Day 194 | Jump, Jump, Jump

Chris has been dreaming about having a Tuesday or Thursday off since we went to the trampoline park for the first time (the only days toddler time is offered). Today is Veterans Day (thank you, veterans!), so his dream finally came true. Off to Skyzone we went. We were even lucky enough to have Dr. Sean make the trip with us.

The jumping didn't disappoint, yet again. And Chris decided the wait was definitely worth it. 

Day 191 | Say It Isn't So

We have another set of friends moving away from us...and they're moving to California, too. Why is that state swiping all our friends? Apparently the constantly perfect weather is appealing to some folks.

We're so sad to see Steve, Krissy, Cynthia, and Jeffery go but we plan on spending as much time with them as possible before they pack up and move to the other coast. We'll stay optimistic that they'll return to us someday. 

Day 190 | The Mall

No, not that Mall...a normal mall.

The boys had a blast playing at the mall play area today while Chris made a big purchase (that he has been debating about for about a year, obviously). 

One thing I would like to point out: Robbe got more attention and hugs from the ladies (ok, three year olds) than most gentleman get their whole lives. I've never seen such a charismatic tot draw in the hugs. Ha!

Day 189 | A Little Conflicted

Don't tell my husband but I'm considering changing my mind about one of the strongest beliefs I've had since we met: not listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving.

It just seems to be cheating the fall to start listening to Christmas music too early. Chris's tradition? Starting to listen to it after the first snow. Luckily, since moving to the District, the first snow doesn't typically come before Thanksgiving so it hasn't caused too many conflicts in our marriage.

This year, I'm torn, though. I want to give Chase a fighting chance at learning some of the holiday classics. I just don't know how realistic that is in only four weeks. I'll continue some heavy contemplation and keep you posted about my final decision. Motherhood is full of reconsidering things you've always known, right?

Note: Please don't judge me on my holiday music collection pictured above. These were the only hard copies I could find. Plus, it's not part of the holiday spirit to judge!

Day 188 | Feeling Sporty

Chase has been asking to play again after our first successful outing. Today was the day. We woke up to a lovely fall day and no plans (the horror!). Both boys had a blast "playing" tennis in their own ways: Chase running after the ball and Robbe playing with the tennis ball container. Once that got old (it took a surprising long time, actually), we headed over to the soccer fields. Chase scored some fancy goals and Robbe frolicked in the grass. 

If you can believe it, I even got to sit down on a bench in the tennis courts for a few minutes and just watched them. That might be the first time...but hopefully not the last!

Day 187 | It All Comes to an End

The best October ever has come to an end. We dropped the last of our visitors off at the airport this morning. I hope the boys and I still like each other now that there aren't constant distractions. Even after everyone has left, I continue to be beyond grateful to these folks for spending their time, money, and vacation time to hang out with us. 

Feeling very lucky.

Day 186 | Playseum

Today we ventured out with Grandma Mary to the Playseum in Bethesda. We've been to the Capitol Hill location a few times when we lived there but this was a first excursion to the Bethesda location.

I've been thinking about my review of this place and I'm still torn as I write. It's a great indoor activity with lots (and lots!) to offer little ones Chase's age. And Chase had a total blast. That's all great but it's pretty expensive (except I got a two for one deal online) and it's in need of some TLC: none of the baby toys worked (batteries, maybe?), the train tracks were practically unusable with only a few actual trains, and items in the grocery store had definitely seen better days. I guess that's par for the course when you're dealing with a ton of little ones wreaking havoc every day, but all this will give me something to think about before heading back.

Day 185 | A Perfect Day

I'm not exactly sure what my perfect day looks like but today was pretty close:

Both boys transitioned to daylight savings pretty successfully so it wasn't a crazy early morning (a very important part of my perfect day). We had an amazing big breakfast (think eggs, sausage, hash browns), we organized the boys' closet (lame, but very satisfying), my mom and I scored some great deals at the outlet mall (shopping sans babies is one of the best things ever), then dinner was waiting for us (credit to Chris and the slow cooker for that one), and finally a pumpkin bar and hot apple cider post-bedtime. 

Ahhhh, perfection.

Special note: Robbe is pulling himself up to standing now (see photo above). He's so proud of himself.

Day 184 | Pumpkin Bars

Just because Halloween has come and gone, it doesn't mean we have to stop eating delicious pumpkin treats, right?

We headed to a friends' house for dinner tonight and pumpkin bars were the perfect house warming gift. These are one of Chris's favorite desserts and are slowly making their way up to the top of Chase's list as well. Everyone got involved in the baking...even Chase and Grandma Mary. It's nice to have so much help.

You'll find the recipe below (and no, I didn't remove the sugar with these). A special thanks to my Aunt Karen for making these a special treat throughout my childhood. They are pretty amazing, but don't take my word for it...

Pumpkin Bars

  • 4 eggs

  • 2 cups sugar

  • 2 cups pumpkin (one small can)

  • 3/4 cup melted butter

  • 2 cups flour

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 cup nuts (optional)

Frosting:

  • 6 Tbsp butter, softened

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 3 cups powdered sugar

  • 3 ounces cream cheese

Directions

  • Beat eggs lightly with a fork and add the sugar, butter, and pumpkin. Mix well. Add dry ingredients to this mixture.

  • Pour into greased jelly roll pan. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

  • Beat the frosting ingredients until smooth and put on cooled bars.