Ohio Parties & Picnics!

I know we just came back from a week in Ohio, a few weeks ago, BUT we didn't want to miss out on a weekend of family fun. My niece turned six years old and I knew the boys would have a great time at her party. Plus, there was a reunion picnic for my mom's side of the family and I have not been to one since before we moved to Costa Rica (back in 2008).

We actually took a 845PM flight on Friday and I was not looking forward to it. Mateo did not take a nap (which is happening more and more these days) and I was expecting the worst [behavior]. BUT, I did something very smart! We were at Barnes & Noble earlier in the week and I bought two big sticker books and waited until we were boarding the plane to give it to them! Sometimes I kick myself for being so stupid...why haven't I done this before? I always take SOMETHING for them to do, but something NEW is the key parents. The suitcases were new as well, that was exciting too.

We had a record flight in terms of good behavior. In a never been seen before event, Mateo played happily with his new book and 30 minutes later laid his head on my lap and went to sleep. Marcelo also played quietly with his stickerbook, and although the last 20 minutes he was a little loud, he was staying in his seat. That's a win!

He was tired, but when we pulled up to the gate in Canton, he jumped up with his suitcase ready to see grandma & papa.

Both of them crashed on the 15 minute ride back to my parents and were up bright and early. #ofcourse We had plans to hit the Hall of Fame Parade the next morning, so I guess it all worked out. The Hall of Fame is kinda what has Canton "on the map" so when the annual Hall of fame weekend rolls around, it's a pretty big deal.

We had great seats and the boys enjoyed watching all the balloons and bands.

This sweet little girl turned 6 and is starting first grade this year. She could not be any cuter.

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She wanted a flower birthday party, which her mommy whipped together beautifully. It didn't hurt that her grandma has such an amazing garden and brought several bouquets for the party.

When it came to present time, Mateo was front and center.

No, the birthday girl had no shortage of helpers.

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Sunday was the Wellman family reunion at my aunt and uncles house. My mom is one of seven kids. SEVEN. And all of her siblings 3-5 kids. There are A LOt of cousins. Many were not able to make it, but there was still a good group. It was nice to see everyone.

For as long as I can remember, my uncle Bill has had a pool. It was the highlight of the day for the kids.

The food smorgusboard was more exciting for me...and mingling of course:)

By the way, look at how HUGE I am. I bought that dress and Target a couple days earlier and felt so cute and stylish in it. I wish I had a picture with a frontal view. My tummy looked so cute popping out. this angle focuses more on my big a$$. But hey-the camera doesn't lie. That right there is 20 pounds of baby weight folks. This is me at the start of my third trimester.

With the parade and a couple parties/picnics planned, we had a little time to play out in Grandmas garden. Marcelo could water flowers all day.

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Monday morning was kind of gloomy so we ventured out to a butterfly garden about 20 mintues from my parents in Alliance. My cousin was telling us about Beechcreek Gardens at the reunion and it really was a cute little place.

We dipped qtips into sugar water and the butterflies came to have a drink.

After about 10 mintes of watching the butterflies and catapillars, it was time to get outside. Luckily it wasn't raining and there was a lot of room to run/play.

We flew back to Atlanta Tuesday afternoon. It was a short trip, but packed with fun. These little travelers are full of adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

'Round Here

How is your Summer going? Boy, has it been HOT here. The good news is that our big Spring and Summer and maybe Fall too project is coming to an end. Heck it may even be done in the next month! We are down to the final path to the driveway. Probably another 5-6 cement squares. I can't wait for all of the red clay/mud to be covered! We can spray that shed off for good! Our Zoysia grass took beautifully and is green and lush! It has been a lot of work (for Ernesto) but I think it looks super cool.

Besides more work on the backyard, (more pictures coming soon) we have just been trying to keep cool...which only works part of the time. The other part we are drenched in sweat, but such is the life during Atlanta Summers.

*We have been using our membership at Atlanta Children's Museum

* Climbing, running and jumping at Hippo Hop and Catch Air, two indoor playgrounds.

*Swimming at Grant Park Pool

*Greeting our garbage trucks

*Riding bikes at The Olympic Track.

One morning while at the track, a reporter from the AJC took this picture and we were in the paper the following day. He was capturing people being active, despite the heat. Of course, in the narrative, the reporter got his facts wrong (he said Mateo had just taken off his training wheels, but I told him that he never had training wheels!)

*Eating donuts at our weekly farmers market

*Playing in boxes

There is a "toy park" in downtown decatur where the boys love to play for hours. The HUGE fenced park is full of donated toys and they wear themselves out really good. We usually make a trip of it and grab lunch or dinner at Taqueria del Sol afterwards.

Besdies all the toys, the pine tress are trimmed perfectly for climbing.

Earlier this Summer, my sisters beloved pet Winnie passed away suddenly. My heart broke for her because I knew how much she and her husband were hurting. When her birthday rolled around I had a great idea! I commissioned a painting of little Winnie! I found the artist on etsy and she did a wonderful job! My sister LOVES it!!

In other art news, I scored this HUGE oil Painting at a thrift store last week for $20!!!! There is just something about it that I love. It looks great in my bedroom.

I also love this character.

Over the weekend we took a stroll on the Beltline and ended with an impromptu stop at the Old 4th Ward Splash Pad. It was smeltering hot and the boys were already drenched with sweat, so we just stripped 'em down.

We also get to the zoo quite often. Sometimes for nothing more than riding the train and carousel.

I bought a couple .97 cent squirt bottles from Target and it has changed bath time. They loving having target practice...sometimes even aiming at something other than each other.

Ernesto and I went out on a date over the weekend and it was fabulous. It started with coffee and a little window shopping in the new Ponce City Market. Have you guys been into West Elm lately? Such good stuff. What really inspired me though, was this yarn art. Different shades and sizes of yarn were tied to an embroidery hoop and hung from the ceiling. Im thinking little mexi-can #3 needs this. (added it to my list)

Also, I am 26 weeks pregnant. What!? Almost in the 3rd trimester already? Same as the first two times, I am loving my belly! This dress which is non-maternity has been worn through all 3 pregnancies and is so comfortable and flattering. I can eat to my hearts content and not feel stuffed in my clothes.

We enjoyed a meal of appetizers at The Luminary (a French restaurant inside Krog Market) including this warm octopus with cold cucumber salad. Deeeee-lish!

Marcelo started climbing out of his crib a few weeks ago. It has since been rigged by his papi in hopes to buy us a little more time. I am not ready!

Yes, those are canvases on either end. Im actually not sure HOW they are preventing him from climbing out, ( i think it is mental) but I'm positive it will not be long before he figures out that he can, in fact, still climb out.

**This topic is worthy of a whole other blog post (and it's coming...complete with climbing out video)

In the mean time, we have purchased another twin mattress and have given these boys a chance to sleep together. SPOILER: It's not working...but boy do they look cute laying there when I shut the door.

Marcelo starts preschool next week with Mateo and I could not be more ready for some mornings off. Plus , it feels so good leaving them at The Language Garden. They learn so much and come home Tired. As. Hell. Just how I like 'em!!