M & J Monday

One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.

~Henry Miller

Being in my home town with these two has been nothing short of an adventure. Everything looks, smells and feels new to me as I share so much with them.

Happy Monday!

The MMWT pt. 2 Edition

For this trip home I had some pretty serious expectations. I envisioned lazy summer days spent going down a slip n slide, trips to the community pool, a handful of visits to nearby cities to explore the fun they have to offer.

However, one relentless stomach bug has had other plans for Marcus, Julia and myself. Rather than fully enjoying our time in near perfect summer weather conditions, we've spent some major time trying to recoup and recover.

I kind of want a re-do of this week.

BUT. Stomach bug aside, we have managed to sneak in some fun. And, thankfully, we have a full week left to try and pack in as much fun as possible before embarking home.

That said, here are this week's highlights from the #MackeMidwestTour2016.

1. Great Wolf Lodge!

Before making our trek to Iowa, we spent a night at GWL. The place is literally every kids dream. A massive indoor water park, actives throughout the day, restaurants that gladly served mac and cheese. We didn't want to leave! 

2. Kites and Kitties.

There was an evening when the temps were just right, the wind was aplenty, and the household cat was willing to take a time out from his mouse hunt. It was exactly how I pictured all of our evenings would be spent.

3. Water play! 

Between the water table and water slide, there is an abundance of fun that is just waiting for us.

4. A little running.

This isn't a country road, this is in town!

I'm hoping for several more mornings spent pounding pavement. The openness, the fresh air, it is so good for the soul.

5. Wonder walls.

Marcus insisted on throwing his hands in the air for each photo.
Whatever floats your boat, Buddy!

When we had a brief lull in the sickness department we headed out of town to check out a science center, where I fully failed to snap any photos. While there I met up with one of my besties from college and her littles. After the science center, I knew we were close to a pretty epic mural, and I simply couldn't pass up a photo op. The pictures above are painted on one wall, and the wall is the exterior of a restaurant! Next time I'm stopping in for a bite to eat and a drink. 

Here's to hoping this next week is without illness, and filled to the brim with fun!

Happy Weekend!

M & J Monday

I love you most, I love you best, 

Much, much more than all the rest. 

I love you tall, I love you high, 

Way up in the sunny sky.

I love you far, I love you wide, 

From over here...

...to the other side. 

I love you low, I love you deep,

Down where the octopuses sleep.

I love you huge, I love you vast,

For the fun to come and the fun that's passed. 

I love you big, I love you tough, 

When the path is smooth and when it's rough.

I love you strong, I love you small, 

Together we have it all. 

I love you wild, I love you loud,

I shout it out and I feel proud.

I love you close, I love you tight, 

When you're wrong... and when you're right. 

I love you night, I love you day, 

In every moment, come what may...

Because I love you with my whole heart, 

From where you end... to where you start. 

I Love You Night and Day

~Smriti Prasadam-Halls

Happy Monday!

The MMWT pt 1 Edition

We've been making our annual #mackemidwesttour2016 rounds! Clearly, this week's highlights are from our adventures thus far. 

1. Union Station 

Union Station is easily one of my favorite places in KC, and these photos do a pretty job showing why I love it so much. 

2. Riding a Streetcar!

New to KC is a streetcar that we had to check out with cousins. 

3. Splash Cove!

Once upon a time I was an aquatics coordinator for this very pool. I knew I had to bring my kiddos to check it out. They loved every minute we were there - just as I expected. 

4. Cousin Shenanigans!

These two are only six months apart in age. When they get together it's loud, and crazy, and so much fun. I know priceless memories are being made when I see photos like this. And that's exaclry why our Midwest tour is so important to me. 

5. So Much More to Come! 

We've only just begun our fun, we are only three days in to our time here. And I just know there are some pretty stellar moments waiting for us. 

Happy weekend!

M & J Monday

Always remember to forget

The things that made you sad

 But never forget to remember

The things that made you glad.

 Always remember to forget

The friends that proved untrue.

 But never forget to remember

Those who stuck by you.

 Always remember to forget

The troubles that passed away.

But never forget to remember

The blessings that come each day.

Happy Monday!

The Beach Photos Edition

While we vacation as a family it has sort of become custom that we have photos taken. I love the idea for a number of reasons: the location is different and beautiful than our normal setting, we are all a little more relaxed, and after said photo session we can head straight for a mimosa. :) 

This year I requested my little unit continue the tradition, as last year in Cabo I was having more or less of a maternity shoot. This year we needed Julia *in* the photos rather than in my belly. 

On to the photos!

1. The Four of Us.

2. Just Dad.

3. Just Mom.

4. Grandma and Grandpa.

5. Just the Two of Us.

 

Have a great weekend!