So I’m flying out to Colorado today and with that, I’ve reached a realization: having kids has made me the biggest WUSS! For real though. I’m beyond giddy to spend some time bouncing around Colorado with David, but not being with the girls has me feeling all sorts of nervous. I know they are in great, loving, and fun hands (thank you Mema and Grandpa!), but my mama heart just finds it so hard to be away. I’m sure I’ll loosen up when I’m sipping a local brew while staring at the Rockies with my love, but until then I will try to occupy my mind and maybe search for a bloody Mary while I wait for my flight.
What was I going to blog about today again?
Oh yes, some Friday favorites! Let’s stop my rambling right there and get to it…
These two.
Dresses– currently on sale!
Oh shocker, I’m starting with the girls! They both had their first day of preschool this week and all went swimmingly. Both loved their class and came home pretty tired from all the excitement. Oh! I sent Kaitlyn in undies, but was a bit nervous since she’s still newly potty-trained, but I’m thrilled to report total success!
Veggie Noodle Co
I’ve seen these at Whole Foods and thought the butternut squash and beet varieties looked cool, but scoffed at the idea of ever buying the zoodles. I have a spiralizer and can easily turn a zucchini into noodles myself I figured, but curiosity got the best of me and I snagged some at my last grocery trip. You guys, they are AWESOME. I obviously need spiralizer lessons because the size and texture of these really felt like real noodles and they were delicious!
Library Books
I love our library but my goodness, I’ve reallllly been into visiting weekly lately and bringing home a ridiculous number of books. We seriously bring home like 15 at a time. Hailey just got her own library card this past week. This is pretty cool because she is reading now (!) (well, simple sentences like in BOB Books which I HIGHLY recommend) and she can get up to 5 books on her own card.
Speaking of books, my friend Heather sent me a copy of a new children’s book, How I Sent My Hug Around the World by Donna Ellen Conrad, and both girls have become enamored with it.
It’s a sweet story with a great message about empathy and spreading joy. It engages the girls with quirky wording and pages full of bright and beautiful illustrations. Definitely worth checking out!
Moon Drop Grapes
I’m sure many of you have tried the famous Cotton Candy Grapes, right? Well, the same company, The Grapery, has another unique hybrid called Moon Drop Grapes. They are a funny, elongated shape, and super juicy and sweet. I like them because you get 2 bites per grape and they aren’t quite as sugary sweet as the cotton candy variety (which I like for 1 or 2 but not an entire snack’s worth). It probably goes without saying, but the girls gave them 2 enthusiastic thumbs up.
Activity Books for the Car
I picked up some activity/tracing notebooks (they had these at Target) and they’ve been amazing for the car. Hailey actually does the activities, writes letters, does mazes, etc. Kaitlyn, she asks what to do on every page and I usually end up just saying circle everything that is BLUE. Hey, it keeps her busy!
Currently lusting over: these neutral booties.
Can’t wait to smell: this pumpkin souffle candle.
Excited to try cooking: these ancho chile cinnamon brine pork chops.
Currently sitting in my cart but haven’t hit ‘buy’ yet: this eye shadow palette.
Can’t wait to see in real life: this hotel in Telluride.
Cutest thing I’ve seen this week:
Such a peanut! <3
Of course I will be recapping our Colorado adventure, as David is bringing the “fancy” camera so we are hoping to snap some good shots. I’ll also be sharing our adventure on instagram and snapchat, so please feel free to follow along and offer recommendations!
Now please tell me I’m not alone in having a hard time leaving the two?
What is something that you are loving lately?!
And if you can’t think of anything, just tell me to calm down and enjoy myself 😉
John J. says
They will be in your heart as you experience “Rocky Mountain High”. Enjoy your getaway!
Dana says
Oh I wish I had some great advice to give you….I am the exact same way if I leave my kids. I get so emotional…..soooo you are definitely not alone in your feelings 🙂 But I always tell myself that going away with my husband for a bit is such a wonderful, needed time. It just brings us closer and we can reconnect on a different level. Its a wonderful thing! Go and enjoy your time away:) And knowing that your kiddos are with family makes it easier too. They are going to have fun as well 🙂
Cant wait to hear about your trip….on my list to visit some day !
Brittany Dixon says
Oh Dana, you hit the nail on the head! I’m definitely emotional about leaving the girls, but spending time just with David will be such a great way to reconnect in one our favorite places. Thanks for sharing and letting me know I’m not alone! <3
Sarah says
How exciting and scary about leaving your babies! Question? When did you wean K? My 2nd baby (boy) just turned two and we’re thinking about our first weekend away from our kiddos – but baby boy has NO interest in weaning. I’ve been cutting back on the amount of time he spends nursing (at this point it’s just morning and night) but after initial success he now nurses longer and longer each session and gets very upset with me when I cut him off. Any suggestions? or can you share your experience with K? Thanks!!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I understand!! Kaitlyn was really hesitant to wean too. After getting her down to once a day (night time), I started shortening the nursing sessions. I knew it was just comfort because I basically had zero milk left. I went from 10 minutes to 8 minutes down to about 2 minutes. Sometimes she would get upset when I cut her off, but I would distract her with a book or a song. Basically I’d nurse, then book, then song, then bed to disassociate nursing with bed time. Finally I decided it was time to call it quits when we were down to 1-2 minutes and I told her one night that this was the last time. She said ok (I don’t really know if she got it?) and that was it. After that she asked for it a couple times, usually if she was overtired, but I held strong and after a week or so, she totally was over it. Best of luck to you, as I know it’s emotional on different levels!
Ashlee says
You must have Brown Dog Pizza while you’re in Telluride! Some of the best I’ve ever had.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I will look that up- sounds delicious!! Thanks 🙂
Heather @Lunging Through Life says
Oh I’m the same way just leaving my babe for a sleepover! haha it’s always WELL worth it for the quality time with just the hubs. Have a great trip! The two girls on their first days are priceless!!
marie says
I feel ya. Getting on a plane and leaving her behind makes me SO nervous. I try to pray my way thru it. Enjoy CO — it is heaven on earth! Safe travels! Fun times!
sherry says
Calm down and have a good time 🙂 They are in great hands with back up hands if needed. So enjoy all the pictures and thoughts!
Brittany Dixon says
Currently on the plane and cool as a cucumber. No Bloody Mary needed 😉 Love you!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Have so much fun on your trip! I want to try those grapes!
Kathy says
I was the same way, but hopefully you will relax a little once your vacation gets underway and you are having too much fun with your hubby!!
Wishing you a great time!!!!
Heather says
Enjoy yourself! Colorado is amazing (I can say that because I’m from the 4 corners) – haha! I’m really not one to talk, though, because we’ve never been on a trip sans kids yet.
I’m going to have to try those grapes!
Lately I’m surprisingly loving the slow transition to fall.
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve been trying to ease myself into fall too but I just saw that the temperatures in Telluride will be between 40-60 so there goes any hope I had of holding off— bring on the pumpkins and hot tea!! 😉
Heather says
I am totally the same way about leaving my girls, which is why we don’t do it too often but I know you will have an amazing time!! Have a great trip and I’m sure you will come back fully recharged!
Tanya Kummerow says
Have a great time! I totally understand your nerves. We are still 3 weeks out from our big trip and my stomach is already flip flopping when I think about it! I’m sure you are going to relax once you are there with David!
Alex and I almost bought those noodles last week but I scoffed too, now I want to go back and get them. They might be going on my meal plan next week!
Finally, those preschool pics! Kaitlyn’s face is just too much! I love her expressions! Happy weekend!
Ashley says
Talk about impulse purchase – just ordered those boots (via your link – yay!). Have so much fun and that hotel looks amazing. We’re thinking about a Fall CO trip next year – so I want to hear everything. I think we have a similar vacationing mindset 😉
Brittany Dixon says
Oh you know I’ll overshare because that’s just what I do! And now you have me wanting to go buy the boots too. I’ve been on pause because I already have a camel-colored pair but they are not nearly as cute. I’m sure David will understand, right?! 😉
And congratulations on baby girl on the way! I’m so excited for you (and I’m sure E and A are SO pumped!) and hope you are feeling well!
Elizabeth says
Will have to try those zoodles! So cool that H is reading. My son has the BOB books but hasn’t picked up reading just yet. Anything in particular you are doing with the books, or just reading them to her? Have a great trip. I always get worried when I leave the kids
Brittany Dixon says
We actually did not start with the BOB books, but those are what has her excited that she can read a “whole” book by herself. We started with focusing on sounds (rather than letter names) then putting those sounds together. This book https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Child-Read-Lessons/dp/0671631985 helped pull everything together and it was just recently that it all really started clicking to where I feel comfortable enough saying she can read. Slow and steady! 🙂
Christina says
The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is the cutest, loveliest place for lunch (or breakfast….or dinner….or just tea…..) Check it out if you are in Boulder!
Julie says
I didn’t even know I could buy zoodles!!! I’m so excited! I’ve been missing out on all the great zoodle recipes b/c I don’t have a spiralizer.
Have a great trip!
Laura says
Reader from Colorado here! Have a wonderful trip! I definitely recommend visiting some hot springs if you’ve never been. Ouray has a few which is in the Telluride area. Enjoy the crisp mountain evenings! Laura
Emmy says
Wow thanks for sharing those grapes, I’d never heard of those before. I’m gonna have to try them!