weekend trip

We took a last minute weekend trip to Boston for Henri's birthday. I still haven't wrote about our trip last month for Dorie's birthday. I miss them so much and whenever I start going through the pictures I get so sad. Leaving a your nanny family is so hard!

We also decided to take out annual family pictures at Crane Beach while we were there. It was where we took our maternity pictures and last October we took updates ones. I haven't taken the pictures off the camera yet but I can't wait to go through them!

We stayed with friends while we were in town and met up with a few other friends. It is hard to fit in everything we want to do while there. It doesn't help that we always decide last minute to go.

We stopped at the outlets on the way for Dave to shop and Elinor to get out some energy. There is a playground there and a Disney store. She was ready to rest when we got back in the car.

So many puppies and friends to hang on

Dave got his haircut and we walked around Newbury St.

and a visit to Diamonds and Rust. So many cool things in there. Elinor was excited she was allowed to go behind the counter. She always tries to at every store

 Tre has chickens! She was nervous about them at first but liked feeding them.

More puppies and friends to hang on

A trip to Salem and life alive. Oh I miss living in Salem.

A few pictures I took on my phone at the beach. It is such a pretty beach. 

How was your weekend?

High Hopes Vegan Bakery

 When Cynthia from High Hopes Vegan Bakery posted on instagram that she was looking for bloggers to review her treats I emailed her right away. I'm always up for testing treats!

whale plate from Diamonds and Rust

With the snowstorm though, we ended up getting our box a few days after it was sent. I was worried when we opened it up that everything would be mush or stale. Surprisingly everything was still fresh and just like it should be. We received 3 soft chocolate chip cookies, 2 lavender shortbreads and 1 "reeses".

 Dave couldn't wait

I'm not a fan of lavender flavors so the shortbreads weren't for me. The texture of them were really good but all I could think of was my lavender soap. The chocolate chip cookies were amazing even though they had a little bit of lavender taste to them from the shortbreads. I wanted 10 more of them and wished I opened the box without Dave around so I didn't have to share. The "Reeses" was something else I didn't want to share but chocolate with peanut butter is Dave's favorite. He ended up eating most of it. I wish the dark chocolate didn't over power the peanut butter as much but also I was eating the outside where there wasn't as much peanut butter. Dave said he didn't realize that being the case since he got the middle.

Check out High Hopes Vegan Bakery. There is even an Etsy page where I think I need to order some brownies or even a chocolate peanut butter filled cupcake!

Birthday party #1

Last weekend we went to Philadelphia to visit family and have an early birthday party for Elinor. We haven't been in awhile and It was so good to see the Dave's family (minus Joe, Jessica and Joey who are in Japan and Lauren who was at college. We missed all of you!). We invited some of our friends in the area and their children. Elinor loves kids and was happy when everyone started showing up. 

 When my mom was visiting, she insisted on buying her a new dress along with this headband. I didn't want her to spend that much but she wanted to and the dress was really pretty. When I put it on Ellie, I fell in love with it. It fits and looks so perfect on her. Thank you mom! The dress and headband are from Baby Gap and the shoes I found at Old Navy.

 Grandpop and Cindy offered up their house for us to have the party. Even though we said not to buy anything and we would do it all, they did so much for us. From buying balloons to cleaning up after everyone. Thank you!

Hot chocolate with marshmallows and candy canes

 hand stamped cups with tape from Diamonds and Rust

 G and Elinor. 

Tried to get J in on the pic but he only wanted to play with his trains

 Grandpop had a train that Michael set up and helped the little kids play with. I didn't get any clear pictures but every kid was sitting nicely watching while my Godzilla child kept wanting to stand on the track

 eating her veggie sandwich before cake

Vegan cake from Whole Foods and baby vegan cake for Sweet Freedom

 She looks excited but really she could care less about that cake

and then our battery died on the camera. Seriously?!! HOw does that happen right as I'm holding a cake in her face. Dave ran around the house trying to find the other one while everyone stared at Elinor. 

 a little taste but no care

 She just kept throwing pieces on the ground for the little boys. They were all gobbling it up

 This baby got spoiled! I let everyone know not to worry about bringing any presents. No one listened. She got some amazing gifts that lucky girl. 

 She doesn't drink juice. She found an abandoned juicebox and RAN to an empty spot to drink it as fast as she could.

 Baby T became a prince

 High fives with Uncle Michael

Her new face all the time. Everything is so exciting!!!

stuck on her #1 ballon

I loved seeing everyone and getting to spend time with all the mamas. I can't wait to meet up with everyone again soon. Thank you so much for everyone that came, helped out and spent the day with us. We love you all! 

Her real birthday is this Saturday and I'm already starting to get emotional. Where's my little baby???