New York Babymoon

The first thing you might be asking yourself...what in the world is a babymoon?  Well our definition is a trip before our upcoming baby arrives.  We took one to San Francisco, CA before Briggs was born (that was pre-blog).  We just got back from our latest babymoon to New York City, New York.

Here is a little recap of our weekend...

Day One

Cab ride from the airport to the hotel.  Not lying...SCARY!

First stop was Crumbs.  As you can see here...

evidenced by a yummy cupcake and iced coffee.  

Don't worry, I shared a little bit with Justin.

Headed to Times Square.  This is kind of like trying to find Where's Waldo...but there was a camera set up in the middle of everything.  It puts your picture on the big screen.  Kinda cool.  Can you find us...

A snapshot of Times Square.  

Yes, it really is as busy as it looks.  Kind of stressful at times.

This is our room.  Justin got our hotel right on the edge of Times Square 

so we could walk to everything. 

Then off to the broadway show...The Lion King.  

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. is all I can say about that one.  Justin and I both say this is one of our favorite parts of the weekend.  

A little shout out to the hubs...he planned the whole trip (we had an agenda and all).  For the broadway show he even got me a seat on the aisle so I could get to the bathroom easier.  Now that's special treatment!

Day Two

We started the day off on the double decker tour bus.  

Sorry, no pic of us together...but this is a snapshot of our view.  

We used this as our mode of transportation for the weekend along with the occasional cab.  

We pretty much focused on hitting all the big touristy spots which is where all the bus stops were..so worked out pretty good.

First stop was the top of the Empire State Building.  

If this was any indication on how the day was going to go...when we got there, you take an elevator up most of the way and then they herd you through hallways like cattle.  We are standing in line...one of the workers starts yelling out there is another option to standing there.."come take the short way" he says.  So, what do we do...take the short way...only to find out, the short way equals CLIMBING 6 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS!  Not the best start to the day.  Once I stopped sweating and caught my breath...we were able to take in the view...which was pretty cool.

This is one shot Justin got.  Looks like it goes on forever.

And another.  I'm not one for all the buildings, 

but it is pretty impressive what all is crammed into one little space.

Sidenote: on the way down from the top...

we didn't fall for the "shorter way down".  

We waited in line for the elevator :)

Next stop...Ground Zero.

Some of the construction going on, 

and the Freedom Tower that is being built

(tall building in the background) 

There are two pools (one pictured below) that were created in the footprints of the World Trade Centers as a memorial for those whose lives were lost. 

It was a very somber scene to take in.

Another view of the Freedom Tower.

We were told we MUST eat at Junior's, so we did.

It was a yummy meal and is a place known mostly for their cheesecake. 

You can kind of see it (cheesecake) behind our drinks...was VERY YUMMY. 

That night we kind of took it easy...per my request.  

I didn't include pics of all we did this day, but we did A LOT of walking and we didn't have time to stop and eat much because we were on such a time crunch to see everything.

It was actually pretty warm this day and I wasn't drinking enough water b/c that makes me have to pee.  We also figured out, there aren't many public bathrooms around NYC...which makes for a problem when you have a pregnant wife.  So, needless to say, when night time got here...I was ready to turn in.  We just moved a few things around on our agenda (yes, my husband got that technical, so we weren't losing a single second while we were there)

Justin got me settled in the room (feet propped up with a big bottle of water)
and went to scope out the night life.

Here are a few pics from his camera...

Times Square at night

These cab drivers don't play...time is money apparently...

 so they are in it to win it and get you to your destination.

Day Three

We started the day off by taking a ferry around Staten Island 

to get a closer look of the Statue of Liberty.

One thing that was interesting, once you get to Staten Island, they make you get off the ferry, walk through a building, and then load back up again.  Was kind of strange, but they said it was mandatory?  Wasn't a big deal, was just kind of strange.

It was pretty chilly but a beautiful day and we got a really good look at it.

And there she is...

We got to make a stop at the Apple store in NYC.  It was kind of neat b/c it was underground.  We didn't buy anything, just popped in for a visit and so Justin could say he went there.

Next stop Central Park.  Justin was all about taking transportation this day to prevent me from being worn out like the day before.  So, we took a pedicab to eat lunch at the Boathouse.  I do have to say, I felt kind of bad for the guy...he was riding a bike while we are just sitting back there chillin'...but I guess that's his job?

We grabbed a bite to eat at the Boathouse (pictured in the background), 

and then took a stroll through Central Park. 

This part was so peaceful but kind of weird.  There are so many movies you see with shots of Central Park and the Boathouse, and we are walking around there.  It's just strange to be in a place you have only seen from such a different perspective (tv/movies).

Central Park...really is as beautiful as Justin captured in this picture

We thought this guy was interesting.  

He was making huge bubbles from two sticks and a string.  

He had a pretty big audience too.

Next stop..Serendipity3.  From the movie Serendipity. 

We were expecting a really long wait, but it actually wasn't bad. 

It was a very interesting place on the inside..as you can kind of see in this pic

The whole reason we went there was to get their famous frozen hot chocolate.  It was very yummy! We went ahead and got fries too...sweet and salty fix.

On our trip, we also covered other hot spots including: 

• SoHo.  we even walked in Dash, the Kardashians' store (no purchases...I couldn't even afford a shirt in that place) and Tiffany & Co.
• Little Italy.  We didn't spend a ton of time here b/c there was some kind of festival this weekend.  It was pretty crowded, but we did grab a pizza while there.  We were told they have the best italian food.  I don't know that either of us were overly impressed, but it was pretty good.
• China Town.  We did some souvenir shopping here b/c we were told it was the best prices.  I agree.  We got two shirts for the price of one in downtown NYC.  It was a little nerve-wracking with all the black market vendors asking you if you want a designer bag.  They would literally come right up to you and ask you multiple times under their breath "Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Coach"... Needless to say, since I'm not your name brand girl...they weren't a temptation for me, just kind of freakin me out.

         I did get some cute sunglasses in China Town for $5. I'm sure they are a knock off
        of some fancy designer...I just thought they were cute :)

Below are some cool pics Justin got while were there.  

Just captured some shots of the city and things we saw while we were there.

To end our last night in NYC, we took an open-top bus tour over to Brooklyn.  It took about 1.5 hours (round trip) and was a nice way to end our trip.  We got to see NYC from across the river and a few other things.  It was too dark to get any good shots, so no pics of that part.

Overall it was a great trip.  Very busy and we both came back pretty exhausted, but it was great to get away together and spend time just the two of us.

I know you are all wondering what we did with Briggs...Well you won't have to wait long to find out.  He is getting his own post b/c, well you will see...but he was a very busy boy while mommy and daddy were gone.

Watermelon Smoothie

I LOVE me some watermelon.  So does Briggs...he got it honest. 

I have been wanting a new way to eat it since we got one literally every single week this summer.  Briggs and I would eat them pretty fast but sometimes I would freeze some of it for the following purpose.  I googled some recipes for a watermelon smoothie and came up with this...

Honestly...it's pretty much just anything I have in the freezer/frig,

 but I did get some ideas of what would go good together.

In this smoothie:

watermelon

strawberries

mango

peaches

orange juice (any kind of juice would work)

kale

Note: Use frozen fruit and it makes the smoothie more slushy, or you can add ice if it's all fresh fruit

To make it more filling, I usually add protein powder but since I'm pregnant, I'm skipping that for now. And yogurt is usually a staple in these, I just didn't have any when I made this one

This is what the finished product looks like. 

 I know it has a green tint, which is from the kale.  

Honestly you can't taste the kale, it's just for the nutrients.

And then, if you have a cute little guy like this one...

nothing is your own anymore, so you get to share everything, 

including your smoothie.

But...when it's something that's good for him, I'm all about sharing

and letting him have some of my yummy, healthy snack. 

As you can see...even Briggs thinks it's good.

Free Books

We are part of a free program offered at our library to encourage early exposure to reading.  Go here to read more about it and to see if it's available in your area. 

All we had to do was register at our local library, or there is also an option to do it online at the link above.  We get a book delivered to our house every 6 weeks or so.  The books have been really good so far and are suppose to keep coming until Briggs starts kindergarten.

I mean...he looks pretty pumped about his book 

(yes this pic is pretty old...shows you how far behind I am on my posts)

Here are the books we have gotten since we registered for the program...not bad..yeah?

Briggs loves to read and look at books, so this is a great way to encourage early literacy and learning....did I mention that it's FREE! 

 So go sign your kids up and get them some FREE books :)

Wedding Gift anyone?

We are pretty much out of the wedding season in our life, for the most part.  But occasionally we get an invite.  If you know me well, you know weddings are my FAV! I love everything about them, the planning, shopping for the dress...especially the dress, the details, the production, the character of each one, pretty much the... everything.

Anyway...we just recently got invited to a wedding shower and here is what I copied from pinterest as part of their gift.

This is my version and steps on how to make it...

Start with a package of the clear glass ornaments.  It's a great time to get them NOW..because trust me, you won't be able to find them after Christmas...I tried.  I got the medium size ornaments but I really think the smaller size would have worked fine too.

Note:  I got these at Hobby Lobby. They actually weren't on sale when I got them, but if you have an iphone, you can pull up the 40% off coupon on their website, flash it at them at the register and they will give you the discount.

Next cut the wedding invitation into strips.  I didn't measure or anything, I just tried my hardest to keep a steady hand and cut the strips to where the important words stayed mostly intact (i.e. wedding date, their names, location...).

Then wrap the strips around a pen.  I was skeptical about this step, but it worked like a charm.

Stick the pieces into the ornament, 

put the top back on, 

tie some cute ribbon as the hanger, AND...

Final gift all put together...

This project seriously took me all of 20 minutes, maybe a little less and the longest part was curling the strips and sticking down in the ornament.  

Next time..I might would try getting some more paper or tinsel a similar shade to the wedding invitation and fill the ornament a little more.  I was still pleased with the final result.  I just think since I used the medium ornaments, there was a little more extra space than needed.

Overall it's a great way to put a personal touch on a wedding gift and something that couple will treasure forever.

Baton Rouge Trip

We finally made it down to Baton Rouge.  We have only tried TWO other times and three if you count the summer.  Justin was working a ton this summer, even on the weekends. Our first official planned trip, Justin got sent out of town for work.  The second planned trip, Briggs got sick.  So needless to say, we were excited to FINALLY get down there when we did.

Our main purpose was to meet this little guy...

Landon "Ty" Poland, Jr.

He is our newest little nephew.

G-maw has him here

 Aunt Iris got her a little snuggle time

 And uncle J...

I think we both forgot how tiny those new babies are

Here is the whole gang...Ty decided he needed to sleep

And Briggs still isn't sure who his G-maw his holding

photo shoot with G-maw

And here are the proud parents

Landon and Jamie

Briggs had fun with his uncle Landon

 Briggs likes to be thrown really high :)

Briggs even got to go to church with G-maw so she could show him to all her friends

Then we moved our party over to LSU Tiger territory.

We spent time with Abs and her family.

The boys got to see Mike the Tiger

Our LSU visit brought back so many memories.  

It's where Justin and I met...and now look at us 

11 years later and 1.5 kids

**disclaimer...I'm that not fat, just in that awkward, starting to get a baby bump stage...hate that!**

Then on to Aunt Abs and Uncle Josh's house for some play time

Cade

Brooks showing Briggs the ropes with the truck

Want a ride ladies?

Brooks

And they just kept getting wet and dirty 

so we just stripped them down and let them go in their diapers.

Had to get a couple cousin shots

to end the day we all went to feed the ducks 

photo by... yours truly.

little tubby refused to feed the ducks..he thought that was wasteful 

so he decided to eat it himself

a great ending to a great visit

We were able to make our visit a little longer...Friday to a Monday which means we packed some stuff in there.  Got to visit some of our good friends for dinner, spent the day with baby Ty (Landon and Jamie), saw Justin's parents, spent some time with Abs and her famly including visiting LSU, even had time to swing by our old church (where we got married) and say hey to a few people.

We were all tired when we got home, but it was a good visit and we got to do a lot of stuff.  More importantly we got to spend time with family, which is always good.

Garden Tea

Since the seasons are changing, if you have any fresh herbs and are wanting to use them up...here is a yummy way to do it.

Mint and Sage are suppose to last through the winter, but basil will die as we get more cold weather unless you move it indoors.  So, I decided to make some tea with some of my herbs.  I'm going to call it garden tea because when I shared a glass with my neighbor, her comment was..."yum, this tastes just like a garden".

Pictured below you see the basil stems, mint stems and sage leaves I cut.

To prep for the tea I pulled off some leaves and washed them real good with water.

Next I used boiled some water, placed two green tea bags in the hot water to steep and added my sage, mint and basil leaves. (forgot to take a picture, but was nothing fancy)

 I left it there for a little bit...then combined it all in a pitcher (pictured below).

The final touch was two tablespoons of honey to add a little sweetener.

This is a very mild tea and not very sweet, but very refreshing...enjoy!

Birmingham Reunion Part 2

 One of the days everybody was here, my dad's side of the family came over from all around Birmingham...Georgia, Huntsville, and we had a cookout.  It was interesting...there were 25 people who came in and out of our house that day.  We, of course, love having a place for everyone to come and get together. 

And here are a few pics to document our weekend...

Uncle Debe with Russ and Dad..

Some of the girls

Gramme and Pa

Some more of the guys...Justin trying to be cool

John-boy (Jonathan), Sandy and Grayson

Dad's brother

Joey, David, Spec (Becky), Michael and Jason. 

And yes all those boys really are as tall as they look in this pic

Dad's sister

Dane, Debe (Steve), Kathy and Mallery

Dad's brother

The Bob (Bobby) Parker family...

we are the only ones who have reproduced..so far :)

Gramme and Pa

The ones who got us all here

Great Gramme and Pa with all the babies

Nobody wanted to be sitting...they were all wanting to play

If ya blink, you will miss this little lady....Momma Jean (mom's mom)

She came over from Georgia for a few hours to see the kids and my mom of course.

She followed all the kiddos around and spent some time visiting with all of us. 

So we crammed all these people into one day.  It was a packed, fun-filled day where we got to see family, eat yummy food and spend some time together.

We feel very blessed to have such a great family and enjoyed all the time we got spend together.