L^2 Take Michigan...Round 1

Following our visit to Minnesota to meet the movers packing up our home, J left to head back to work in Colorado...meanwhile, us girls took Michigan by storm.

We helped my Dad and Stepmom celebrate the 1-year anniversary of their retail shop opening in Dundee, Michigan.

 Miss L had fun playing with her Godmother and Auntie Jener...

The next evening, Miss L enjoyed going to her Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma's Farm - she fed the pony, Ginger; and enjoyed blowing out the candles on Grandma's Chocolate-Zucchini Cake.

On Thursday, I even enjoyed a Girls Night Out with my friends and sisters! It was Martini Night at Dolce Vita...just like the olden days!

Friday was a Family Pool Party with Jeremy's grandma, aunt, cousins and their munchkins. It was fun to see Miss L playing with all of them, including little Austin who is just 6 weeks younger than Miss L.

We enjoyed "Celebration Day" on Saturday with my family - as there were/are countless birthdays to celebrate in late-July through early-August, our new home/move, my brother's big engagement and simply - many reasons to celebrate.

The Celebration Day Soiree was hosted by my fabulous Aunt Shelley. She throws the best parties and is always the hostess with the mostess! It was so nice to see all of my family at one time {this is a major struggle every time we visit Michigan}. Also, I was able to see/meet my cousin's little boy, Gage, as he celebrated his 1st birthday with us. I think we were all on a sugar high after this party!

 

Miss L & Grandpa D

 

Kisses to Auntie Jener

The following day was a Lazy Sunday. The weather the entire trip, but this day especially, was soo chilly. It truly felt like fall and I thought we should have been watching some football on TV. Us ladies stayed with my Stepdad and spent the day having fun with my sisters. Here we are at the park...we even had to go to Meijer to buy pants for Miss L b/c I didn't pack enough...well, only one pair!



Miss L loved singing Twinkle, Twinkle, while Aunt Nae played the piano.

Higher with Aunt Nae

Aunt Nae made a batch of Pumpkin Bread for her favorite niece...so sweet & yummy!

It was fun being home during "fair week." That is, Michigan's Finest Fair - the Monroe County Fair! "The Fair" has a special place in our hearts, as it is the location of where my parents met, where I met Jeremy, where I spent many, many summer growing up and nearly 1/2 of my family has some effort in making it such a fine operation.

On Monday, Miss L loved visiting the animals, playing on the tractors and of course, enjoying some delicious "butterfly chips" ...



"Farmer for a Day" with Auntie Jener

We had our friends over to the Pool on Tuesday. Albeit a little chilly, we had fun in the sun!

Janelle with Tessa {12 months} & Maddie {29 months}, Jessica & Logan {24 months}, Me & Miss L {24 months}

The cutest monkey at the Zoo!

Wednesday was an impromptu visit to the Toledo Zoo with Aunt Melanie {and kids she nannies} and Grandma Lyn. I was soo impressed with the updates to the Zoo. It was both familiar and filled with so many new things - then again, it has probably been a decade since I was there last...and I think it was for more of "adult-drinking-fundraiser soiree" at the Zoo.


Exploring the gardens with Grandma

Aunt Mel

Followed by another visit to the Monroe County Fair with Papa, Nana, Auntie Jener & Aunt Nae...

Riding the Big Ferris Wheel

Wow! We are high!



Carousel Rides

Feeding the goats at the Fair

Thursday was a fun day at Wildwood Metro Park in Toledo with my mom, sisters and stepdad.
Miss L looked lovely in her dress {my mom made for her} in front of the beautiful mansion on the grounds. We grabbed some delicious snacks for a picnic and had a fun day in the park!

Could we look any more opposite?

Sooo Big! Just a week shy of our 2 year birthday!

We finished our last day with visits from all of the grandparents..{at staggered hours, of course!}

We had a fun trip visiting all of Miss L's grandparents, great-grandparents and a plethora of family and friends. I'm in need of photos from J's side, as many of them are on my mother-in-law's camera...and of course, my mom is usually behind the camera on photos from our side.

Round 2 will be later in the fall...when us girls Take Michigan for a wedding + more family fun + mommy goes on a "girls getaway weekend." Stay tuned for Round 2...

Fun in Minnesota

Miss L and I have been back in the sunshine state for about 2 weeks now, after a 17 day hiatus across the Midwest. We had a ton of fun, along with some bittersweet moments and several "until next time" {read: goodbyes} to our cherished friends in Minnesota. Here are days 1-5...in Minnesota.

Travel Day: Tuesday

We I had our first near-panic attack as we temporarily set Miss L in my car as J and I transferred our luggage from my car to his. As quick as we set her in the back seat, we gently shut the door to get past each other and CLICK. Yep, Miss L had my keys and hit the lock button. In 1.4 seconds, I think about the 100-degree heat and my sweet princess being locked in the car. Thankfully, J kept his cool and we yelled for her to "hit the button" and with a big sigh of relief - she hit the right button and we opened the door! {Lesson Learned}

We had the best travel day at DIA as one of J's staff members drove us to the airport {no lugging luggage on the bus}, followed by curb side check-in {they kindly overlooked my 59 lb baby named Samsonite} and we went flying through security as J has special "employee clearance" with his role at DIA. The cocktails on the plane were a nice cherry on top, that is, until Miss L spilled her daddy's drink all over his lap! {Lesson Learned for Daddy!}

 Day 1: Wednesday

After a GREAT night of sleep in our own bed/crib, we wake up to greet the movers at 8am, they are nice and friendly. The move becomes very "REAL" when the big semi truck is parked in the cul-de-sac. Us girls make impromptu plans with Kelly and her Miss C for the "foot ponds" in Burnsville {perfect for the hot, hot day!} followed by lunch plans with my cousin/Miss C's daycare provider.

Wednesday evening included a dinner out with friends from my former work at the Club.

Day 2: Thursday

Off to a playdate with our friends {few of them we met in our Mom & Baby Class shortly after the babes were born}.

This group gathers twice weekly during the summer to rotate pre-school type fun and learning activities. This play date's theme was "Bunnies." Bunny faces, hats, the Bunny Hop, carrots for snacks and activities...you name it! These moms know how to have fun - and we were lucky to join them today.

The fun continued Thursday evening with "Ladies Night" hosted by my friend Kelly. Heather and lil' Miss K joined our fun with amazing martinis, delicious Thai food and great conversation. I am already missing these fine ladies. :(

Below is Miss L and Miss C in the Sandbox.

Day 3: Friday

While Jer was at our home with the movers, Miss L and I had lunch with my coworkers from my former job {Yacht Club} - we had a great time and she did awesome considering we didn't leave the Patio until 3pm!

Sniffle, sniffle moments included:

• Miss L running into the Dining Room {former toy room} and asking "Where are my toys?"
• Seeing her nursery empty, aside from the vinyl decal on the wall of the tree, birds & flowers.
• Watching the semi truck leave the cul-de-sac :(

Day 4: Saturday

Fun at the Park with {yet another} Miss C.

Followed by 2-year photos with our cherished MN photographer, whom has captured our family during these exciting and ever-growing years.

We met our photographer, Danielle, at a beautiful park in Edina, MN...ironically, it is steps from the hospital where Miss L was delivered. The park offered a few lakes {of course, because it is the land of 10,000 lakes!}, rocks, steps, greenery, you name it - lots of photo opps! Photos with a {near} 2-year old is quite challenging, but our photographer manages to always surprise us with the quantity of "good ones!"

Below are a few shots mommy took as we explored the park on our own. We finished our day in Edina with a visit to the Creamery at 50th & France. Miss L loves ice cream, just like her daddy and just like her grandpa L!

 

Day 5: Sunday

We enjoyed visiting some of our former neighbors, J left to return to Colorado and we finished our day with an "Ice Cream Social" with our favorite neighbor kids and friends. Miss L enjoyed jumping on the trampoline with the big kids.

 

Day 6: Monday

We had our two-year check-up with our beloved Pediatrician - he says, "she is perfect!"

We had just a little time to kill prior to hopping on our plane, so we grabbed lunch and had a picnic lakeside at the very spot J, me and Miss L picnic'd on about Day 4 when she was a newborn. Then, we stopped at Mall of America {since it is on the way} and Miss L loved watching the fun at Nick Universe.

Enjoying watching the fish from the Dock during our picnic.



A visit to MOA and Starbucks for pumpkin bread {for the babe} and my fave: Pomegranate Refresher



Watching the rides!

 

 

Then, we flew MSP > MDW > DTW. This is the biggest "low" of the trip - over exhausted baby + lost misplaced {gate checked} stroller + extended "stay" at MDW = hell for mommy & baby.

It was bittersweet to say goodbye to our friends {and family!} in Minnesota. We are excited to be in Denver...but the memories and people in our Minnesota experience will remain in our hearts forever.

 

 

 

New House New Life

While waiting for J to arrive home from the airport tonight, I found a new show to enjoy on HGTV called New House New Life. It follows families looking for a change {escape the rat race} and they up and move to somewhere else. One family moved from Chicago to Santa Fe, NM...then the next family moved from NYC to Colorado. It was super fun to see the 3 homes/areas that they explored with their move to Colorado. In fact, one of the 3 was our new town.

The premise of the show hits close to home. As these families move elsewhere for a different {perhaps better} life, they must leave behind family, friends, jobs and a life of familiarity. It is always tough, no matter how many times you go through it. "They" say moving is nearly as stressful as death and divorce in one's life. Well, we've been through it all...AND a few moves. Despite all of the stress and anxiety, this move feels different...already.

While talking with my baby sis today, we concurred that Colorado is warm and sunny for me, and keeps Jeremy from longing to move to SoCal.

Then, tonight while having dinner with a friend from college that moved out here about 18 months ago {from Michigan} exclaimed how much I am going to enjoy winters here. {I kind of gathered this already, but wanted to hear his perspective} He said it the snow is different, and it melts faster...and when it does melt, things aren't "wet" like they are in MI. The Cherry on Top: It never gets gray-black and ugly. It's either white and pretty...or back to 55 and sunny. Perhaps a "lorryn-kind-of-winter!"

I've already picked up on the so-called "300+ days of sunshine" - it is kind of unreal and brings me much happiness...daily.

Below are some pictures of the route either along the expressway or on the main road to our new house, it certainly is a different kind of life. I cannot wait to see what is in store with the new house...that we will be sleeping in, in one week!

Girls Will Play While Daddys Away

I'm not going to lie - the last couple of days have been a bit painful. J departed to Phoenix on Tuesday morning for a short work trip and I am holding down the fort solo.

The days become really long as a single parent, but to make matters worse the only other mom-tot friend we have is out of town for a few weeks...so solo is an understatement.

We started off the week with Miss L spiking a slight 101.1 temp on Monday afternoon and we enjoyed lots of cuddle time together. Our Tivo just so happened to have a recording of Despicable Me and I thought I would press play for the lil' sick baby. She cuddled on my lap for 2 hours straight!

It was soo cute and very fun! This movie-watching thing was a first for us. We've definitely logged our hours of Sprout {which I have managed to wean her off of the whiny Calliou character while in MI}, Sponge Bob and countless Baby Einstein videos...but to have the attention span for a "movie" and watch it together - 1st and 1st!

Since Monday afternoon, I can count at least 4 repeats of Despicable Me. I guess this is what happens when Daddy is away.

We have managed to get out daily for walks and park time. Tuesday, we strolled our local mall and shared a double berry smoothie together.

Yesterday, we strolled the outlets {note: amazing outlets just 10 minutes from our new house!} and shared a single ice cream scoop. I cannot wait to go back {with money in my pocket} to hit up the Crew Cuts section of J.Crew. the Olive Oil store and the H&M under construction.

I must admit I love Banana Republic Factory Stores...but walking through the store yesterday made me a little sad, as I miss the business world. I miss getting dressed up daily, doing something with myself {hair/make-up}, running {some days, literally} around the Club all day and feeling uber productive, excited and successful.

I know my days will be wildly busy unpacking hundreds of brown boxes, soon enough.

We have managed to have some fun while J is away, but we cannot wait to see him this evening.

Miss L at the Park yesterday morning...sooo tired.
I thought she was going to fall asleep on the swing in front of me!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Miss L is such a bright, shining star in our world. Her little voice is so sweet, her mannerisms are adorably cute, and her personality is sparkly and fun.

These days, her vocabulary is full of surprises...and keeps us laughing, too! When asked "where is our new home?" She responds with "Denver, Colorado" but the "Colorado" turns into 6 syllables instead of 4. We STILL need to get this on video.

She may be the most polite 2 year old ever...accurately using "please...thank you...no, thank you...and 'bless you"...most times without being prompted.

She appears ready for life post-diapers...but mommy is desperately trying to hold off until after we move into our new home.

We had a few fun family celebrations back in Michigan for the respective families. Daddy even skyped us during one party!

On her actual birthday, our day included:



 - Daddy working from home in the a.m., so we all enjoyed breakfast at Panera Bread, where Miss L thoroughly enjoyed her Pumpkin Muffin.

- J drove to Colorado Springs {aka "The Springs"} for the day for work...and us girls enjoyed time at the Pool and a long nap

- Dinner out at The Cheesecake Factory. The super thoughtful server started off our table with a "baby plate" of sliced bananas and sliced bread for Miss L. By the end, the team joined us in singing Happy Birthday to the lil' girl while she blew out the candle on a cheesecake.
- Didn't arrive home until 9:30pm; where she opened the gift from us {we want to get her a kitchen...in the new house, but gave her a "Kitty Piano" for the day of present}. I'm not sure which she enjoyed more - the Kitty Piano {keyboard} OR the music + lights birthday card I handpicked. She continues to run around the apartment with her "birthday card."

It certainly was a fun and enjoyable day by all! Thanks to everyone who have shared in her world the past 2 years. xoxo

Another reason to {Heart} Target

I had the pleasure of residing {for a short while} in the home of Target. Minnesota boasts a SuperTarget every 3 miles {fact check: Lorryn} and is always a pleasant shopping experience.

I am happy to report a really new SuperTarget is just a few miles from our new home and I have already become a frequent customer of this particular location.

Of course, our Target visits aren't complete without a stop @ Starbucks for "Pumpkin Bread."
I was excited to see these little cupholders that attach to the grocery cart for ease of toting my fave beverage during my shopping trip. Leave it to Target to think of everything!

 

 

 

Miss L loves her Pumpkin Bread.
Mommy is enjoying a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher.

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday! After the short "holiday week" last week, we were afraid this week would feel extra long. Thankfully, with such an exciting week with the house - it really flew by!

 

 

Here are a few pics of silly Miss L from this week...

 

Both babies are in the box with Miss L

Mmmm...ice cream while dining al fresco and watching the Colorado sun set over the mountains!

Pool time on Thursday. She picked out the swimsuit and of course had to have mommy's wristlet at all times.

After about an hour at the Pool, I said: "Let's get out and go upstairs for lunch."
Miss L: "I want to stay at the Pool"
{ah, she is my daughter!}

This was mommy and daddy's treat - Tres Leche cake....probably my favorite dessert of all time!