Nothing Like Time with My Kids!

So Jeremy is backpacking and so the kids and I have enjoyed some good time together. Yesterday we headed to IKEA with a friend and enjoyed checking out some fun things there! Then the big decision - where should we have lunch? So many good choices! Once we thought about the Pazookie at BJs, the decision was made! Lunch was amazing - fried artichokes for an appetizer, open face roast beef sandwich for the main course (for me) and then yes, a White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pazookie for dessert! It was amazing! Of course that meant now we had to go to the Outlet Mall to catch Labor Day sales - I mean - walk off the Pazookie! We caught some good deals. There were a few points when I was wondering why I decided to do this big trip with the kids - like when Allie was crawling through clothes or the window displays or when Ethan was screaming because his sister took his balloon, but I honestly have to say they were GREAT! They did so good being dragged everywhere and I am thankful that I have a girl who loves to shop and try things on - love that I will have a shopping buddy! We then headed home - a full 9 hours of shopping and fun!

Today we hung out at home and enjoyed being together - complete with a walk to Crepevine for lunch (Allie's choice) and the walk was a workout! A double stroller in heat made for some good exercise! Then my favorite part - naps for everyone - ME included! And now - Ethan is sleeping and Allie and I are relaxing watching a special Dora episode "Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom." I love time with her! She is growing up way too fast in my mind but thankful she wants to spend time with me. I love it when she says, "Mom, this is the best day ever!" I love "Mommy and Me" time! So tomorrow - I think feeding the ducks and the park - at Allie's request and we both agree Moxie's would be a special Labor Day treat!

My Girl Kicked back in her favorite chair - the laundry basket - enjoying the evening!

This pic - purely for fun because it makes me smile!

Catching Up

The Writebol's had a fun summer! One of our favorite summer activities is the Sonoma County Fair! We were able to go several times thanks to our fair entries! Enjoy a few pics of our first visit to the fair!

Allie's First Entry to the Sonoma County Fair - Isn't she a great little artist?????? She got us a free ticket!

Fun on the tractor's with her friend Gracie!

You can't be at the fair and not have your free Clover Ice Cream Cone!!!!!

And yes, we came home from the fair with a new member to our family, Allie's pet bunny - Sparkle!

30 Days - Only 29 More to Go!

So day one of the Shred is done! I am back at it and this time with complete accountability! I have two friends who are in this 30 days with me! We are doing 30 days of the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD. So in April I started this video and completed 30 days of workouts - every day - didn't miss a day!!!!!! There were days I felt like I was going to die (and tomorrow will be one of them when I go to put my feet on the floor and try to walk) but it was good - I slept better, felt better over all and clothes were fitting differently - - loved it - hard work but loved it. My sweet husband promised me a trip to the SPA if I did all 30 days! The SPA was amazing - I had my ultimate massage and was feeling so good about my reward that I decided it had to be done again - back to the shred!

I was thinking about it and wondering - if I felt so good while doing it - why did I quit for May, June and July - - - then I remembered - oh right - the flu for most of May at my house and then travel galore! But seriously - it is time for no excuses - time to be serious and stay committed. I am excited about getting back in to the daily routine (I am such a routine person) and LOVE that I am not doing this alone! Thankful for the two people in this with me! Trust me - only real friends would commit to this video for 30 days! So day one is done and I can honestly say - it felt good! (Ask me tomorrow what I think - lol!)