Lately, we’ve managed to keep ourselves plenty busy. Our daily routines have been shaken up by family visits and time in the water, with a few extra things in the mix. Here are some pics of what’s been going on lately. It’s always the little things.
This past weekend we went down to my hometown for some family time. I always travel in style in the backseat with my little munchkins. Am I the only one who does this? Please tell me no. Basically, I am there for tech support for the iPad since Charlotte is still rear-facing. She is still in love with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and those videos have been my best purchases on the iPad thus far. However, I am about to order an iPad holder for the backseat thanks to a suggestion from Home of Malones. In the meantime, I’m soaking up the time with my little people and loving our backseat adventures.
While in the good ol’ hometown, we like to go to a place called Shellfish. Since MJ and I have no family in Houston, we definitely take full advantage of the ample amount of babysitters when visiting the fam. We managed to get out on the town three nights in a row, to the same spot no less. I know. So scandalous in a town made up of 12,000 people.
This is one of my favorite meals from Shellfish. Fish and Chips from this place is so good. I ordered this our first night there. No Paleo for me on trips. It takes the fun out of things. However, this meal really makes me miss Hawaii.
This picture of Charlotte and me is so special, not because it’s groundbreaking or anything. It’s special because it was taken by my grandma, my Momo. I love that lady. It also was taken right after I had a wonderful lunch with my mom, just the two of us. One of my aunts so graciously offered to babysit Charlotte during lunch, and I definitely took her up on it. See people? It’s the little things that make my heart happy. Enjoying some mother-daughter time was just what we needed. We hadn’t done that in a hot minute, so it was such a nice hour of catching up with no distractions.
Then this happened on Saturday morning.
We went to my grandparents’ home, and we enjoyed Momo’s breakfast tacos. You know the kind of food that only your grandma can make? The kind that you can try to replicate but something about her way of making it is so much more special? Yep, that’s what we enjoyed. And of course Charlotte lounging around in her PJs in the house I used to roam around in when I was her age makes it all the more nostalgic and appreciated. The little things.
On Saturday, we officially welcomed summertime with some pool-time. It’s amazing how the hot summer days have changed as I age. I used to have a nice tan by day 1 of summer. These days, I’m lucky to have a tan by my sunless tanner on day 50 of summer. We’ll see how that goes. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t change my tan-less life for anything. After having a late lunch with my dad (I swear all we do is eat when we’re there), we soaked up some sun at my aunt’s house and enjoyed the pool with some family.
I’m also in the process of purchasing Charlotte a few more bathing suits. I had no idea we would be in the pool or enjoying water activities as much as we have. She’s in her bathing suit at least once a week (sometimes more if we’re lucky) which makes shopping for more swimsuits a necessity. But she still is the cutest no matter how many pictures I’ve snapped of her in the same outfit.
She’s found a new favorite spot: my shoulder. I could do this all day, every day.
And don’t let this picture fool you. I had posted this on my Instagram this weekend, and you better believe this was filtered to make the pool look sparkly and our skin look golden. We all know I’m not really that tan. But just think if I was. :)
Saturday night was another date night for us. It was a last minute decision, and it was already past 9 o’clock, so back to Shellfish it was. We were looking forward to a steak or something yummy on their delicious menu. As soon as we showed up, we were told that the kitchen was closed and only a handful of appetizers were being served. Griswold city. From their small “late night” menu, I ordered what they call a Highbrow Plate: cheese and crackers. That makes me laugh. Anyway, I took most of it home. Even though we didn’t get what we had hoped for food-wise, we did enjoy some alone time, and that is always nice.
Sunday was spent going to church, and it was such a treat to hear my grandpa preach his homily at mass. I’m so proud of my Popo, the deacon. (You can read more about his service to the church here.) Of course after mass, we enjoyed a wonderful brunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Patio. There really is no place like home.
Well maybe to Charlotte, home is where Willie’s Icehouse is. Once we made it back home to Houston, we enjoyed our Sunday ritual of going out to Willie’s. I’m pretty sure I’ve already mentioned Charlotte’s love for their mac and cheese, but seriously, just look at her faces. They kill me.
I’m sure you’re just enthralled by our exciting life. But in case you were wondering if we do more than eat, let me just tell you that I won the lottery…
Houston Marathon lottery that is! For the past few years, the Houston Marathon and Half Marathon have been lottery based. I miss the old days when it was first come, first served, but whatevs. I signed up for the half, which isn’t until January 2015, and I got in! I have two full marathons under my belt, both done in Houston. I ran one in 2009 and one in 2012, both pre-Charlotte. I decided to not be such a go-getter this go-round, and decided to do the half. Since I haven’t been running lately (and by lately, I mean not since the fall), I’m definitely a beginner again. This is definitely my motivation to get back out there and to buy some new running shoes. Yay for that! Training scares me. Not because I don’t think I can do it, but it’s time away from Charlotte and the hubs. I’ll definitely be posting about my training journey in the coming months. Yikes or yay? We’ll see.
Then last night, I went to my friend Ali’s for Bible study, and these are the pictures that popped up on my phone while away. I couldn’t love these faces more if I tried, even the stuffed animals.
The Bible study we’re doing is moving me and shaking things up in this little ol’ heart of mine. Oh my word, it is so good. Definitely exactly what I need right now. I’m working on a little something that I hope to share with you soon triggered by all the goodness that I’m learning through this study, so stay tuned for that. Also, if you want more info about the particular study I’m doing, see here.
That’s all I’ve got today, folks. These are the little things lately making my world go-round. I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the little things in life, too. Share your goodness in the comments or share if your little things need some prayers. Because here at Seven Graces, we’re in it together, sister!
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| Linkup with Jess & Ashley |
Stopping by from the link up! OMG, Charlotte is too cute in her little bathing suit! We live 5 minutes from my parents so I can't imagine not having a go to babysitter! You're very brave!
Thanks, Zoe! That sounds so wonderful. I'm trying to convince my mom to move, but such is life. We have yet to find a babysitter where we live, but we are definitely always searching! Thanks for stopping by. :)