Quick little birthday trip

This weekend, I had planned a small surprise for Brent (his birthday is this coming Wednesday).  We had always talked about going to Chef and the Farmer (if you watch UNC TV, then you know the restaurant has its own show, A Chef's Life).  Back on the summer, we talked about going with our friends, Beth and Latham, and then meeting Marcus and Lilly there, who live in Washington.  So, I secretly went to planning as a surprise for Brent's birthday.  I started researching in late July, and finally called because there were no reasonable online reservations (by reasonable, I mean not 9pm - who eats then??).  I finally managed to get a 5:30pm seating, which wasn't preferable but I would take it.

I wanted to spend the night and plan a whole weekend trip, but let's be honest, Kinston is not that exciting.  Plus, the only nice hotel was $260 a night - What?!?!?!?  Probably not going to book that room.....it's Kinston, afterall....not NYC.

We ended up having a blast, and while I told Brent last minute where we were going, he was totally excited and thrilled to have his friends there.  He would have figured it out as soon as he saw the Grimes pull up (we rode together), and saw us heading east on 70.

Of course, we had to get a picture by the sign.  It was super yucky out all day Saturday, but thankfully it wasn't pouring while we were there.

A group shot inside - the food was really good.  

The company....even better:)

A shot of the birthday boy...

Afterwards, we ventured next door to Mother Earth Brewing to catch the last tour of the night.  The guys are standing in front of the seasonal barrels that will be released in October and November - Fig and Raisin, and Silent Night.  I can't wait to get my hands on these!

The ladies:)

The building used to have an actual drive-in/thru pharmacy.....how cool is that?  I think Brent needs to bring this concept back!!

There was an old slide in the warehouse that the employees use to get from their offices upstairs to the downstairs part.  Of course, the guys had to "try" it out.

One last group shot at the end! 

It was a really great time, and I love that these friends made the effort to come with and celebrate.  We feel really blessed, and can't wait for the next time we can all get together!

Oh...and if you're wondering who made my fabulous necklace, go check out A Native Look.  Kate is a truly wonderful person, and she makes these awesome statement pieces:)

Fall is here!

I love this time of year....cooler weather, slower pace, routines set in, and lots of excitement with Holidays approaching.  

Last week, we did something that we should have done years ago....visit the public library.  I feel like such an idiot for never coming here.  50 book checkout max for 3 weeks?!?!?  Yes please!!!!

Emma had a blast.  She immediately started pulling down books and reading them.  Yes, the floor is nasty, but how idyllic is this shot?  This is exactly what libraries should look like:)

Emma also loves to "read" aloud to her "friends"

As if the millions of books weren't enough, there were tables with crayons and paper, and puzzles!!  It was awesome!

 

We came home with 13 books....and have read almost all.  Emma is finally at an age where she can pay attention to longer books, so we are trying out some new ones before buying them.

We had the lake all to ourselves last week too.  Cooler temps means all the wahoos hibernate from the public lakes this time of year.  It was beautiful, and such a fun time with my dad and Emma.

I snapped this shot before taking Emma to school.  Because she is potty trained, most of her pants and skirts still fit her, as with her tops and dresses.  Her feet, however, have outgrown all her winter shoes.  She is now in size 8 toddler.

We had one last tournament at the lake, and it could not have been better weather! 80's, sunny, and no wind! Emma had a blast making sand castles and jumping in the water.

The lake hosted a silent auction to raise money for our well (because the lake can become un-skiable if we have drought conditions).  I brought some of my jewelry to donate, and of course, my 2 favorite ladies won them!  I just love these 2 women, and feel so blessed to have them in my life!

Last year's Halloweed pj's still going strong....

Brent has had to work late some with the new opening of a satellite store in Capital Oaks Retirement.  He went in and said goodnight to Emma one night before she was really asleep and I happened to be able to watch on the monitor....so sweet:)

He's also had to leave before she gets up some mornings, so we have been going all high tech and using Facetime!!

This past Wednesday, I started my Women's Bible Study at church.  It is a year ong commitment, and I was hesitant, but am realizing I am going to love it.  My group has about 15 other women in it, and I can already tell we are going to be great friends! I am looking forward to this time of fellowship every week!

Afterwards, my dear friend, Jane, and I went to lunch at Meadowmont.  She also does the study and Emma just adores her and her family.  Plus, Emma is obsessed with the fountain there...

This site offers free screenshots every Wednesday....I love her designs and the inspiring verses.

After a massive grocery store trip at our newly renovated Food Lion (woot woot!), I made this dish that I raved about earlier this month.  It is sooo easy and delicious!  With cooler rain headed our way, the fridge is stocked with some serious comfort food (and wine...)

I am looking forward to a fun weekend surprise for Brent...his birthday is next Wednesday:)  I am also almost done with my fall decor...which makes me super happy:)  I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!!!

Life lately....

I am enjoying a nice cool, fall blast of air this week.  It's been in the low 50's in the mornings, and only reaching the upper 70's during the day.  I am not ready for cold weather yet, but I am embracing the absence of humidity.  It really is nice to go outside and not sweat like a pig:)

I am still adjusting to working again.  I know, I know...I sound like such a whiner.  The routine and loss of time at home is still bothering me.  We have been travelling a lot too, and Brent has been very busy at work, which just means more solo responsibilities for me.  But, I am loving all my updates from Emma's school.  We get an email with all her daily info (what she ate, what she did, if she napped) at the end of each day, and also a picture.  I love it!

Emma's class is now doing learning games on a computer.  They have just started, and Emma learned how to sign on using her special symbol (a sun) on the first day. 

I think this is math time....

Emma's rendition on our home....at least she got the scraggly grass right:)

Last week, I was able to have lunch with my friend, Corrie, and her 7 week old daughter.  I remember how precious this time was, and also how trying and new it was.  It was so great to catch up, and get in some snuggles so Corrie could eat a meal with both hands.  Evie was a perfect lunch date as well - she barely made a peep:)

Since Labor Day, Emma has gone poop on the potty! I didn't want to jinx it, so I waited at least a week to announce it officially.  Back in the spring, Emma pooped on the toilet once, then swore it off.  She has been peeing since February with no accidents, and using a pull-up for poop.  This was kind of a battle because she would take almost 30 minutes to poop and it would be painful.  I finally gave her more fiber (in the form of yogurt covered raisins) and it's been a dream ever since.  No more pull-ups, no more pain, and all smiles!  

I would like to add that I feel like such a idiot for not realizing her need for fiber earlier...#momfail

Saturday, Brent had to work, and it was rainy, so we cancelled our lake plans. So the girls (Emma, my mom, and I) loaded up for a day trip to Hobby Lobby in Burlington.  I love this place, and honestly, if you're looking for a great day outing, Alamance Crossing is awesome.  They have a small playground that is covered, and lots of cute shops and restaurants - all outdoors.

Brent wouldn't let me bring this life-sized scarecrow doll home....

If you remember, my friend Carrie, did a giveaway for one of my necklaces last week.  Our schedules finally coincided (at PopUp - it felt good to workout again!!), and I was able to give her the one she chose.  She texted me this picture the next day:) 

Carrie, I love that it on you! (despite my OCD on the backwards shell...#howrudeofme)

Saturday night, we went to my parents for dinner.  Emma loves to play in my dad's shop.  So, while she played with 60 year old Lego's, Brent and I practiced our selfies....I think we may need some help:)

Sunday was gorgeous, so Brent continued work on his shop (the windows are in and door functioning!) and Emma and I went outside.  We got ice cream and went to the park.

I forgot Emma's sunglasses in the car, and she was complaining the whole time. She kept asking for mine, saying I should "Share!"  Before you judge me for not sharing, Emma broke 2 pairs of her own sunglasses in 3 days last week.  So....sorry, not sorry for not sharing my Tory Burch sunnies:/

I love watching her do things on the playground that she was once too scared to do. Emma is getting more brave, but also much more coordinated.

While everyone else has now busted out their sweaters and boots, I am still not totally sold on the cold weather.  But I did stock up on some darker colored beads this weekend for some fall styles.  This new guy accompanied me to work yesterday.....

Tomorrow is my day off, so I am hoping to go out to the lake with Emma.  We have one last tournament this weekend, and then I think the summer activities will be slowing down a lot:(  I fear the water will cool off pretty quick with these nights in the 50's. But I am looking forward to pumpkin patches, crisp days outside, and cooking warm meals in the kitchen!

Happy almost fall, everyone!