STAY-cation 2012

Due to my schedule/ profession I often times work 4-5 day stretches, even though I am only part time. However, this allows me to have stretches off too! So…when we noticed that I had 5 days off in a row in the beginning of June, we decided we would take a vacation (especially since it was over Sam's birthday and our anniversary) Upon researching places to go…Chicago…Duluth…Two Harbors…etc, we realized that it would either be too stressful with a baby (Chicago) or wasn't REALLY somewhere we were dying to go. So…we had the idea to have a "stay-cation" We would stay in the comfort of our own home, not have to pay money for hotels, gas, etc, and do fun activities everyday that we are normally not able to do! It was absolutely wonderful, and I think we may try to do this every year, or at least every other! Let me just say, we needed this, as a couple, as parents, and as a family. Today, its back to reality for both of us as we go back to work, and to the normal routines.

Here are some highlights of our stay-cation 2012:

Day One:

We celebrated our little Addie's 1/2 birthday and then headed out to Stillwater to grill/ hang out with two couples and their little ones. It was great to be outside and with such good company!

After Addie got her nap in, we headed to the Freighthouse for some drinks/ apps! It was such a beautiful evening, and just reminded me of how much I love Stillwater in the summer :)

I even tried quac for the first time. I know, I know, I'm a vegetarian so clearly I should have had avocado or quac before…but the creamy texture of it has always freaked me out, so I never have. I decided it was time, and It tasted really fresh and a lot more mild than I had imagined. I think I am going to slowly incorporate it into my diet, and stop asking to "hold the quac" on many thing I order!

Day two:

The next day was Sam's 25th birthday! We started it off right with Starbucks & Brueggers, then headed to the MN zoo! 

We met my mom there, and had such a wonderful day walking around and looking at all the animals! Addie seemed to enjoy herself, and experienced all that she could for being 6 months old!

One of my favorite animals there, the prairie dogs!

Pit stop for a bottle :)

Her favorite part of bath time is when she can put her legs/ arms in the running water…so we decided to try this out too to see if she would like it! Success :)

We got BWW for dinner and ate it on the deck! Sam ate 18 wings. 18 WINGS! It's crazy he could fit that much food into his small little self! AND…I was super excited that I discovered they serve veggie burgers! Now I finally have something I can order when we go there!

A very full birthday boy!

The day concluded with some more fun on the deck and some movies :)

Day 3:

We stayed home and relaxed in morning/ afternoon! I got some sun, and Addie worked a lot on sitting up!

Then we headed out to Dick's to look at tents! (our anniversary gift to each other) 

That night, we ordered pizza, played games, and just enjoyed each other's company :)

Day 4:

On Tuesday, we were going to head to Lake Calhoun for some walking, but decided with the heat, and length of drive out there, it would be better just to go down by the river for a walk right here in Hudson! It was beautiful out, and definitely the right choice :) After, we enjoyed ice cream from McDonalds (Sam finally grasped the beauty of the 150 cal 3g fat ice cream cone!) and homemade lasagna! That night, we shopped around online for more tents, and a jogging stroller for Addie! I also took advantage of Sam being home, and ran some errands KID FREE!

Day 5:

Our 3 year anniversary! These are the cards we made for each other! Sam also surprised me with an americano and egg/ cheese sandwich from Starbucks, and we enjoyed the morning together! 

In the afternoon, we headed to the Doctor for Addie's 6 month appt. We are so blessed to have such a happy healthy girl!! She continues to be small: 13 lbs 0 oz, (4th percentile), and 24 3/4 inches (15th percentile) …But the Dr. assured us she is healthy and steadily growing at her own rate! Now, onward to getting her to like/ eat some solids!

We enjoyed an evening on the deck (again!) some Stir Fry, and more games to conclude our anniversary/ stay-cation!

Before the weekend began, I had Sam make a list of what he wanted to do, and we actually accomplished most of it among other things! Overall, It was wonderful wonderful wonderful…and as I mentioned before, MUCH NEEDED! 

now back to reality...