss these days, eventually.

I hope you'll stay tuned to see how we ended our year and see what this year brings.

Hawaii Days 3-4

On Day 3 we decided to tackle Diamond Head first thing in the morning. 

This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s. source

The round trip 1.60 mile hike uphill took around 1.5 hours to complete. The view from all parts of the trail were spectacular. We were both glad that it was only about 90% humidity during our hike and rewarded ourselves with doughnuts afterwards from Leonards. 

View of Waikiki 

View from the top. Thanks selfie stick.

Exhausted from the hike. The topmost point above my head is where we hiked too. 

After our donuts we head to the Beach for some R&R. The waves in Waikiki were big FUN to play around in.  

Waikiki Beach and view of Diamond Head

King Kamehameha the Great

 On day 4, our last day in O'ahu, we headed over to Pearl Harbor. It was pretty incredible to see this monument in person. It was so unreal.

Oil still seeps through the ship

USS Missouri - where Japan surrendered to end WW11. 

WW11 survive who served in the Army in Hawaii. 

After an emotional morning we headed over Pali Lookout to view the Windward Coast. It was cloudy when we arrived, but most clouds burned off by the time we left.

Once back at our house, we changed into our swimsuits and headed over to Kapolei. We walked along the lagoons and toured Disney's Aulani Hotel. It looked very nice and a place the kids would enjoy but for the price I think I would stay somewhere else that is just as nice or nicer. 

After our afternoon sunbathing we headed back to clean up, pack and rest before heading over to Maui the following day.