Memorial Day Weekend

Ahhh, the beach. My happiest place on Earth. The minute we can see the bridge to cross over on to the island I get giddy with excitement. Maybe it's the salt air or sea gulls, I don't know. Whatever it is, it puts me at ease...at least for a few minutes!

Saturday afternoon we headed down to NWW as very thankful guests of Meagan and Colby. We arrived in close to record time and Aidan was fabulous on the ride down as usual. After a little while we ordered dinner and then Sean, Aidan, and I headed up to the boardwalk to see the sights and ride the rides. I believe it was the first Memorial Day weekend down the shore for all of us. It was quite crowded but we had fun anyway. Last year Aidan was a little hesitant on the rides and hated the carousel. This year he LOVED the rides, even that fast-spinning carousel. He slept well through the night, probably exhausted from chasing around his three furry friends, Mac, Manny, and Miller.

{Aidan's favorite ride}

On Sunday we were up and Aidan was fully recharged and ready to go to the "big beach". Once we finally got ready and walked down there he was ready to play right away. He loves playing lacrosse with his Aunt Cait so he was so happy that the "sticks" came down with us. He got right to playing with Cait, Kel, and Daddy. The weather was perfect, although hot. The occasional breeze was wonderful. The water was a bit cold, but didn't stop Aidan from running in up to his ankles a time or two, especially being with Aunt Cait, Aunt Meg, or Daddy. He played in the sand, learned how to play paddle ball, and people watched. He even took a little nap. Things are so much different this year. Last year he pretty much stayed put and was easy to entertain with a bucket full of water and some toys and this year he wanted to be on the go most of the time. He wanted interaction and to play with the big kids, not just sit around. He did still need Daddy's shoulder and a nice walk to get to sleep, but once asleep took a nice little nap on the beach. And yes, he does still wear the hat and sunglasses this year...a little more effort on our part to get them on, but they stay on 90% of the time. :)

{playing a little LAX in 2010}

{ So easily occupied in 2009}
{Our little sleepyhead}

After most of the day at the beach and a few too many rays for Mommy and Aunt Meg (apparently we need tutoring on spray sunscreen since we've lost our skills in using it!), it was time to head back to the house to get showered. Once clean and hydrated, we enjoyed a very delicious dinner with Colby's parents, Meg, Colb, Cait, and Kel. Aidan ate alright, but he was more interested in entertaining us as a dinosaur under the table. The half hour nap and extended time in the sun made him almost delirious! After relaxing for a bit we headed up to the boardwalk with Meg for a few more rides for Aidan and ice cream on the way home. Aidan really had a blast this weekend at the shore and we did too!

Today while Sean was out golfing with his dad, Aidan and I took advantage of the beautiful day and our pool membership and headed over to the pool. I figured the water would be freezing and we'd both be miserable, however it wasn't too bad. The baby pool was quite refreshing and Aidan went right in. The big pool was chilly, but not so bad that I couldn't get in the three foot section with my little guy jumping in to me. I definitely did not come prepared...I forgot my cell phone, so I couldn't blog any pictures, also didn't think of bringing the camera. :( At least we've got all summer for pictures!

My thoughts on life right now:
Family time is the best time.
My house is a mess still (but not as bad as the previous post)!

my dirty laundry

*WARNING: This post is intended to be self-motivational*

my.house.is.a.MESS.

Really, it's a mess. Is it dirty? Not really. Cluttered? ABSOLUTELY! There are toys everywhere! Here, picture this:

{Downstairs}You walk in the front door, behind it is a folded up stroller with some reusable bags and the cart cover on top. To the right of the door next to the steps are bags of clothes to be donated. On the steps are piles of paperwork to go to the office (we'll get there eventually), birthday and mother's day cards that I'm too sentimental to recycle, a huge quantity of snapfish photos that need to be put in albums I haven't bought yet, and hanging on the railing are about 3-5 articles of clothing. The living room is housing an "igloo" tent which has a train set inside, another train set outside, a box from a stroller I bought today (really great deal on a Joovy Kooper!), an exersaucer we got out for when friends brought over their baby, and a few toys scattered compliments of Aidan and Toby. Dining room table has been covered with the waterproof pad and not a table cloth in months, hutch is holding things that don't belong there, empty beer meister is taking up space and collecting tennis balls underneath, and more dog toys not in the basket in the corner. The kitchen has a sinkful of dishwasher-not-safe kid stuff, a counter of mail and paperwork, and a table covered with mail. The family room has a huge bubble container that hasn't made it to the garage since Aidan's birthday (4/25), shoes/toys/clothes scattered, pillows out of place (my nightly thing...too many on the couch to lay down with all of them), magazines and newspapers that are past "old news" and Aidan's toy corner needs serious organization. The powder room has my makeup bag, 3 contact lens cases, solution, face wash, and probably a brush or two on the small counter. And last but not least, the laundry room is holding food, kitchen ware, and anything else that can't seem to find a home. Oh, the garage, we won't even dare go there on the clutter.

{Upstairs} Get to the top landing of the steps and what do you see? Extra photos and thank you cards that need to be put away, hallway and all floor areas scattered with dog toys. Aidan's room has outgrown clothes laying on the floor, pampers points to be submitted, homeless empty photo album and sound machine to be used, and laundry to do. Office is a room I prefer not to go in at all. There's a pack n play and extra crib mattress right inside the door, queen bed that only the dog sleeps on, a few ride on toys that Aidan has outgrown, filing that probably dates back to december to do, and a catch-all closet. Our room has enough laundry-clean and dirty-to clothe a small army; shoes scattered under the bed, next to the bed, and all over the supposedly walk in closet floor; more dog toys. Both bathrooms need a quick pick up, thorough cleaning, and redecorating.

So, now that I've aired my dirty laundry about my clutter, maybe I'll get off of my behind and make my house something I can be proud of. The inside is a nice space, when it's not cluttered, but somehow it seems that life gets the best of us and so does the clutter. I'd like to think that the clutter means I'm too busy being a good mom and wife instead, but I know improvements can always be made there too. Maybe it's the stress from work lately that's made it gotten out of hand, or maybe the nice weather? Whatever it is, I know that it's got to stop now. I want a clean house that I won't be ashamed of should someone stop by without notice.

My thoughts on life right now:
I just used this blog as a way to procrastinate on cleaning up. :(

Love that face

I can't believe how fast my little man is growing up. He loves his milk and bears still though...he's rubbing the tag on the bear. That's how he usually carries them around the house. :-)

Saturday night entertainment

After a few hours of fun at the Swedesboro Garden Show with Steph and Aidan, and once Sean got home from golfing with the guys, we headed out to see a good friend of ours play at a local eatery. Jason Ager is the lucky husband of my very best friend Danielle. They're down in DC now so when they come up it's nice to meet up with them. It's also great to be able to hear Jason without having to find a babysitter. Jason played at The Spot in Woodbury. His music is a mix of blues and rock. He's even released a CD! He's awesome. The food was delicious, Aidan enjoyed the music and even sang a little himself, and the company was, of course, the best.

Jason Ager at The Spot in Woodbury

Playset fun!

Aidan got a playset for his birthday and is soooo happy to have a slide in his backyard. We are really happy he enjoys it and it will definitely be useful in years to come. It's great quality and really sturdy. We thought we should probably get one of the toddler/baby swings for him, but he showed us that he's alright swinging in the regular swing all by himself. Of course he doesn't go very high, but our baby is such a big boy! Here are some pics for you to enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone. Today started out with breakfast at my sister's for my mom and I. As we were leaving with plans to go to the zoo, we realized it was still pretty chilly and we didn't bring enough layers to be comfortable all day outside. So, off to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden instead. It was fairly crowded and we went sans stroller for the first time. It wasn't too bad and Aidan really loved it. He loved watching the fish but especially loved the seals. We went into the 4-d theater and Aidan sat on my lap the whole time. At one point I asked Sean to see if he was sleeping since he was so still. He was just enjoying the show. This gives us hope that we might be able to take him to the movies this summer. It was a great time had by all.

4-D theater

4D @ aquarium

seal chasing

Aidan loved "chasing" this seal from window to window. He was so excited about it.

Prepping for our zoo trip

Trying out daddy's PS3

biggest Phillies fan

May already?

Really? Is it really May already? Unbelievable.

The spring is flying by and quite frankly with the 80-90 degree temps outside it may as well be summer already. I'd love it if summer were here because it would mean days off and time with the little guy, but unfortunately we have around 33 days of school left, but who's counting, right? My to-do list is about as long as the driveway at this point, but hopefully with a little help and magic some of it will get done soon.

This weekend was a fun and productive one. Friday while I was busy at work, the landscapers came and demolished the sidewalk in our back yard and removed all the crappy stones, weeds, and tree trunks that were surrounding the shed. By the time I got home they were grading the dirt and putting down grass seed. The mulch, bushes, and plants were already in. It looks amazing! I can't believe what a difference it made. I can't wait until the grass comes in. Also on Friday the Salvation Army pick-up people came and picked up a few large items that were taking up space in our garage. Cleaning up the garage is going to be a major project but it NEEDS to get done. And the sooner the better. Anyone want any random household stuff? I bet we've got it.

Saturday was a busy one that began with a little outside play with Aidan until we realized it was steamy hot and not so cool out. What a good reason to introduce him to the Pippi Longstocking movie! Later that afternoon I went to Lauren's baby shower. She got a lot of great stuff and should be set for that baby to come along any time now. They're holding out for the surprise but I'm thinking it's a girl. Seeing all the baby stuff made me totally miss having a baby. I do love my toddler though.

That evening we hung out at Meagan and Colby's for a little Cinco de Mayo food and fun. Food was delicious and apparently so were we since the bugs were biting in full force! That sent us inside but didn't take away the fun. The boys always find a way to make things fun. Lauren let me feel the baby move. Feeling that baby move was an amazing thing. I have to say that's the one thing I miss the absolute most about being pregnant.

Today we went to my mom's for dinner and enjoyed some nice company and delicious food. We also got a few things done around the house and spent a little time outside with Aidan. Realizing the weekend was over stunk, especially since there's so much to do around the house, not to mention grocery shop!

My thoughts on life right now:
I need more sleep.
I've been neglecting my technological side (this blog, uploading pics, etc.)
Mother's day is next weekend. Thanks for making me a mommy, Aidan! :-)

enjoying one of the new tables :)