Pulling the plug!

Hey everyone! Sorry I have been MIA lately. We have been dealing with sickness, family in town and work work work! We've had to make some certain budget decisions recently and one of them has been to cut cable.

Yep you heard me right...after I don't know how many years we are pulling plug on cable. Nothing against DirecTV...didn't have a problem with them, in fact if anyone is looking to purchase cable I do recommend them.

At the beginning of the year I realized how much TV we really watch and decided that enough is enough! So...I sat down with my husband who reluctantly went through our DVR queue and DELETED several of our show recordings. After that, the amount of TV we watched did decrease and we began to start streaming more online and watching netflix so....we decided to say BYE BYE BYE to cable.

We'll now just rely on Netflix, Hulu and Apple TV. Wish us luck as we unplug from the cable world!

I came. I ran. I conquered.

And by conquer, I use that term loosely. 15 weeks of training. Lots of miles. Lots of sweat. And maybe the loss of a toenail after the race. Yes friends, that really happened. When you run as much as I did, and then put in 13 miles, your feet get TORN UP. But that's okay. Nothing some nail vitamins can't fix.

Let's start with the morning of. I got up at 5AM because I wanted to make sure that I could get in a good breakfast and still have enough time for it to settle before race time. I had some scrambled eggs, whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter, and some coffee. I did not want to stray away from my normal routine that I had been using while training. [Note to any new runners: Never try to do anything new on race day. This includes your shoes/what you wear. You have a routine/habit...keep it that way.]

I got dressed and was just anxious. I paced around, and I laid back down in bed and scrolled through Snapchat to just take my mind off it. It was finally time to leave and my dad drove us to the start line which was at Kidd Brewer Stadium at App State. The whole time he was talking about food on the way, and I had to ask him to stop because I legit felt SICK. I don't know what it is about me but any big event I get nervous/sick. Call me a wimp. I wasn't nervous about the running part at all. Just the event itself. If that makes sense?

So we get out of the car, and I am legit choking back tears. Y'all, I can't even lie about this. When I say I am a wimp, I am. HAHA! We walk into the stadium and Brian is calm cool and collected...at least from what I can see. He starts to put on his arm band & get situated & what happens to me? Tears are rolling down my face. I am laughing writing this because I don't know what came over me.

We walk up to use the bathroom one more time & he made me eat a couple bites of banana even though I wanted to vomit all due from my nerves. We warmed up around the track for a lap and then saw Alison's dad. Once we started talking to him, I was ok. The nerves went away & I was ready to go.

We started the race and it was great. It was hilly mountainous but it was FUN! Mile 6-7 was all downhill and I got some serious pace on that mile. The weather was perfect. It was not hot at all. THANK YOU LORD! Slightly muggy in some parts but it was FABULOUS. I had a great time.

We hit the last mile and guess what started to happen? If you guessed more crying, you are CORRECT. I ugly cried my way across the finish line and ran straight to my Daddy. Are you noticing a trend here from past posts? HAHA! It was really emotional for me because a half marathon was something I did not think I could ever do and I did it. I put in a lot of miles to get there and it all coming to an end was just awesome. I did that race SOLELY for me.

My parents and grandparents were there along with 2 of my girlfriends! SHOUT OUT to Rach & Alison. And my other SNEAKY girlfriends had all sent cards to my parents' house along with a care package that I got before the race. You ladies rock.

B had finished before me and he was right there! It was great and I was happy that I did it. Lauren already asked me if I would do another...and the answer is yes...most definitely yes. The training I put in totally prepared me for it. My goal is to finish under 2:32 next time. And yes, I have already started looking at races for the end of the year...just not half way across the country.

So there is my recap of the race...I finished and I cried. I can't stop laughing about it. Maybe next time I won't be so emotional??

Happy Monday everyone!

xoxo,
Haley

Family Road Trip

Daniel, Stella Grace and I set out on our Family Vacay last Thursday evening. We drove from 6pm-1:30am and arrived at Aunt Susan's in Westerville, OH. After sleeping the entire drive SG thought it was time to play and she finally fell asleep around 3:30am. I had to wake up around 7:30 and worked the entire day until 6pm that evening.

We had a wonderful dinner with cousins Courtney & Cam, Cam's girlfriend, Elizabeth, Grandma Sally, Aunt Susan and her boyfriend, Charles. We had so much fun sitting around the table enjoying a meal together and then drinking through the night. We watched the Olympics and discussed all of the different topics of life. Love, marriage, divorce, friendships, road trips, weddings, kids etc. Stella Grace has been the center of attention since this is her first time meeting the Morbitzer family. She has been so great being passed around and continues to sleep through the night.

On Sunday, we packed up the car and headed on our way to see my family in Wisconsin. About an hour down the road our car just stalled out and we coasted all the way down the off ramp and were stranded in the middle of Marion, OH. We waited a few minutes and then try to restart the car and it was really close to engine turning over but not quite. We had to call a tow truck and they could only fit Daniel and I so we had to call the Sheriff's department to send a car to pick up SG and I. As we were waiting on the police car to show a family stopped to offer assistance. The lady ran a daycare out of her her house and they drove us to the hotel about 3 miles away. Her family was so sweet to offer a lending a hand. I almost broke down in tears because of their gesture of kindness to complete strangers. God was really looking out for us.

We hunkered down at the hotel and ate our chicken salad sandwiches, cheese and crackers and peanut butter cookies Grandma Sally & Aunt Susan sent with us. Then Daniel and SG took a dip in the pool and hot shower and little girl went to sleep. We woke up the next morning to find out that the gas tank had "failed". It warped so badly that it broke the gas pump and the gasoline was unable to reach the engine. We decided to rent a car since the repairs would take a few days to fix and continued our road trip to Northern Wisconsin.

We have spent the past 2 days hanging out at the cabin. We went on the pontoon boat the first day and tried Zupp Boarding which is kind of like surfing, knee boarding and wake boarding all in one. Its much easier than wakeboarding and so much fun. We were able to convince my younger cousins to stand up on the Zupp board. Yesterday was a rainy day so we went and walked around the shops in Minocaqua. Then went the brewery and distillery. We ate dinner on the deck at the cabin overlooking the water and called it an early night

This morning we went kayaking on the lake and next is hiking at Bond Falls in Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We are really enjoying this 70 degree weather and all of the precious time spent with our families. Stay tuned next week for the final half of our voyage...

XoXo,
Stella

Putting My Foot Down on Pinterest

This past week I had a book study gathering at my friend Lacy's house. We read a book on how to manage your time and recognize where God is calling you to put forth your efforts.

My little sassy redhead is turning 4 and I wanted to ENJOY it and want her to enjoy it. I've done some adorable, detailed parties in my time. I enjoyed them and at the time it was what I wanted to do because it was my first time being a mom or because it was my child's first birthday or baptism celebration. However, I felt I was getting burnt out and felt I was spending all this money to impress guests or putting uncalled for pressure on my party planning skills

About two years ago I decided for the first time we would take my oldest to Great Wolf Lodge for his birthday and then have a small celebration at home. We had the best time as a family and I knew that was the way to go. I always want my child to have a cake every year, though, so the family cookout worked great.

We did that two years in a row and now I was brainstorming for Cecilia. The American Doll store in Charlotte is awesome and it is definitely a big trip when you take your daughter. So, I thought what better time than to grab a few fellow 3 & 4 year old friends and make it a girl's trip and a lunch outing.

In our book club, I brought up about a quote in the book how pinterest has completely ruined birthdays for everyone. I agree!! Some people thrive on every detail and enjoy that. I sometimes do but for the most part, having 3 children, I can't do that every birthday. I don't want to do that. So, I think we have come up with what works best for our family. I want all moms to take the pressure off. I see so many moms post all these lavish teacher gifts, lavish parties, lavish school valentine's. I say STOP! You are putting way too much pressure on yourself and others. When I was little, my mom never had to worry about home made everything. She was a busy working mom and I never felt that I didn't have great items to share.

I fell into this trap my first few years as a mom and felt I needed to have elaborate playdates every week and all these special outings to keep them happy and do what I thought I had to do.

I'm glad I wised up. Brandon's 2nd birthday is in November. I'm not sure what we will do but I'm hoping a fun outing or trip. I was kind of leaning towards Tweetsie Railroad since it is November. Whatever we decide, I know we will have fun celebrating him as a family, making memories.

I still love you Pinterest....don't get me wrong. HA!!!

Xoxo,
Dana "Not like those regular moms, I'm a cool mom"

The Final Week

Hi friends! It's Monday, and I am back on the East coast for work. Well not necessarily on the coast per say but back in South Carolina. I am here all week for work. I can't tell you how excited I am to have a reason to get up in the morning and put on a full face of makeup & work clothes. I can't wait to put on some heels, black skinny dress pants, and get in the office. Call me crazy. Working from home is awesome, don't get me wrong. But I do like to get in the office sometimes.

This week is also the last week of training for my half marathon. I cannot believe it's almost here. I'll run this Saturday, the 27th....the day before my 29th birthday. I will have a couple girlfriends there to cheer me on with of course my parents + family. I think my mom is worried to death. She texted me this weekend asking all kinds of questions. She told me she just wanted it to be a positive experience for me. And I totally think it will. Will it be tough? Yes. Will it be fun? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. But I am SO excited.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I'll be back next week with a recap + pictures. 

Have a great week!!

Xoxo,

Haley

Blurry

Do you ever feel like you are being pulled in so many different directions?

I literally feel sometimes like I'm not sure what I'm doing but I just know I don't have time to think IT over.

On my mind this week has been a large spectrum of my child starting kindergarten, signing up for PTO, preparing for the Mrs. SC pageant and photo shoots and that lingering thought of a bikini on stage, trying to figure out how I will go to a few appointments I have coming up while my younger two are ALWAYS with me, working every Saturday now, my redhead's birthday celebrations the next two Saturdays, etc.

It is all such a BLUR! I guess it is all wonderful busy but sometimes a girl just needs a little exciting distraction. I totally snapped at my husband this morning because I just felt overwhelmed and I have this need for perfection. My house has to be clean and the laundry basket has to always be empty. I WISH I didn't care so much but it is in my nature and I can't change who I am. I am sure to apologize tonight for the dramatics because we literally never argue and I never act like that but I just had an overwhelming moment. That is okay, right? I still felt bad because he was on his way to work to support us and he works very hard and I never, EVER want him to think I don't appreciate that. I fully believe in catering to your man and I try to always be positive so he is excited to come home. But...homegirl needed to flip and he was right there trying to touch on me at 6 am. I don't feel cute and I want some coffee!! HA HA!!!

Marriage is crazy. Crazy good but crazy.

I hope everyone has a terrific weekend!!

xoxo,
Dana

Disconnect

This past weekend the boyfriend and I went up to the mountains for a long weekend wednesday-sunday and it was AMAZING. Our cabin had no cell phone service or internet that means NO calls, NO texts, Nothing....and it was great! I never realized how nice it is to go "off the grid" and truly relax without the disruptions of social media and others. How many people sit on the couch next to their spouse or lay in bed and you're both on a device "spending time together" but fully engulfed in the article your reading, photos of your friends child, or another cat video on YouTube?

This past weekend in the mountains life seemed simple. I didn't know about flooding in LA or who won gold in the Olympics. My mind was replaying the numerous conversations Kris and I had porch sitting and listening to the river rushing reflecting on life. I thought to myself this is what it was like for our previous generations growing up. They lived in the moment and for the most part minded their P's and Q's. We talked more last weekend than I ever have in my entire life.

I highly suggest unplugging for awhile to anyone as soon as you can. You will not only learn more about your family and friends but yourself as well. You may even discover some new hobbies. I may sound like an old lady or a child but I actually did a puzzle for the first time and ages and it was therapeutic to have no concept of time and tackle my task ahead. Kris went trout fishing many times in our river close by to try and catch us some dinner but they were all very small. This is one instance I am glad we are living in modern time so we could eat store bought groceries for dinner or we would have been REAL hungry haha.

Throughout the weekend we also enjoyed visiting the Symmes Chapel- Pretty Place outside of greenville, went on a little hike, and kayaked Lake Jocassee and Lake Keeowee. Without the distractions of life I feel that I truly got to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and the clarity of the lake, I'd never seen a lake so clear in my life!

I challenge everyone who is ironically reading this blog post, on a computer, disconnected from the humans around them to take a weekend asap and DISCONNECT! You can thank me later :)

Remember When: First Day Back to School Jitters

Well it seems as if today was the day that all the kids were in their back to school best. As I scrolled through Facebook this morning, I saw picture after picture of little people in their school uniforms or their brand new school clothes, book bag on their back, and a lunch box in their hand. I remember those days so well. I also remember starting at a new school and being absolutely terrified. Many people probably don't know this about me or the instances I am about to share.

 My Dad always dropped me off in the mornings. He would walk me to my class, bend down, give me hug & a kiss and off I went. {Sidenote: My mom was a middle school teacher so she was always up and out the door to get to her students for the year. She was also usually in her classroom before the sun came up.}

I remember one day so vividly; I was a first grader. He couldn't walk me to my classroom because he had a meeting that morning & I had to get out in the car line drop off by myself. I had to walk all the way to my classroom. Y'all, I remember having the biggest lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face because my Daddy couldn't walk me to my classroom. If that doesn't scream Daddy's girl, I don't know what does. I remember my teacher, Mrs. Cameron, hugging me and telling me it would be okay. And you know what, it was. Each day got better, and I got braver on those days he couldn't walk me to class.

Then there was high school; we had moved to Mt. Pleasant, and I was starting at Wando High School. I was a sophomore. I was coming from a tiny Southern Baptist private school to a HUGE public high school. And of course, my Dad was the one to drop me off. I knew NO ONE. Everyone already knew each other from middle school and freshman year...not me. I was alone and scared to death. For the first week, I was physically ill because of my nerves EVERY. DAY. before school. My Dad was always there to tell me it was going to be a great day & that I would meet people. And of course I did. My Dad never let on if he was nervous for me, but I am sure he probably was. But he was strong for me because he knew I needed it.

So for all the Momma's & Daddy's out there that are dropping your little ones [or your middle or high schoolers] off to school, be strong. Hide your tears until they can't see you cry. Tell them to have a great day & that you can't wait to see them after school. This was always so reassuring to me. First day jitters are real, folks, whether they show it like me or hide it inside. And it gets the very best of us. Take it from me.

So cheers to the first days back to school! May there be little to no tears & exciting stories to listen to when your children get home. Happy Monday!!

xoxo,
Haley

Decisions

My whole week centered around this idea of DECISION making and possessing those skills.

I encountered people this week who couldn't make a decision if their life depended on it. I won't go into much detail on that but lets just say if you can't decide on a lipstick after trying on ten then we have a bigger issue.

I guess I'm a woman who knows what I want and how I want to feel. I went shopping for my wardrobe for the Mrs. South Carolina Pageant which was SO fun!! My husband said it was fun because we weren't their all day but I'd try on a few things and know rather quickly what I wanted. My hubby picked out my interview outfit so props to him!!!!

Also, this week, my feedback from the Mrs. SC/NC workshop was that I should cut my hair a little shorter. Now this is a suggestion and I didn't have to but I had a choice to make if I wanted to listen to the feedback or ignore it. About five minutes after the conversation I decided yes I should cut it and I began looking up haircuts. Again why should I ponder it over and over but make a decision...I cut it two days later- ha ha! (and I like it and it is fun and sleek!)

I can always tell how frustrated I get with people when they can't decide on something. I don't understand it. Maybe because I have three small children and we are busy people so I always have to do things quickly that I've learned to get the job done. Life is short, we should be running quickly to our dreams, right?

I know I need to weigh out my options but I also feel that you normally already know what you want if you know yourself. No time to waste! Another busy week ahead!!

I hope everyone has a great week! I have a photo shoot tomorrow that I'm looking forward to and I need to get a little boy to bed early tomorrow night as he embarks on a new journey of kindergarten this week! We are so excited for Whit becoming a Pirate at India Hook Elementary!

xoxo,
dana

Football Season has ARRIVED!!

Tonight is the first Panthers game of the season and the kickoff to football season! It always seems that every weekend just drags by from Super Bowl Sunday until today. I've lived in the greater Charlotte area for most of my life. I am not one of those bandwagon Panther fans or a fair weathered fan. I have been at numerous games that we have lost but I also remember very clearly all of my friends and I watching every game in 2003 and 2004 when the Panthers first went to the Super Bowl.

Its really exciting when YOUR team is actually winning every single game and last football season was so much fun. I'm not a BIG Cam Newton fan especially after his poor performance during the Super Bowl last year. I don't think I will ever forget him not diving for a fumbled ball. However, I do love me some Luke Kuechly & Greg Olsen. I can't wait to see what happens this season and I hope we make it back to another Super Bowl.

Only 3 MORE WEEKS until my Gamecocks head to Vanderbilt to take on the Commodores. Eventually, I would love to make it to a game at each of the SEC stadiums and I think spending a weekend in Nashville would be at the top of my list.  I'm a little nervous to see how Coach Muschamp does this year. It definitely can't be any worse than our 3 win season last year. I remember watching Coach M dig into some of the players on the Auburn sidelines last year and thinking that he was just too intense and hateful. Coach Spurrier was pretty animated as well and I loved him so I'm curious to see if I end up liking him as our coach. I hope he has a good game plan put together and I can't wait to see how each Saturday turns out. Bring on the football, fall weather, and pumpkin spiced beers!

Cheers,
Stella

Bragging Rights

Have you ever Googled yourself? What about your spouse? I totally googled Nick when we were dating and article after article came up about his baseball career. I had no idea that my (now) husband had such an amazing baseball career. Its weird to think that your spouse had this whole life before you even knew them.

Since we've been married, I've seen his pictures on the walls of the baseball & basketball stadiums. His jersey was hung in the College of Charleston baseball stadium. And now the latest is the Charleston Hall of Fame. Nick will be inducted into the Charleston Hall of Fame next August 25th before the Riverdogs game. I can even begin to tell you how proud of him I am. I wish I knew him back in his glory days but his legacy lives on. Mason is already loving throwing the ball with his daddy and I can't wait to watch his games one day.

Everyone is invited out to the game on August 25th at 6:30 to see the induction. His long time friend and teammate Chris Campbell will also be inducted. Hope to see you there!

http://www.postandcourier.com/20160726/160729563/five-to-be-inducted-into-charleston-baseball-hall-of-fame

xoxo (proud wife),
Rachel

Date Night!

Happy Tuesday everyone! With school starting this week I decided it was time for the hubs and I to have a much needed date night. So I wanted to share with ya'll the great night we had in downtown Charleston. (I tried to document with picture but I couldn't get great pics so I just picked some off the web...no judgement) We don't go downtown too much so it was really nice to get out and enjoy our beautiful city!

We started with dinner at the Darling Oyster Bar. A friend of mine suggested this place and let me tell you it did NOT disappoint! The atmosphere and decor were really neat and eclectic but still very relaxed. Food was delicious!

After dinner we strolled down the street to Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream. Ya'll that know me know that I have a sweet tooth and when it comes to ice cream I love it all! This place makes all the ice cream in house and with fresh local ingredients! There flavors include sweet corn and blackberries to sweet cream biscuits and jam (this is what David ordered). So delicious! (this pic I actually did take)

We then ended the night with a night cap at Prohibition.  I had heard of this place before but had never actually went there. We walked into live jazz music playing and dimmed lights. This was a perfect ending to our night downtown. The people, music and drinks were delicious!

Needless to say we had a wonderful night together just enjoying our city and each other. If you're ever in downtown Charleston I highly recommend these places! 

xoxo

Katherine

"'Cuz Baby you're so classic..."

Happy Monday friends! I don't know about y'all, but we have been parked in front of the television watching the Olympics this weekend. Summer Olympics are my absolute favorite. I find myself yelling at the TV all too often. It's just so exciting.

So if you were to walk into your closet or look in your drawers what would you see? My answer is so easy (& some might say boring...and that's ok!) but it's A LOT of neutrals (by the way leopard is a NEUTRAL!), plain tees, skinnies, & anything black. LBDs are a total weakness of mine.

Brian and I don't have children (yet!), but I call my skinnies + plain tee, my "mom-style." Literally, so easy & effortless. And this goes for any season, really. I love to dress it up with lots of bracelets, a necklace or 2, and cute shoes. Working from home, I do not dress up during the week. I am always in athleisure. But weekends, I turn it up a few notches.

During the summer, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my white skinnies. I have 2 pair that are awesome & they don't break the bank. Old Navy Rockstar jeans are EVERYTHING. Check 'em out. They have low, mid, & high rise, they don't stretch out, and keep their shape. You won't be disappointed. And some are on sale right now. Stock up ladies! Perfect time for Fall. And of course during Fall, dark skinnies!

What is your style? What are your go-to's? I'd like to say my style is more classic...and we all know classic never goes out of style. You can always add a touch of trendy to anything to keep you current in the fashion world. ;) Below are some pictures for easy inspo. Pinterest for the win!!

Happy Monday loves!

xoxo,

Haley

Anjelha Johnson Approved

So if you know me well I like to find good deals and stick close to a budget! I rarely splurge on myself for things like getting my hair done, nails done, or a massage. It's a work in progress...but I'll figure out how to relax and pamper myself one day! ;)

In the meantime I stumbled upon this new gel polish at Target and I've got to say its by far the best and closest to a real gel manicure for MUCH less money. Also, it does not require multiple coats or a UV light! WIN!

With fun flirty names like: BYE FELUSCHIA! and CORAL SUPPORT I literally got a chuckle out of the names of each shade. What a fun job...and who really gets to come up with these?!?! Give my girlfriends and I a glass of wine and we could totally come up with some great ones!

For less than $5 a bottle it really is a great deal and lasts a good amount of time! Its the best drug store brand I've found yet. Works great for Manis or Pedis! It also comes off with regular nail polish remover so no need to go back to the salon. Check it out and pamper yourself this weekend!

-Alison

Adventures

These past two weeks seem almost like a blur to me because they have been so busy. Anyone else feel like time has been going especially fast lately? I doubt it will today, though, because I am watching a friend's little girl so that means I will care for 4 kids 5 and under. Deep breath.

Since my last post, I started a very part, part time job at Merle Norman. I literally only work a few days a month but just the days I've worked have been so much fun. I knew this would happen if I ever got a taste of working again. I really enjoy working but I also can't because of our lifestyle and the three kiddos, so I will just do my best to work when I can escape.

Also, I was on the radio this past week to promote my platform and journey to the Mrs. South Carolina Pageant. It is quickly approaching and my list of things to do to prepare is endless. I have a workshop all day tomorrow in Conover, NC and my husband said I should be excited but I'm a bit nervous. I worry how I will feel around all these absolutely stunning, successful ladies who have probably actually done a pageant or two in their lives besides my high school class rep days. I would totally be lying if I said I haven't attempted to social media stalk a few contestants and the previous winner. The previous winner was on the Bachelor, Bachelor Pad, and was on Inside Edition for multiple plastic surgeries to prepare for this pageant. She is adorable and made her own gown. Here goes nothing right, ha ha. I always keep on my shoulder that people remember how you left them feeling and to be genuine. I hold tight to that each day.

Patrick reminded me last night that I am on a budget when I go shopping for my evening gown, swimsuit, and interview outfit. I quickly responded with "The outfit does not make me hunny, I make the outfit!" He smiled and said that's why you should win. HA HA! He didn't say a number amount did he- HA!! If only that was the only expense that comes with it because that's not the half of it.

Anyways, I will definitely report back about the workshop. And besides all of this, my oldest starts kindergarten in a week and a half. Thankfully, the elementary school is in our neighborhood so I feel closer to him but I'm still a little emotional inside about this next step. I hopefully won't cry because I'm not a big crier but we will see.

That's about all that is on my mind at the moment. I will post my radio interview if anyone wants to listen! I really want a job on the radio. How fun would that be!!

http://www.wrhi.com/2016/08/8216-dana-hamilton-mrs-rock-hill-competes-this-fall-for-mrs-sc-126938

xoxo,
Dana

Stage 5 Clinger!

Hey everyone! We've got a stage 5 clinger at our house right now and let me tell you...the struggle is real! 

Our sweet Caleb is right at the beginning of the separation anxiety phase. It's a phase I remember well with our first so I knew somewhat to expect but he takes it to a whole new level. We're talking about screaming with big ol' crocodile tears just when I (or daddy) leave the room! Luckily, he doesn't give any problems at bedtime (probably exhausted from his crying during the day) so we count our blessing there. 

Most of the day he does really well playing on his own or with his brother, but goes through spurts where if he doesn't see you he will let you know. On top of that his older brother sees me holding him and soon follow suits wanting mommy's attention as well. Most of the time I can oblige and snuggle with them both but I know letting them be on their own encourages independence. 

By the end of the day you just want an hour of no screaming, tackling, jumping on you or being touched...period. I sometimes look forward going into the quiet office. 

I know what some of you're thinking..."They won't be like this forever" or "Soon they won't want anything to do with you" or "Don't wish this away" and yes those statements are all true but in the moment you're not thinking of that...you're thinking "What on earth can I do to make him happy?" or "Is it bedtime yet?" or in my case "I'm going to lose my mind...is it wine o'clock?"  Can I get an amen!?!

At the end of the day we are blessed with 2 fun, energetic, healthy, sweet boys and they are growing up fast! I'm going to try and enjoy these days where they want me before they quickly slip away. To all the mamas out there going through a similar stage try and keep perspective and a bottle of wine handy! 

xoxo

Katherine 

August is here!

Happy Monday friends! Just like that the month of August is upon us. I swear this summer is FLYING by. This month will be busy since I have a work trip at the end of the month along with my half marathon the day before my birthday. Last month of training will be crucial.

Today I thought I'd share with y'all some of my & my husband's favorite things to do around Austin since we have been here. There is still SO much to do so this is just a small sample!

I feel like the first thing people have asked us about what to do in Austin, I always resort to first asking, "Do you like brunch?" Um who doesn't? And then I tell them, go to Rainey Street and eat at Banger's. Banger's has an awesome brunch with so many tasty items, and I would be remiss not to mention how you NEED to get a man-mosa. If you don't know, just trust me on this one. Just ask my girlfriends if they enjoyed. ;) Oh, be sure to get a brat with kraut to start. They are delicious.

Secondly, you need to walk the river walk at Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake). It has awesome views of the city skyline and you can go pretty far. There are always lots of dogs, runners, walkers, bikers, tourists, etc. 

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If you're looking for boots, be sure to hit up Allen's on South Congress. They have a huge selection and the boots are authentic. Cowboy boots are an investment piece; I can attest. But they had the best selection; hats too!! Check them out and be sure to check out all the other cool spots up and down South Congress. 

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Looking for something a little different? Check out The Whip In. This is probably one of my husband's favorite places. They are an Indian Fusion restaurant with a great bar/restaurant (craft beer & LOTS of wine) + small grocery. I have been introduced to 2 different wines there based on the recommendation of the bartender. They did not disappoint. They also have a slightly covered back patio with misting fans which is clutch in the TX heat.

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Another great watering hole would have to be Jester King Brewery (& also a husband favorite) in the Hill Country. It is an awesome place. Their beers are very interesting & they use wild grown yeast. There are huge oaks around the property as well as an onsite pizza place that is FABULOUS! We'll be taking our friends Lauren & Daniel, in September, when they visit.

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And lastly, if hiking is your thing, hit up Bull Creek District Park. It is the coolest place where the riverbed is limestone & the water has a greenish/blue hue. It is beautiful. We took Gopher one of the first weekends we were here and had a blast. 

 

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Hope y'all enjoyed this & if you're ever in Austin, be sure to hit us up!!

xoxo,

Haley