impromptu family date nights

One of the hardest things as a parent (and I'm sure all parents can attest to this) is finding the time for real fun amidst the daily grind. From work to daycare, household chores, and beyond, it's hard to make the time for quality moments together. We're trying our best to minimize the stress for each other, as well as our boys, so we're being proactive and actively trying to do all the things. Last night, we decided to have an impromptu family date night.

Since starting our ketogenic diet last month, we've been minimizing the number of times we eat out each week. After weeks of stress and constant meal prep though, we decided to have some spur-of-the-moment fun and go to Five Guys in Watertown. I've found some great keto dining out tips, and we knew we could easily eat there (without breaking the bank) and stay within our diet parameters. 

Our boys loved it. It was a change from the ordinary. We don't eat too many sweets in our house, so splitting a chocolate milkshake was like the holy grail to them, and they preferred that to their hot dog and fries. Also, I think Porter would subsist only on ketchup if we'd let him. He uses his hot dogs and fries as ketchup receptacles, and when all else fails, he sticks his whole fist in the ketchup container and licks it off his hands. It's gross - and hilarious.

Honestly, it wasn't even the best food that mattered. It was the fact that we did something different together. I think that family date nights are going to be a thing here, and I'm excited to do some more in the coming weeks...especially as this endless winter drags on. Here are some great ideas for other family date nights that I'm looking forward to:

• DIY "drive-in" movie night (planning to do this on Saturday evening)
• Finger food fun
• Living room fort and indoor s'mores
• Indoor bowling

There are so many things we can do as a family and for very little money. Plus, with the weather like it is, we really want to share this time together all warm and cozy inside. I can't wait to get started on these little family date nights - and hopefully start doing some more for just Ryan and myself, as well!

Do you do indoor date nights? What sort of activities do you love to do together?

mini memos [3]

It's Thursday again, which means it's time for some more mini memos! Throughout any given day, I think of these little letters to myself and things around me, and I finally started putting them down on paper. And thus - "mini memos" was born. This is a little ode to life lately over here, and it's fun to look back and see those fleeting moments that flash through my mind.

Dear crafting...why do you elude me so? I'm doing my best to be crafty with all these fun ideas I have, but I swear that the crafting gene just didn't quite stick with me.

Dear Spencer...we've turned a corner with potty training (via bribery), and I literally have no shame about it. If you want a few skittles for peeing on the pot. Have at it, my boy. I shall give you ALL the skittles.

Dear crockpot...why is it that I fall in love with you again every fall? Between hot ciders, pot roasts, pulled pork and more, we're destined to a busy duo this fall and winter.

Dear Bitmoji...I finally caved and made my own bitmoji because carpe diem and all that. Now I don't know why I did it or what to do with it.

Dear running...thank you for giving me an outlet for all my crazy deployment rage. I just wish you'd let up on my hip a little. This marathon is coming up fast.

Dear cold sunsets...you remind me that summer is coming to a close, and while you're beautiful, you kind of make me sad.

Dear Ryan...I can't wait until you're finally at the South site again! I need me some wifi and face time with my husband again!

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And now it's your turn...

Link up your own mini memos here!

snow day

It's been a minute since I blogged! I've meant to, but then we traveled to New Hampshire for Ryan's 4-day weekend, and we had to say goodbye to our sweet family chow-chow, Panda. Unfortunately, she was extremely sick, and the vet's only solution was 24-hour care until an exploratory procedure that was probably going to reveal something very bad anyway. My sister Nikki, who is also a vet, agreed with my mother that it wasn't extending a good quality of life for Panda, so they made the devastating decision to let her go. She was only 9 years old, so it was harder than ever to day goodbye...we'll always remember her like this though:

We were all super grateful to have Spencer around to life the spirits because it's never easy to let a pet - or family member - go. He kept us on our toes with his crazy little antics, and I was so thankful that his cute little baby bum kept my momma smiling through it all because her pets have always been her babies, and this is the second pet in two months that has passed.

Today, we're finally back in New York after a great (and sad) long weekend, and it's a snow day! Ryan's home from post, Spencer's home from daycare, momma's working (haha), but it gives us a little time to recover. And, of course, my two men can't seem to stay healthy for long because we're nursing two colds here...again!

Do any of you have any tried and true cold prevention methods? I'm 25 weeks with baby Moore now, and I really, really don't want to be sick again! 

plague

^^^ image via

Friends, the plague has descended upon the Moore household. It started with Spencer. He had a little runny nose and a touch of a cough Thursday evening, then he had his 1 year shots (MMR, Chicken Pox and Flu) on Friday. That turned his little cold into a raging fever with a rough, painful weekend for the little guy. Thankfully, he's the healthiest here right now.

Ryan, who's never been on quarters (military speak for "not allowed to go to work") for 24 hours now and was just told he's still on quarters today. Some nasty GI bug made its way into his body, combined with Spencer's cold and turned into the plague...it's no bueno. Poor guy is miserable, and I really don't blame him. You know it's bad when he's longing to go to work!

As for me? Let's just say pregnancy sickness: 3, yours truly: 0. I just keep getting sick. I get whatever cold Spencer brings home, and not being able to take normal cold meds doesn't make it any better. I think I'm on the tail end of it though, thankfully, and I can't wait to feel better. I've been forcing myself not to go to the gym and to just rest, and I think that's helping.

But seriously...fingers crossed for the Moores, please? We're a sorry bunch right now!

winter wonderland

Winter has finally arrived in New York! I mean, it might have missed Christmas by about a week, but we finally have snow on the ground - and cold temperatures (read: a high of 7 degrees yesterday). I realize I'm probably in the vast minority here, but while living in the north country, you'd better believe I want to take advantage of the snow and cold. Who knows where the Army will take us next?!

My parents managed to come up to visit us this past weekend to celebrate a late Christmas, and I was so happy to be able to share our beautiful home with them in the snow and winter time! My mother visited last year when we had just moved in, had no furniture and a brand new baby - and wasn't snowy in the slightest. This year, however, my mother and father both got to see a bit of a different picture around our area.

Part of the reason we included Fort Drum among our three top choices was because it was so close (a 7 hour drive) to where my parents live in New Hampshire. The opportunity for Spence to grow up with his Oma and Opa within driving distance, as well as his aunts and uncles, is truly incomparable. And, to be honest, I'm really grateful that they'll be nearby when baby number two graces us with his or her presence in June, too!

For now though, we're content to explore our area, treat Spencer to beaucoup sledding in the backyard, teach him the art of building a snowman and relishing these frigid temperatures while they last. Ryan will most likely be overseas this time next year, too, so this time is especially precious to me right now. Let it snow, folks!

farewell, new hampshire

Today, is officially my last day as a legitimate New Hampshire resident,
and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly emotional about the thought of saying goodbye to this state.
I moved here in October of 2010, after 5 years in Utah.
I had needed a break, I needed to be closer to family and I missed the East coast.
I lived briefly in North Conway, then Nashua, then Salem, where I've been the past year.

I've lived in a whole bunch of places in my life -
from New Jersey, to Florida, to Utah, to New Hampshire…
but I have to say that I'm fairly certain this is my absolute favorite thus far.

I'll miss the gorgeous, clear blue skies and lovely lake water.
I'll miss the stunning snowy winterscapes, which are pretty much the best thing ever.
I'll miss the insanely beautiful fall colors.

I'll miss the blueberry picking in the summer because Maine blueberries are the best.
I'll miss trips to the river with my sweet pup because she has to stay behind with my parents (more on that later).
I'll miss our proximity to Boston's fun city center.

I've never really had a problem moving on,
and I think that's a big reason why Ryan and I knew we could make this relationship work.
The Army ensures many moves in our future,
and though I love my family more than life itself,
I also love Ryan, and I know that we can travel, FaceTime and always, always stay in touch.

There's something innately beautiful about moving.
It's the close of one chapter, but it also opens a brand new door for a million new things.
And, in the end, it just means a million new adventures :)

our honeymoon on ice

Now that we've been back from our honeymoon for over a week, 

I figured it was about time that I shared some photos and a little recap of our honeymoon adventures.

Ryan and I decided to head up to Quebec City for a little honeymoon immediately following the wedding,

and we'll take a cruise later this year to celebrate, as well.

But for now, we just wanted a quick, easy, fun and relaxing getaway that we could both enjoy. 

We stayed at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in the heart of the old city.

It's the hotel right on the river that looks like a castle, topped with old copper turrets and peaks.

It was to die for.

I'm lucky enough to work in travel, and it affords us the opportunity to stay in some great hotels

for just a fraction of the cost - like this five-star gem.

As expected, it was absolutely freezing the entire time we were there,

so we explored a little bit, ate great food and really just spent time relaxing together in our beautiful hotel.

We ate at La Cremaillere, the most incredible restaurant, on Tuesday night while it was positively blizzarding outside.

We were the only patrons crazy enough to brave the temperatures, and we had the entire place to ourselves.

The restaurant had some of the most decadent food we'd ever eaten - all in European portions -

and we ate like we've never eaten before.

The owner of the restaurant even made Ryan's dish at our table.

It was an incredible experience, and everything tasted a little less amazing after that.

On Thursday evening, Ryan and I decided to check out the Hotel de Glace, or the Ice Hotel.

Each year, the place is constructed in January, and it's expected to melt by mid-April. 

The entire place is crafted from ice and snow bricks - even the beds, the bar, the chandeliers - all of it.

We very briefly contemplated spending our last night there, 

until we experienced just how cold it was, at which point we were convinced that no amount of fur would keep us warm.

All the beds and seats were covered with these furs, but when your bed is literally a block of ice?

Yeah, I'm not buying it...

Despite the polar vortex and our freezing fingers,

neither of us would have changed a thing for the world, and we really had a blast.

We're so looking forward to a cruise later this year and many trips together in the future!

a wedding recap - the ceremony

You'll have to forgive the supreme lack of variety with our pictures thus far.

We haven't received the full proofing gallery yet, so I'm working with the 20 that I've seen thus far.

And, like I said, I'm impatient, 

so I'm sure I'll share more pictures down the road, as well.

The days leading up to our wedding were rife with blizzard conditions and freezing weather,

but our wedding day was sunny (albeit freezing) and absolutely beautiful.

After getting ready at the manor all day and not seeing him, I was more than ready to marry Ryan, 

but there's nothing like that rush of adrenaline when my father and I were walking down the stairs

and the aisle for him to give me away.

My smile was a mile wide the entire time

except when I said my vows because I was this close to absolutely losing it.

Yet, I held it together as best as I could, paused a few times, and I made it through my vows like a champ!

As an aside, Ryan memorized his vows...he wins.

Our minister, Ben, is a family friend, and he perfectly captured the feel of the day in the ceremony.

We wanted a traditional feel with Mormon verses sprinkled throughout, as well,

and I think that Ryan's parents were really touched that we did this for them.

I can't explain how fast the ceremony flew by though.

Ashley and I had been texting the days prior, and she told me to breathe and enjoy the moment

because it would be gone before I knew it, and she was so right.

It felt like it was over in mere moments, though the ceremony was close to a half hour.

Before I knew it though, Ben was announcing us as husband and wife, and his grin definitely mirrored my own.

We decided to brave the arctic temperatures for a few outdoor pictures after the ceremony,

and we've only received two of our portraits thus far, but we're absolutely in love with them.

Ladies, I'm a lucky, lucky woman to have this handsome man as my husband!

I'll have a few pictures of the details tomorrow,

and I'll be sure to post more of our photos once we receive them, 

but I couldn't help but share what we do have in advance because it all just went by so fast.

Ladies, if you're getting married, savor every single moment because it will be gone before you know it!

planning honeymoon adventures

Thank you all for your sweet words on yesterday's post.

One of the two girls has now declined to attend my wedding, and I'm actually okay with it.

I don't want or need the drama on my big day,

and if she can't put the issue with the other girl aside, then it's not worth her being there.

But enough of all that!

Ryan and I have started to plan some activities for our honeymoon,

and while many people think we're crazy to escape the cold to somewhere colder, we can't wait!

Quebec City offers so much variety in terms of activities.

We're staying at Le Chateau Frontenac, so we'll be in heart of the Old Quarter,

which is chock-full of history, fantastic French eateries, amazing excursions and more.

We'll be spending five nights up there, then one night at the Mountain View Grand Hotel,

so we're going to make the most of all our time together.

^^^ images via here, here and here

Chateau Frontenac plays host to toboggan races every winter right behind the hotel,

which I think is probably what Ryan is most excited for.

They offer you fresh frozen maple syrup candies at the bottom, and we're gluttons, so I'm sure it will be epic.

Quebec City is also renowned for its seasonal and yearly Hotel de Glace,

or the Ice Hotel,

which is exactly how it sounds...crafted entirely of ice.

Though we're not staying there (it's like $300+ a night), we're definitely going for dinner and drinks one night.

Quebec is also known for the stunning Chute de la Montmorency,

which is a stunning waterfall that completely freezes over in the winter.

Visitors can actually hike right up to the falls and, if they're super daring, climb the ice.

We won't be climbing the ice, but we'll definitely be exploring the beautiful scenery!

Ryan and I were talking last night, 

and we can't tell you how very excited we are that our day is almost here.

We are so, so, so excited to finally be able to escape all the stress, distance and planning,

and just have a week together as husband and wife.

snowpocalypse

It was a snowy weekend (finally) in New Hampshire!

I realize some of you might think I'm crazy for being so cheery over this, 

but I was legitimately giddy about it. 

There's just something about a white Christmas.

Plus, you know, the fact that it won't be all brown and dead for my wedding now!

^^^ two snow-loving rascals - my pup in the foreground and my momma's in the back

I went up north to my parents' house again this past weekend to wrap up some wedding stuff.

I needed to put the final touches on the wedding favors, which are finally done,

and I wanted to get some more Christmas shopping out of the way.

It's crazy to think that in 19 days, I'll be married.

So, basically, once Christmas rolls around it's crunch time, and I want to be able to enjoy the holiday

without any wedding stress.

I think we're well on our way to being there now. 

But anyway, back to the snow.

My parents got about 14 inches in their neck of the woods, which then had to be cleared.

I tackled the cars and the porch, while my father cleared the driveway, 

and let me just say that I am really and truly feeling all of the shoveling I did yesterday.

That is one heck of a workout.

^^^ there really is a Civic buried under all of that white stuff

Honestly though, there's magic in snow.

The whole word just settles into something so peaceful and still.

It's this pristine beauty that really speaks to my soul, and I think that's why I love it so very much.

one night in boston

I've lived in southern New Hampshire for almost two full years now. Actually, you know what? It has been two years, and I'm ashamed to say that I haven't spent nearly enough time in Boston - which is a shame, because I lived 35 minutes outside the city. In a desperate attempt to rectify this situation before I move to Arizona in 2 months, a few of my friends and I decided to embark on an epic food truck festival in the city this past weekend. It was shaping up to be absolutely perfect.

And then, suddenly, the weather decided to play a cruel joke on us. My friends, by the time we got into the city at 3 PM on Saturday afternoon, it was 21 degrees out. I was unprepared for the vicious, vicious wind, and we had to quickly readjust our expectations. Walking 45 minutes to Bon Me? No bueno. Walking 30 minutes to Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese? HA.

We walked 3 minutes from my sister's apartment by Fenway to the Yard House where we drowned our sorrows in appetizers and pity (and Angry Orchard...on tap!) But then, as the night went on, we knew we couldn't just give up. We had to succeed at something! And so, we bundled up and decided to hit up the Cookie Monstah, which we tracked over at Copley. Eating ice cream in freezing temperatures? Why not?

^^^ homemade cookies and ice cream, which I tried in vain to finish...jess and I conquering the temps. 

We walked around the city like a bunch of frozen idiots just nomming on our ice cream and what was briefly a warm cookie...just whining about how cold we were. 

^^^ These pics are blurry because I was shivering so dang bad. Photography fail.

But seriously, this city is amazing. I love it. It's historic, it's inviting, it's friendly and there is so much pride here. I'm gonna miss you, Boston.

This post is linked with Sami's Shenanigans