The weather has been absolutely AH-MAZING! All the more reason to pack the kids up and enjoy the outdoors while it lasts…after all we are talking high 50’s in December!

The kids and I made the drive down to Richmond, VA for the Hanover Christmas Parade. A first not only for them, but also for me. This isn’t your typical parade with gigantic floats; this is a local affair with tractors, ponies, classic cars and even ingenious ones.

I was so proud of the kids as they waved to the paraders and my oldest yelled Merry Christmas. They were rewarded with quite a bit of candy canes they were actually allowed to eat. I couldn’t say no….it’s all part of the Christmas tradition, right? 😉

As the sun drifted off into the horizon the temperatures dropped significantly, but no trip to a Christmas parade is complete without a sighting of Jolly Ole Saint Nick, of course.

My oldest trying to keep up with Grandma as she rushed off to see Santa.

Grandma flexed her muscles while waiting in line for Santa.

All the little boys and girls cheered loudly for Santa. Their faces lit up with excitement every time Santa asked them what they wanted for Christmas. I was excited to hear what my oldest would ask for. Last year it was a vacation, but this year it was a measly ONE DOLLAR BILL…really? I have work to do!

My son was not a fan of Santa Claus. You know that one kid who screams bloody murder the closer he gets to Santa…yep, that was my boy. Smh

Help me, Mommy!

He wanted NOTHING to do with Santa. Perhaps next year will be better when he learns of the magic of Jolly Ole Saint Nick. I guess we’ll have to wait and see. ☺

~TOODLES~
Stacey

Some days you just need a change of scenery.

When I left home I had no idea of our destination. The only thing I was certain of was not exploring Washington, DC 🙊 I had a full tank of gas, my DSLR camera, snacks (with three kids, I never leave home without it), a few dollars cash and we drove off into the beautiful sunshine.

It’s been exceptionally warm the past few days and I intend to soak up every last-minute of it before the weather changes, YET again.

During our drive I called my mother-in-law and she suggested Alexandria, Virginia (Old Town to be exact). I’ve driven through here many times but I’ve never hung out here.

The kids and I especially my oldest had a lovely day spending time at Windmill Hill Park, lunch at Paradiso Pizzeria (my daughter insisted), and soaking up some sun at Market Plaza while being serenaded with live music from a master of the fine arts.

She was scared yet intrigued as she listened from a distance.

Eventually she had the courage to get closer.

King Street is the perfect place for a stroll; the street is lined with cute little boutique shops and restaurants to satisfy whatever it is you’re craving.

Window shopping anyone?

It was hard work keeping these kids out of the fountain! On a summer-like day I can’t say I blame them.

We were having a jam session to Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk (Jayla’s FAVE song) before an airplane interrupted, hence, Jayla holding her ears.

“Mommy, are they having a Halloween party?”

We attended a halloween party few weeks ago and now she associates pumpkin with halloween parties.

The food was great, the music a pleasant treat to my eardrum. I would say today was a great day. I hope it was for you, too!

~TOODLES~
Stacey

I’ve been wanting to take the kids to a pumpkin patch, but I kept waiting for the perfect time that never came.

The weather had taken a turn for the better so I decided today was the day. Of course the farm was closed, but the owner graciously told me I could join the kindergarten crew the next morning at 10:15 a.m.!!!

I wanted to scream, “Lady you do see three kids, right?”  Three LITTLE kids, but I graciously accepted and said thank you.

That night I thought about not going but I had already told my three year old. I don’t know about you, but she forgets NOTHING.

It would be my luck that the kids were up until THREE a.m, yes THREE a.m!!!

By some miracle, we made it on time ☺

All aboard?

First stop, the petting farm. All was well until Piglet moved.

The twins never really recovered. In fact, I think it actually got worst.

You know that dramatic moment your life flashes before your eyes? Well, each encounter with the animals was like that for my kids.

I’ll let big sister protect me!

Even big sister was scared, but then again she’s scared of EVERYTHING.

I decided to let them check out the caged animals.

But…the other animals followed.

If my kids could truly vocalize, I think they probably would’ve cursed me out that day.  I laughed so hard. I know it’s not nice, but I just couldn’t help it. You had to have been there. I promise you would’ve laughed too besides no one was harmed in the process.

Next stop, Casper’s Castle, aka the haunted house. The kids HATED it! When my oldest saw the ghost at the end she asked me,

“Mommy, did that thing just move?”

This photo sums up their days lately, Nelle cheese-ing for the camera while her brother stuffs his face.

In the end they all had a BLAST. Jaeden was asleep before I even drove out the parking lot!

It was a beautiful day BUT

The problem with organized field trip is you don’t get as much time as you need.  I needed more photos of my pumpkins with their pumpkins (oh, the irony, I know).

Sometimes having a big sister isn’t so fun, huh?

Can you back up off me?

I love being their mommy.

“ANY DAY SPENT WITH YOU IS MY FAVORITE DAY. SO TODAY IS MY NEW FAVORITE DAY”

~TOODLES~
Stacey

One morning, my daughter woke up and asked to go to the museum; but it was laundry day. The next morning during breakfast she said “Mommy, ask me where we’re going today?” So I asked and she responded with “THE MUSEUM”.

Luckily there are many museums at our disposal in Washington, DC. We settled on the Smithsonian Natural History Museum as she wanted to see dinosaurs.

She was very excited as we left home. It was an easy drive into the city and after one loop around the block we found free parking.

On our way to see the dinosaurs she had an important question. She needed affirmation that the dinosaurs wouldn’t move like in Dino Dan. I explained that dinosaurs were extinct and I ensured her she could hold my hand if she needed to. She held my hand briefly before she was off exploring.

We had a lovely afternoon learning about dinosaurs and watching my kids run around the museum. I love being able to spend my days experiencing things from their vantage point.

We also checked out other areas of the museum

I have no idea what caught his eye

” Walrus, just like Paw Patrol”

Today was a good day!

~TOODLES~
Stacey

What’s a birthday party without a photo shoot?

For me and my kiddos….well, for me an incomplete party is what it is. My kids probably wouldn’t mind one bit if I put the camera down. We all know that will never happen. They will thank me later when they have all these memories to share with those they love. OMG! I sound like my MIL! She would take pics of the hubby and I all the time, it didn’t matter what time of day it was!

Anyways, the twins were taking an early afternoon nap so I thanked God and headed outside with all my props and my little muse.

These photos may look like she was thrilled to do this but that is the furthest thing from the truth.

How she truly felt 😆

She actually told me she didn’t want to be a princess nor did she want to take photos…the audacity. Good thing she’s not the parent in this relationship. At times, she has run the show but not when it comes to my photo sessions.

I’m learning to be patient and take what she gives me because she has more fun and I get better photos. If that doesn’t work then just bribe them like I did. Oh the power of being able to ride your new bike.

Peek-a-boo cures everything

Or a game of catch me if you can

Shhhh, sleeping beauty is napping

This shoot was a lot of fun, but it just seems like the photos lacked something….a castle.

A few days later…

~TOODLES~
Stacey

Ahhh my little CuddleBug is turning three.

She has been such a joy. She makes motherhood easy. One of my greatest fear was not being able to have kids. Motherhood has been so much more than I ever imagined it could be. I love her spunkiness, her sense of adventure. Everyday she asks “MOMMY WHERE ARE WE GOING TODAY” or “WHAT ARE WE DOING TODAY”

I wanted to make her birthday special. This is my goal every year but this year feels different. With her getting older I felt like she would remember this one. We had settled on a Princess Theme months ago but was I prepared for party day….absolutely not.

I am a procrastinor despite my best efforts but it always work out in the end so why change it right?

Here’s what I put together the week after returning from our kid free vacation in Hawaii.

Thanks for viewing.

I can’t imagine life without you Ms. Jayla. I’ll be forever thankful God choose me to be your mommy.

~TOODLES~
Stacey

It’s that time of year when the temperatures gets brisk, night falls upon us so much earlier than we like. The smell of pumpkin spice fills the air, leaves ranges from yellow to deeper yellow to red to even burnt orange.

Some call you autumn. Some call you fall but whatever you call it, it’s certainly here.

Now that it’s officially here. I’m a LITTLE excited I must admit…okay maybe more than a little. I want to see what this season has in store for my l family.

I’ve been checking out apple orchards and pumpkin farms and I’m excited. I’ve never been apple picking, never had apple donuts nor have I had apple cider.

You’re probably thinking, where have you been and how have you been surviving? My answer partly is cultural differences.

I grew up picking apples but never from an apple orchard. It usually wasn’t a big celebration either because picking apple was just a means to an end. Picking apples from a neighborhood tree was just something to do to kill time or grab a snack.

Last year was the first time I visited a pumpkin patch. This year I’m looking forward to going to an actual farm to pick my own pumpkin from a field.

Again, I grew up with my grandpa picking pumpkins from our backyard. Again no celebration as he was picking it for us to eat either for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

Another thing I’m looking forward to is our family photoshoot with a massive pile of leaves. I can hear the kids laughter as they throw leaves and play.

I’m ready.

Fall please be kind!

What are you most looking forward to this Fall?

What does Fall mean to you?

~TOODLES~
Stacey

Knock-knock!

They won’t open the door mommy

We have to help the garden grow

When we left home that foggy Saturday morning I had no idea we were off to Georgetown. I try not to research our adventures prior to our visits because I find the unexpected fun.

Tudor Place is part of historic Georgetown built back in the 19th century by a decedent of the nation’s original First Lady, Mary Washington.

The garden isn’t grandiose but it is very quiet and provides a bit of serenity here in the nation’s capitals. Gardens like these are my absolute favorite places to hang out and explore with my littles. I love laying out our blanket, kicking off our shoes and enjoying a snack. You know take a deep breath and just relax (which is practically impossible to do with three littles under three).

It is the end of summer so I imagine when the garden is in bloom it provides a more picturesque backdrop for a picnic or a stroll.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures from our Saturday morning in Georgetown.

Thanks for viewing. Happy Saturday!

~TOODLES~
Stacey

Why is it the day you have an event scheduled is when everything and everyone comes to town?

We had a tennis clinic and hubby’s work picnic overlapping then heard about Drake, Wale, and Miguel performing in Washington DC for the first Landmark Music Festival. Ugh! So many options!! I know a good problem to have but I really wanted to do all three events.

Ultimately we chose the Landmark festival. Yes, we became THOSE people at the concert with three kids under three, out there waaay pass the kids bedtime. The tickets were free and they advertised a kids only zone so I figured my little ones would be able to have some fun too. I was expecting something that would give moms and dads a break such as bounce houses but was quickly dissapointed. They provided arts and crafts, music petting zoo, photo props and legos for the kids to play for a few hours.

While I was thankful for the activities provided I wished I had visited the other two activities prior to visiting the music festival.

I guedd you can’t have it all huh?

~TOODLES~
Stacey

We tried a recipe the other night 🙊

I’m not a fan of recipes. I hate measuring things. I feel like whatever I’m making need to look exactly like the recipe pictures or else it’s a failure.  So to avoid such failures I don’t cook with recipes.

I’m an old school type of girl when it comes to cooking. Think of your grandma (I was raised with mine) a little dash of this and that and at the end you lick your fingers or your bowl and smile.  That’s how I cook. A splash of this , that, and a whole lot of Old Bay.  Nothing tastes the same twice. I must admit sometimes I create something so good that I wish I had wrote it down but that’s the beauty of cooking. Right? Trying to create the masterpiece again and again.

Anyway we decided to try this

Poppers w/ Chorizo & Bacon Recipe

and LOVED it.  It is a very easy recipe. Anyone can do this. Even you. Give it a try. The instructions sounds more complicated than they actually were…maybe that was just us. Like I said I hate cooking with recipes. Too much reading. Too much measuring.

This is all you need

We used half the chorizo and added extra mozzarella cheese. Also we opted not to use the shrimp because we didn’t want to spend the extra money. I haven’t mentioned how frugal I am?

The poppers were delicious. They definitely didn’t taste like anything was missing. This recipe will leave you wanting more but those jalapeños…FIRE but worth the burn.

We absolutely will be making this again especially now that it’s football season. If my team is half as good as these poppers it will be a good season.

TIP:- The longer you cook the jalapeños, the less spicy they will be.

Please let me know what you think if you decide to be adventurous and give it a try.

~TOODLES~
Stacey