shades of summer

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I like to think that as Ryan leaves more and more frequently for deployments and TDYs that I'm becoming comfortable in my ability to parent solo, all while still having fun with the boys, regardless. I shared a little of my heart on instagram last week though about how I still doubt myself for a few days before we start settling into a new routine. You were all so patient and kind with your responses, and I think so many of you are right, too! That's just motherhood. We worry...about everything. I am, however, learning to worry less and act more. 

We get out more than we used to when Ryan first deployed last year - and definitely way more than Ryan's first TDY to Korea when Spencer was still less than a year old. I've learned what works and what doesn't, we've learned how to stretch our nap times, and we've really learned to act like a functioning little trio (for the most part, of course). And we're getting more and more bold!

This past weekend, I decided that it was time. The boys have yet to have proper swim lessons, and I knew that we needed to get them registered as soon as possible. We drove up to the YMCA in Lakewood, and we signed the boys up - and had an hour of water fun, too. Spencer and Porter both start lessons next Saturday, and I am so excited. Spence will have two lessons - a preschooler one and a back-to-basics one - and Porter will have a momma-and-me basics lesson. Cheers to water safety!

We also decided to venture back to Tolmie State Park this past weekend. We went a couple weeks ago, and it was beautiful, so we decided to go at low tide to see if the rumors were true. They say that when the tide goes out, the sand is littered with sand dollars. And the rumors were true! We left with more than 60 sand dollars, and we rescued more than 200 and put them back in the water where they belong. Fun facts for those who might be curious...

Yes, sand dollars are alive. When they're living, they're actually black and covered in tiny little hairs called silia that coat the sides and underside of the creature. When they die, however, they begin to change colors, and the little hairs fall off. What's left behind is the creature's exoskeleton, and that's what we all like to pick up. We made sure the ones we picked all had smooth bottoms, and I gave them all a good rinse last night. Today, I'll embark on cleaning them...and deciding what to do with my new hoard of shells. Whoops.

We did the world's smallest little hike, too, and went to lunch with Auntie Cheryl, Mitchell, and Carter after our adventure, and we totally blew naptime...#worthit. These boys are such troopers just rolling with mama's every whim, and I like to think they're the better for it. There's so much to do and explore. Sometimes it's good to skip naps and just get out and see the world. Also, it must be said that I just love that last picture of Spencer. He had smudges of sand and dirt on his face, a little kiss from the sun, and his freckles pepper his cute little nose now. He's such a handsome boy, and I love watching him explore.

I'm linking up today with B Loved Boston for Weekending.

the happy list

If there's one thing that I've been working on this year, it's taking stock of what really makes me happy. I'm not talking about the huge things either. I'm talking about the simple things - the fleeting things - that might not seem huge at the time, but they make my days brighter and put a smile on my face. Call it an unwritten gratitude journal or something, but whatever it is, it's made things a lot more meaningful and profound, especially after a huge move across the country. Even when our weeks are insanely busy, life throws us for a loop, and everything seems to be unraveling, there's always something happy there to pull us back.

So, without further ado, I'm following in the vein of Beautifully Candid and sharing 5 things that make me happy right now...

1 // Watching my boys together.

Guys, we had these little boys close together. I was pregnant again when Spencer turned 9 months old, and it was always our home that they'd grow up close and nearly inseparable. Our wishes are finally coming true! These little boys, sure, fight at times, but for the most part, they adore each other. They share a room - not out of necessity - but rather because they like to chat themselves to sleep. 

2 // The keto diet.

I've struggled a lot with my diet and, if we're being honest here, weight gain post-MPFL reconstruction. I stress-ate a lot through the move, and not being able to run or do anything really took its toll on me both mentally and physically. The keto diet has me shedding unhealthy weight (seriously...4 lbs in 4 days), and feeling better. Check out the Keto Strawberry Shake I shared!

3 // Water, water everywhere.

This is something I've been loving a lot lately. We are so close to the water where we live in Washington, and it makes my inner fish so happy! I love that my boys are able to see the water almost daily, and we're really just a hop, skip, and a jump away from any rocky beach. In fact, we're going for a little hike and a beach day this weekend again, and we just can't wait!

4 // SLAM Tacoma.

I wasn't able to go to any of the workouts this week because of work and doctors' appointments, but I just love my SLAM fam out here. Jen's been professing her love of this workout group for a long time, but I never really paid any mind until I looked for a workout group prior to our move. Having one start here has been the BEST thing to make friends and branch out - and the real grand opening is next week!

5 // Having a happy dog.

For those who've been following me for a while, you might remember that Danny was hit by a car shortly after Ryan deployed last year. At the time, we didn't know if she'd make it, or whether she'd lose her leg, or if she'd ever be able to run again. Fast forward a year and a half, and you'd never know this dog was on the brink. She runs like a gazelle, and she's just living her best life out here.

What's making you happy this week? Have a great weekend, friends!

keeping the weekend vibe going

Ryan left this past weekend, which kind of threw the latter half of the weekend for a loop, but we did our best to have fun and get some quality time before he left. On Friday, we visited Ryan's cousins at their new home in Olympia, and we blew the boys' bedtime. It was well worth the quality family and couple time, the boys had so much fun playing with family, and we enjoyed soaking up our last few moments of togetherness while we good. Then, on Saturday, we visited Sequalitchew Creek again as a family on Saturday, and we had a good time soaking up the sun, catching little crabs, and just playing together. Yesterday, we had to take Ryan to the airport, so we got up bright and early, and we did it before we had too much time to think about. I swear...it never gets easier, but it's getting normal, and I have mixed feelings about that. 

Right now, I'm feeling exhausted and drained, and I'm desperate to make that weekend vibe last a little longer. I figured that might be a common thing though, so today I'm offering up my four favorite tips to keep that weekend vibe going.

// Opt for Spontaneity

As you all well know, I am a big supporter of all things spontaneous and fun. Even when the whole brood was sick, we made a point of still getting outside and doing something fun while we could. Although it’s true that most of the spontaneity in my life is contained to the weekends, one of the things that keeps it going just a little longer is including some of those spontaneous, fun activities in the work week. Go for a bike ride with your kiddos to a local ice cream shop after dinner, or better yet, ditch the planned dinner at home and find some new restaurants to add to the Yelped list. Right now, my go-to is just taking the boys to the rocky beach to search for crabs - it doesn't get better than that!

// Get Comfortable

The worst part about Monday coming around is the need to bring back to boob jail contraptions we call bras. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love when the girls look good, but it would be nice if they could look good while also not feeling completely suffocated. One of the things I’ve done lately is search for a truly comfortable, well-fitted bra, like the ones from True & Co. that basically feel like clouds. Wearing a bra that doesn’t dig in or make me uncomfortable from the minute I put it on has made me more optimistic and much less irritable, a definite perk when spending so much time with my two little boys. It seems like such an unimportant thing but being uncomfortable is a one-way ticket to grumpy town for me. So finding a something that can keep me from hopping on that train, is key for enjoying my week - and any places we go.

// Consider Dinner

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely live by meal-planning. Taking an hour or so on the weekends to sit down and plan out our lunches and dinners for the week makes a huge difference in my stress levels Monday through Friday. There are even meal planning apps out there right now that make the whole process even quicker, which is so nice! Having meals taken care of ahead of time and not having to agonize or argue over the “what’s for dinner tonight” conversation or scour the cupboards for something I can put together is a game changer. It allows me to get the decisions out of the way and make sure I get everything stocked in my Saturday or Sunday grocery run. Once I have it all on hand, I can make my favorite keto shakes and dinners much easier.

// Get that Workout In

Okay, so I know this one is not the most fun thing for everyone but for me, it is totally necessary. For those of you who know me, you know that I love getting outside and being active in general. For the most part though, and for most people, it seems that weekends are the only time our schedules allow for time to get in a real workout. Try to find some time during your week to fit in a lunch break yoga session with a YouTube video or class at a local studio. Maybe you could join a weeknight kickball or soccer league. Even just add a block of time to your schedule dedicated strictly to the gym and go then. It’s crazy how different your energy levels and mood can be after adding a couple of workouts into your week.

I feel like life just keeps getting busier and busier, and I'm sure it's not going to slow down anytime soon. These are just four of the ways that I keep that weekend feel going, and I find little of pockets of relaxation along the way. Are there different ways you keep your weekends going a little longer?

I'm linking up today with B Loved Boston for Weekending.

washington doesn't suck

I think it's safe to say our family loves Washington. Leaving New York was hard - less because we loved New York, more because it was home - but we're settling in nicely, and I think I can finally stop babbling about the "settling" nonsense because it's done. Yes, Ryan's still leaving this weekend, and yes, that sucks, but I'm less worried about all the things because, frankly, I know they'll get done. Work is falling into place, the boys are starting to love their school, and even this messed up rental home is falling into place (yes, that deserves a post of its own).

I think the best part of Washington so far is just that there is so much to do. We're seriously never scrambling on a weekend to find something. There are so many hikes and little excursions we want to explore. The weather is cool (and yet also warm) enough to play outside, go on our little runs with friends, or just take Danny to the dog park. Better yet - the beach is literally about 5 minutes from our home. 

Better yet? We also have family really close, which is kind of a rarity. Ryan's cousin and his wife just moved to Olympia, so we're able to see them fairly frequently. In fact, we're headed their way for a beach barbecue this evening. They have a son named Spencer, too. He's much older, but it's a funny little anecdote we giggle about as the kids get confused.

It's true that this has been a season of change for us, and it hasn't been the easiest move all around, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to branch out, see new areas of the country, and really explore with my boys. Though we explored in New York, I think it's safe to say that was just a stepping stone for what we plan to do here in Washington.

This is definitely a summer I won't forget. There are so many household chores to be done, so many nuances to this house and schedule yet to figure out, but there's something spectacular about the spontaneity of it, too. We get to craft our own adventure here, and that's incredible. That's an opportunity you don't want to pass up. 

Changes are on the horizon, but if there's one thing this Army life has taught me, it's that change can be good - hard, but good. On that note, I'm calling it now. I'm going to bust out the DSLR for the next week or so. I want to capture this place in all its glory because it's about time! Get ready for all the photo dumps!

tolmie state park + the weekend that wasn't

Somehow this past week, Ryan managed to bring home a nasty sinus infection that started to make its way around the house. He was hit hard Friday and Saturday, then I caught it, and poor Spencer's asthma has been kicking him in the pants because of it now, too. So, you know those weekends where you plan all the things and most of them just don't happen? Yeah, this past weekend was one of those, but I am proud to say that will still got out, did things, and explored the area - even if our bigger plans went down the drain.

On Saturday, we decided to forgo our now-normal Wear Blue run at the park in favor of trying to catch a little extra sleep since we weren't feeling too well. Then, we headed to the furniture store out in Lacey. Funny story...we bought these couches in a barrio in Tuscon right after we got married. They. are. awful. They were cute when we got them, but the arm broke on one during our move to Fort Drum, they're stained beyond recognition, and they are just so uncomfortable. On Friday evening, Ryan felt like poo, was struggling to get comfortable, and finally said "we don't deserve to live like this." I died. And then we joyfully went to the furniture store, adulted super hard, and bought a great new set. We're in heaven.

Sunday was spent relaxing, taking the boys for bike rides down at the park, and going to Tolmie State Park. The beautiful thing about Tolmie is that it's about a 10-15 minute drive from our home. With our Discover Pass, we don't have to pay a fee. Instead, we just drive up to the parking area and either hit the trails (there are a bunch!) or just head to the beach. Since we all felt like garbage, we opted for the latter, and we headed to the beach.

The beaches here aren't soft-sand beaches. They're rocky and gritty, but they're just as gorgeous as you could hope for. The water is clear, and it was shockingly warm, as well. Ryan and I forgot to bring our swimsuits, but the boys were content to wade in, see the little crabs, and check out the barnacles covering tons of rocks. Spencer was in heaven. That little boy is part fish, and it speaks to my swimmer heart!

Ryan's leaving later this week, so I'm glad that, despite feeling pretty gross all around, we still got out to explore some of the area. We'll definitely need to head back to Tolmie though because we didn't explore it nearly as much as I would have liked to. The beautiful thing about living here is that there's simply no shortage of things to do! We simply have to decide what we might want to do that weekend, throw a pin on a board, and go. I'm pretty sure it doesn't get better than that.

I'm linking up today with B Loved Boston for Weekending.

sweet summer days

americana tanks // children's place // similar here 

Well, that's a wrap on our first fourth of July here in Washington. We weren't sure what to expect really. The fourth is big in New York, but it's nothing like it is here! They throw a big live-music event at Clocktower Park just a five-minute drive from our house starting with a pancake breakfast in the morning and culminating in a firework show around 10 PM on the golf course. It was so fun to see how festive people are here. And, though fireworks scare the dickens out of Porter, we got to see a bunch from our home before we all crashed hard last night.

After spending a quiet morning at home, we explored the party at Clocktower Park, bought some delicious kettle corn, and the boys were able to meet the firefighters, sit in the trucks, and turn on the lights! They were so happy. Talk about making a little boy's day right there. Spencer also got to meet  "Spiderman," and he was in awe. I couldn't help but giggle as he said "Hi Spiderman! What are you doing here?" His imagination never ceases to amaze me.

One of the best parts about moving to Washington has been that we're now closer to Ryan's family. So close, in fact, that we were able to spend the evening of the 4th up in Gig Harbor where the boys got to meet their cousins, play lawn games, and I was able to finally meet some more of Ryan's extended family.

Most of them live in Oregon, so it was really special to be able to take the time to spend all together. It wasn't anything fancy, but we blew bedtime, and we spent quality time playing outside, watching the fireworks, sharing a meal with fantastic people, and enjoying quality time with family. It was also so special because I got to see Ryan in his element with his people - and yes, I obviously mean gingers ;)

I feel like summer's always so fleeting. We wait all year for it, then we chase those summer nights until they're, once again, enveloped in the colder season, under wraps until the next year. I know I sound like I'm waxing all nostalgic, and maybe I am, but there's just something about summer that speaks to my soul. We've been spending almost every possible waking hour that we can outside. When I pick the boys up from daycare, we either go play out on the playset in our yard, or we go to the park. 

This past week, we went ahead and bought Spencer a big boy bike - training wheels and all. He learned how to pedal his tricycle shortly before we left Fort Drum, and he's been getting too big for it. So, we bit the bullet and surprised our big boy after school a couple days ago, taking him to Powderworks Park where he saw his brand-new Lightning McQueen bike (we're alllllll over Cars right now) for the first time. Needless to say, he's still the happiest boy on the block.

lightning mcqueen bike // target // available here

schwinn llbean special edition tricycle // llbean // similar here

Ryan leaves again next week for another stateside TDY, and I'm anxious about it. Obviously, Washington is still a little unfamiliar, and this house doesn't feel like home in many ways - in large part because it's a rental. I know we'll settle in, but the thought of another upheaval of sorts is scary in its own right. If you do think of us in the next few days, we'd sure appreciate a few little prayers - more for the boys than myself - as we work yet another season of transition.

Have the best weekends, and I hope you all had a fantastic fourth of July!

firetrucks, freedom runs & friends

I can't believe we're beginning our third week here in Washington already - technically, of course - and we're going to really start finding our rhythm now. Ryan reports today and signs in on base. The boys start their brand-new daycare today, too. I'm working, obviously, so we're going to slowly start falling into the pace of life we can expect here. This past weekend though, we spent time savoring our new digs (yet again), and we spent time with good friends...and it was so worth it, even if I only unpacked one box!

Friday evening, we decided on a whim to head up to Point Ruston again since we'd had so much fun the first time. I'm off work at 2 PM these days because I work East coast hours, and since we'd pulled the boys from their last daycare, we headed up there as a family after nap time. We were lucky...the Tacoma Fire Department was doing a fundraiser with a Touch-a-Truck event, and my firefighter-loving little boys had their days made in a heartbeat. What a great way to support a fantastic cause, inspire future little ones, and interact with the community! We all had a blast, and it didn't hurt that the truck was gorgeous!

On Saturday morning, we decided to head over to our local Wear Blue, Run to Remember group that starts just a few miles from our home. Each Sunday, they meet at 9 AM and run a well-mapped 5k through our neighborhood and trail areas. We had a meetup at Fort Drum, too, but it rarely happened due to weather and lack of participation. About 50 people of all ages and skill levels showed up here, and at the halfway point, a handful of elderly veterans handed out bottled water. It was a beautiful day of easy running, socializing with new friends, and honoring our fallen and their families. We'll definitely be doing that again.

We also explored another of the many playgrounds around here, Chief Leschi Park, and our little men were in heaven. This was more their speed. It had plenty of obstacles and slides, but it wasn't too over-the-top for a three and two-year-old. And, it doesn't hurt that the weather and scenery here has truly been perfection lately.

We capped off our Sunday with the best barbecue with friends. The Linenfelsers were stationed at Fort Drum with us, and though Ryan and Mike were in the same unit, we never got together. They have two little boys, as well, six and four, and we decided to have an afternoon of slip-and-slide, sprinklers, cornhole, and good company. I'm so glad we got together! I mentioned how important it is to find your tribe, and this is just the start of it. These are good people. They have their proverbial ish together, and they're helping us get out and explore more.

I'm so grateful for good weekends and great adventures to come. Fort Lewis has surprised me in the best possible way and, thus far, I'm loving it. I can't wait to see what else is in store for us!

I'm linking up today with B Loved Boston for Weekending.

one day in kingston, ontario

Is there anything better than grandparents coming to visit? I'd have to argue that there isn't. My mom, my boys' Oma, came to visit this weekend, and it was (as always) the absolute best and most refreshing time. I find that when Ryan is gone, it can be very isolating. Though I love being social and getting time with friends, there aren't a lot of moments of adult interaction while he's gone. This weekend was fun because we completely skipped naptime both days, took a trip to Kingston, Ontario for the last time, and I treated my mom to Bombay Duck Pickle Cafe, which I knew she'd love.

Saturday was a rainy one. Rather than spend the day indoors, I did a quick run in the morning, we walked the dogs, and we drove the hour up to Canada. It was super simple, the boys watched Paw Patrol the whole way there, and we took the chariot stroller to keep them out of the rain. We had a quick lunch of poutine at The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro on Princess Street, then we walked all around Fort Henry and the battlefield in the rain. Nestled high above the Royal Military Academy, it was beautiful to view the St. Lawrence River and let the boys run around and explore as the rain tapered off.

We also took a little time for the boys to play at The Rockinghorse toy store in Kingston. They have a Thomas the Train setup, and the boys can't get enough of it. Since Porter's second birthday is fast-approaching and we needed to buy some gifts anyway, we let them play. They had a blast - and 90% of this activity was free!

Mamas, truly, is there anything better than watching your kiddos venture around and explore?

Travel Tips to Canada from Fort Drum:

1 // Parents, if traveling with minor children, make sure you have their real birth certificates or their passports. If only one parent is traveling across the border, make sure you have certified copies of their birth certificates, their passports, and a signed letter of consent from the other parent. More often than not, the border guard will let you cross with the passport only, but it's better safe than sorry.

2 // Get Travel Pass on your phone. You won't pay roaming or data charges while in Canada, which is extra helpful when looking up directions, or searching on Yelp for great places to eat. 

3 // Do not bring produce over the border, and make certain that you don't have any firearms in your car either. You'll need to declare both, have all measures of security on you, permits, etc. It's more hassle than it's worth, and you'll have to declare and furnish all papers both on the Canadian and US sides of the border.

4 // Make sure that your license and registration are in order and on hand. They can ask for them at any time, and it's important that you know exactly where they are - just in case.

This was my mom's last trip here to Black River prior to our PCS (in 17 days...what?!), so we soaked up all the time we possibly could. She'll be arriving back here on the 6th, and we leave the 7th, so big things are coming. Until then, we're gearing up, we're getting ready, and we're waiting on Daddy to get his butt back home!

I'm linking up today with B Loved Boston for Weekending.