A Wonderful Day

by Brittany Dixon on January 30, 2013 · 44 comments

The cold weather lately has forced Hailey, Koda and me to spend a lot of time inside. There are only so many times you can go up and down the stairs, throw dance parties and build and knock over block towers before we’re all aching for fresh air and sunshine.

So when I saw that yesterday was going to be 70 and sunny, I first crossed my fingers that the weatherman was right, then I committed to spending the entire day outside.

2 eggs scrambled with baby kale and onions, topped with Jack’s special salsa, 1 banana, 1/2 an orange and green tea

After breakfast, Hailey and I got dressed and headed to the park. By 10:00am it was already 60 degrees and the sun was out. We met up with some great mommy friends and met their new babies.

While I enjoyed adult conversation, Hailey decided she could slide by herself (whoops!). She climbed up, actually remembered to sit down and slid! I got there in time to keep her from flying off the end. Repeat x1000.

We pushed 2 glorious hours at the park before Hailey made it clear she was ready for a nap by melting down.

All the playing led to a nice, solid nap, half of which I spent just sitting outside. Seriously, I just sat and breathed. Koda searched for fish. Therapeutic for both of us.

Leftover spaghetti squash with meat sauce, sautéed baby kale.

Can you tell my baby kale was on its last legs? I put it in breakfast and in lunch and finally used it up! I also found out it’s quite good sautéed with olive oil and lemon.

Hailey ate lunch with the backdoor wide open and the fresh air flowed in while I sipped on my apple cider vinegar and hot water with lemon. I’m not sick, but am stuck on drinking ACV everyday. More on that another day.

After lunch we went straight back outside where we learned that sidewalk chalk isn’t just for driveways. It also colors dresses and faces quite well.

While coloring and throwing the tennis ball for Koda, David pulled in the driveway! Home early?! SURPRISE!

He came bearing goodies- 15 pounds of local, 100% grass-fed beef and 30 fresh-from-the-farm eggs! Much love to Dr. Baker Smile

Hailey and I were so excited to have dad home early. We wasted no time deciding we had to get out on the water.

So out we went. David and I enjoyed chatting while distracting Hailey with the waves and peanut butter crackers. I started sipping on a beer before realizing that today would be perfect for an outdoor run and with David home, I could actually do it!

I haven’t run outside in forever and it reminded me I do like running! …I just don’t like treadmills. My furry friend and I averaged under 10 minute miles, though Koda barely hit a trot as I huffed and puffed. Show off.

Back home I grabbed a handful of crackers and hummus while making Hailey’s dinner. She’s learning to use a spoon. It’s so cute… and so messy.

David returned from his bike ride, Hailey went to bed and I got to work on our dinner.

Iceberg lettuce, carrots, red onions, green pepper, tomatoes in Caesar dressing with grilled chicken.

I used to feel bad eating iceberg because it’s the least nutritious of the greens, but sometimes I just want that satisfying CRUNCH, you know? And if it looks like it is smothered in dressing it is only because… well, it’s smothered in dressing. Mmm. Smile

And that concluded a downright fantastical day. Today is supposed to be stormy and I couldn’t care less. Yesterday’s joy will carry me through at least the next week floating in sunshiny happiness. Thanks for letting me share. And as always, thanks Jenn for hosting What I Ate Wednesday!