Summer Nights at the Vineyard

Some people have a beach nearby, a farm or even a lake to retreat to during the summers. While all of those things aren't all that far from us, Arrington Vineyard is super duper close to us. I have a feeling that is where we will be spending a lot of our summer evenings. Gabe was out of town this past weekend, so I called up my spontaneous bestie and we decided that a picnic filled with Mexican food, leftover birthday cake and wine would bring us much happiness! Simultaneously taking in a beautiful view didn't hurt either.

Off we went! I love how many families had the same idea that night. I enjoy crowds of people ( for the most part). I watched Amara run up and down a hill repeatedly, which brought her a lot of entertainment. I was able to relax on a blanket and eat in peace. Did I mention, we will be spending a lot of summer nights here?

 ^^^ Left over birthday cake with some raspberry dessert wine that the vineyard makes. ^^^

(They have a blackberry that I am dying to try)

^^^ Little hands can't resist cake......who can blame her? ^^^

 ^^^ A little blurry, but I love this picture. ^^^

Zoo day

 We went to the zoo yesterday for the first time this season, and it was an ABSOLUTE PERFECT DAY to be outside. Amara and I met up with our sweet friends, and kicked off our little adventure with a carousel ride. You guys....I have been anxiously awaiting this zoo trip because Amara is starting to really take note of the things around her, especially babies and animals. We made animal sounds in the car on the way to the zoo ( gotta get her prepped, ya know?), and it just made her laugh so hard. I just knew that she would get a kick out of seeing these animals that we mimic day in and day out.

  It is just so much fun watching this little bean that was in my tummy not even two years ago growing into a full -blown little girl. I think that is why the zoo was so fun for me today.... because Amara is starting to interact and enjoy outings like these, and to be honest, there is just nothing that makes me happier than watching her be happy and so amused. Period! Although, a close second would be the watermelon snow cone and soft pretzel that I had today.

Snow cones just make you feel like a kid....in the best way possible. 

I know it is hard to tell my legs apart from the Goat hair, but they ARE two different things.

Morning Silence

 I have NEVER been a morning person! When I was pregnant, people would always tell me " Well, get ready because when that baby gets here, you will never be able to sleep in!" The thing is....we put Amara down between 8 and 9 pm ( sometimes later if we are partying hard), so she sleeps pretty well into the morning. I have always just slept in until I heard her little voice waking me up. However, I recently woke up the other morning wide awake, and Amara was still sleeping. I took the time to make myself a cup of coffee, some breakfast and just relax. It is a great time to do my devotional for the day too. I just never make the effort to give myself that beautiful, SILENT time in the morning. I really want to try and adjust my schedule so that I can take that moment before my day starts to just "gear up" and move at my own slow pace. I love the smell of coffee. I love the sounds of making coffee.....all of that stuff that you don't hear when you have a husband, baby and dog running around. 

 Here is to my new morning silence! Jenni, just get your butt in bed earlier so you can give this to yourself. It is so worth it!! Some coffee ( pour over style) and yummy breakfast doesn't hurt. :)

My absolute favorite thing to eat for breakfast right now. I am sure I will tire of it soon! ;)

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Play date.

It is day ONE of the TEN days that Gabe is out of the country. I miss him soooo much already. It is the sweetest ( and saddest ) thing to watch Amara listen for, and think she hears "dada". She has said his name every couple of hours since we dropped him off at the airport. Since we are both in a funk from missing our guy, I am attempting to occupy every waking moment of our time. I would say it is more for me than her. I get really anxious and can't sit still, so I am always wanting to go eat somewhere or shop somewhere or do SOMETHING!

 Today, we got to hang out with two of my fav mommies, and their sweet babies. Time is so sweet together. Our kids have been around each other since they were born, and there is just a great comfort in being with two women who have seen you in your pjs at one time or another with no make-up on. It was so hot outside today, so we opted for the puppet show at the library. It was my first time taking Amara and it was AMAZING! Then, we headed to grab some yummy Mexican food and some gelato. It is always a good day when gelato is involved. Amara also got a new pair of sandals. She is becoming quite the shoe shopper. So much that she is turning me into a shoe lover. When I try a pair of shoes on her and ask her if she likes them, she responds with a little laugh. How can you NOT buy them!?!?! Yesterday, I bought her a pair of glittery knock off Tom's from Target. Ummm, they are too big for her little feet, but the fact that she refused to take them off and keeps pointing at them and talking with her excited little tone....it melts me.

There is something to be said for mommy/daughter time. I really want to enjoy these days while daddy is gone. One day, I won't be cool enough to hang out with. It is just part of life. I am stocking up on memories, ya know?

She loves mommy's hats!

Puppets!

Sitting petite and pretty

The yummiest chicken enchilada with lemon cream sauce.

Amara loved the queso of course. I am pretty sure that is all she ate for lunch.

We are raising a "hugger". I love her affectionate heart!

Local honey & peanut butter gelato at Legato Gelato in Edgehill....yes, please!

Where did my baby go? She is growing up so quickly....and becoming quite the shopper.

Shoes are her weakness ( new sandals pictured ;)

We're baaaack! ( Florida Pt. 1)

We made it back home from FL on Friday evening! I miss the beach already, and I am definitely daydreaming about our next vacation....possibly withOUT a child in tow. I love the memories we got to make on this trip, but traveling with a toddler is EXHAUSTING, and hardly feels like a vacation in certain instances. It just feels like you are doing regular life in a different place.

 We only really got ONE beach day due to windy weather and chilly temps, but one day in the water is better than none! We felt so blessed to stay in a friend's condo, which totally helped out with the expense of the trip. Favorite parts of the trip: salted caramel gelato, an omelette with cream cheese and chorizo, walking around Rosemary Beach with people we love, shopping in some BEAUTIFUL boutiques, naps on the balcony right on the beach, watching Amara splashing in the pool with daddy, and our morning in Seaside where I had the best grilled cheese ever.....just to name a few. It was just so nice to get away!!

There are a fair amount of pics below.....and this is only the first of 3 posts :)

We spent most of the mornings on the balcony. It was the first thing Amara would run to when she woke up! I can't blame her.

Our view...

 kisses

Our power breakfast a couple of mornings!

Amara DID NOT like the sand, sooo.....

We opted for pool time with daddy, which went over really well.

Beach curls.... love!

We caught an amazing drum solo in Seaside.

A blog worthy grilled cheese...

 We strolled around Seaside this morning, and it was so beautiful! I loved the small "beachy" town feel. Everything from the adorable boutiques ( which definitely sucked me in and stole my money) to the food trucks made it so charming and perfect for a little outing with my babes!

 I must admit...my whole reason for taking time out of vacation for this dinky little post is to tell you how amazing my lunch was. I love food people!! Grilled cheese is one of my weaknesses, so as soon as I laid eyes on this heavenly truck, my decision was made. The Melt Down on 30A has made its home in my heart as the BEST. GRILLED. CHEESE. EVER!! I got the turkey grilled cheese with avocado, bacon, and some kind of delicious tangy mayo. YUM. Gabe opted for a chili dog. The man loves hot dogs, but I believe he said he "made a mistake" not getting the grilled cheese about 3 or 4 times during lunch.

 We left with the cutest baby T for Amara as a keepsake. Fun times today! We are going to walk the Pier after her nap time, and then hit Pier Park this evening for dinner and some more shopping. Let me just go on record and say " Shopping is not so fun with a toddler". Thank God for daddy! :)

Salted Caramel gelato with the only one I would ever share my spoon with.