Anniversary Weekend

La Peg

This past weekend was our 12 year anniversary. My parents generously watched the kids for the weekend. Friday night we went to a pop-up beer garden at 15th and South St. It was beautifully done by the Horticultural Society. Then we walked around the city.

Saturday after breakfast we had coffee/tea at our favorite coffee shop, Bodhi at 2nd and Front st. I love to sit in the window along the cobblestone street. They have the best jasmine tea and free coffee refills.
Then we walked to Talula's Daily on the west side of Washington Square. They have a restuarant, which is pricey, but now they have a little take-out market next door. They offer salads for $9 or cheese plates for 2 starting at $20. They give you beautiful bowls from Anthropologie and real silverware to eat with.
We went home for a few hours to relax. Plus it was raining so there wasn't a whole lot else to do!

La Peg

 Dave had made us dinner reservations at La Peg. It's a fairly new french tapas restaurant with an extensive beer menu. The food was really incredible, which went really well with a Kronenbour Blanc beer.  It's a fresh and fruity white beer, slightly bitter with hints of citrus and coriander spices. 
The atmosphere is really cool. The restaurant is in an old pumping station just behind the Race St. pier.


Sunday morning we biked down to Honey's for breakfast. Oh, how I love their food. The biscuits are so AMAZING!! It was really fun to bike there - one of the many perks to living in the city! I felt like we were a couple in a movie scene or something. Biking there made it so real, like a real date. I can't quite explain it. 
It was a really fantastic weekend. We are still so crazy about each other. I am thankful for those moments where we can remember that and have uninterrupted quality time together.

Ben Franklin bridge

At the Race St. pier overlooking the Delaware river.

Alex's First Week of Preschool

Alex was beyond excited for his first day in the Green class at Overbrook Preschool. He was dressed and ready in no time. As we were driving there he said in disgust, "When are we there?"
Well this brave and excited 4 year old also decided to leave Stinky Bear behind. You know, at home. Wow! We were shocked at the decision.












So leaving Stinky Bear behind was a really bad decision. I made it worse for all of us because in the parking lot I said to Alex, "Wow bud, I'm so proud of you for leaving Stinky Bear at home!"
DUH!!! What a DUMB move!!! Why do I tug at emotional heart strings right before a huge moment like walking into the first day of school.

I had to hold him at the door way of the room and carry him into his class. He wouldn't let go or even lift his head from my shoulder. Oh boy!
We tried different tactics like playing with Legos, but even his all-time favorite toy didn't matter.
His teacher was amazing at trying to get him to stay. Eventually she had to hold him crying while we quickly left. Later she told me he calmed down probably by the time we got to our car.

 Well on day 2 we were smart and brought Stinky Bear with us. It helped a lot! He had a bit of a hard time saying goodbye, but nothing at all like the first day.



Again, his teacher Miss Lexie is amazing. I love her! She loved on Alex so much. She was so great with him in the beginning. She brought him over to check in. The kids have to move their name from the "out" slot to the "in" slot. (pictured below)

By the end of the week Alex confidently walked into the room. Hugged me goodbye and checked himself in. It was amazing to see the transition! Now we are into the second week. Some days he doesn't even say goodbye. He just dives right into his day. It's beautiful, and I am so thankful!

1st Day of 2nd Grade

My 7 year old is now in 2nd grade!
We had a really fun summer, but by the end of August we were all ready for school to start. The two best friends (Lilia and Alex) were now annoying each other very often and we were having trouble just enjoying our days.
Dave took her to school on the trailer bike. It puts her in the best mood! She's so happy on the bike with him, and she very willingly runs off to school.
Her teach is amazing, and all the kids have returned, except one new kid.
In fact, when we arrived on the first day, 3 saw Lilia, shouted her name, and they all embraced. (pictured below) I was one happy mama and I could easily kiss her goodbye.