V-Day Weekend 2015

It was the PERFECT weekend!  Date night with Steve on Friday at Beef N Bottle (Amazing), a friend's daughter's birthday party on Saturday and a whole day to myself on Sunday to clean and put my house back together.

Here's a look back at our weekend...............

I have been wanting to try Beef N Bottle for a very long time.  We had a blast!  We ordered apps, ate great steak, lobster, dessert and managed to polish off 2 bottles of vino!  The place had a great old timey feel with Johnny Cash playing in the background.  It was a truly memorable date night, one that I hope to repeat next year!  :)

On Saturday, one of my girlfriend's daughter turned 5.  Look who showed up!  Elsa and Anna!

These two were amazing.  They read the book version of Frozen to all the kiddos, sang songs, did a craft with the kids, etc.  It was a lot of fun.  

On Sunday, Steve took Lottie to the doctor.  It turns out she has an ear infection. :(  He then took the girls out for most of the day so that I could deep clean and get our house back to normal!  They had a blast.  It sounds like he just let them run wild at Toys R Us.  Good Daddy!  :)  After they got home, I told them they needed a nap.  I heard Lottie secretly telling Stella that she had a spot for her in her bed.  They both snuck off to Lottie's bed.  All I could hear were giggles and Lottie reading Stella a book.   It was so freaking sweet.  I had to get a pic.  But as you can tell, there wasn't a whole lot of napping going on.  Girls!!!!

Hope you all had a great v-day weekend!

LBD / Little Black Dress

Lottie in her LBD and pink animal print skirt before day care this morning!!!!  Waking up and looking at this sweet face is the perfect way to start the weekend!

Shirt: Walmart
Skirt: The Children's Place
Hair Bow: Walmart

Weekend Wrap Up / Lottie's First Panther Game

Last Friday, I got out of work around 3:00 p.m. and came straight home to clean!  It was much needed.  Steve picked up Lottie so that I would have a good two hours to clean with no interruptions.  Lottie decided to hit the hay a bit early, so Steve and I decided to have a little Club Tonya.  We cooked a great dinner, drank a little vino, listened to music and did a little dancing.  It has been a minute since we've been able to do that!  Fun!

On Saturday morning, we all got dressed and headed out for the day to run errands.  First up was Mineral Springs UMC consignment sale.  Let me tell you, it wasn't worth the gas driving down there!  It was terrible!  I walked out empty handed.  That NEVER happens. 

We then preceded to Home Depot where I was determined to buy a new DISHWASHER!!!  I could go on for days about my current dishwasher.  I hate it!  We've only had it for about 3 or 4 years and it is just awful!  I load the dishwasher with semi clean dishes (rinsed, scrubbed) and unload the dishwasher with dirtier dishes than when I put them in!!!  The dishwasher and I have butted heads numerous times!  I can't tell you how many times I have uttered the words, "I've had it - that's it, I'm going to get a new dishwasher this weekend." 

Well, I FINALLY had it this past week!  I said to heck with this - I will go on my own, I don't care, it is happening this weekend!  We got to Home Depot and spoke with an associate.  I explained my issues with our current dishwasher and told him that I absolutely under no circumstances want anything that resembles what we currently have.  He pointed us in the right direction and I found one that I believe will make our lives easier!  We are picking up the dishwasher next weekend and having my uncle install it. 

While we were at Home Depot, I picked up a bale of hay and a huge mum to decorate the front porch.  Guess I'll have to get to that this upcoming weekend! 

After a long day,  I cuddled up with Lottie and a glass of chocolate milk (yum!!).  We watched a movie and fell asleep on the couch. 

Picture Day at day care last week

OMG - that tongue has been out of control lately!  She reminds me of Gene Simmons from KISS

Playing on Saturday morning

She looks like she is up to no good in this picture

We woke up bright and early on Sunday morning to get everything ready for tailgating and the game.  This would be Lottie's first tailgating experience and game.  She did so well and might I add looked cute as a button in her jersey and pink cheetah shoes!!!  It was pretty warm where our seats were so we didn't know how long we would last, but we made it through until about half of the 4th quarter.  She ended up getting pretty sleepy during the game and probably took a 20 to 30 minute nap on Steve's chest.  It was so cute!  We are going to try and get her to at least one or two more games depending on the weather.  All in all it was a great family day out!!

Weekend Wrap Up

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo sleepy this Monday morning!!  Miss Lottie decided that she was going to keep her mama up all night long last night. Please excuse the run on sentences, lack of details and other grammatical mistakes that are likely.

Friday night, Steve, Lottie and I went for sushi over at The Promenade.  I haven't really had any sushi since before I was pregnant so I overindulged a bit (just couldn't help myself).  They have live music at The Promenade every Friday night - it was so cute how all of these families were sat with their chairs, coolers, blankets, etc.  The kids were dancing on the lawn with one another and the dads were twirling their little girls around.  It felt really nice and the band was great!

Saturday morning, Lottie and I had a girls morning out.  We went to Babies R Us, Target, Ulta and Carolina Place Mall.  While at Carolina Place, I took Lottie to the photo studio at JC Penney where I had her 6 month photos taken.  JC Penney is great when it comes to having the "staple" photos taken (3 mth, 6 mth, 9 mth, etc.)  It is perfect for putting in the baby box for us to look back on in years to come.  The other great thing about having the photos done at JC Penney is they are CHEAP.  Coupon queen here had a coupon for a free sitting and $3.99 for each traditional portrait sheet - which meant that an 8x10 was $3.99, two 5x7s were $3.99, four 3x5s were $3.99 and 8 wallets were $3.99.  All in all, I went with four different poses and spent around $25.00.  I ordered a ton of photos!  Perfect for sending to the grandparents in England and great grandparents and extended family that live in NC and SC. 

Lottie is going through the all I want to do is put my hands in my mouth phase so trying to get some decent photos without her hand in her mouth proved difficult. 

Oh and this one meaning ME stood in the photographers light for the first 6 or 7 pictures making them really DARK.  Now you know those photos ended up being the cutest!!!  Of course..........

Saturday afternoon - Steve's employer had a pool party / barbeque for all of the employees.  Lottie was of course the star of the show.  It was nice finally putting faces to names I hear all the time from Steve.  All in all, it was a nice afternoon out. 

Sunday was spent cleaning and catching up on laundry.  I must have worked for 4 hours minimum.  I even went so far as to clean out my summer wardrobe.  I ended up having two trash bags full of clothes to donate. 

Our friends Matt and Danielle came for a visit and dinner yesterday afternoon.  Steve grilled steaks (and managed not to over cook them!)   :)  while I made jazzed up mashed potatoes and salad.  A perfect way to the end the weekend!

Although, the weekend never really ended in Lottie's eyes.  She decided to have a party for one last night leaving me sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, soooooooooooooooooooooooo sleepy today.  I've just put the coffee pot on for Round 2 of caffeine.  I can't tell you how ready I am to hit the hay later! 

Weekend Wrap Up

I am completely WIPED out from this past weekend.  I think I might be catching a cold (Oh NOOOOO!!!)

On Friday, Lottie's school was closed for one of their bi-annual teacher work days so she stayed the day with Kay LaRocca (my brother in law's mother).  I can't thank her enough for helping us out - truly a lifesaver!  Since she stayed with Kay, it was easier for Steve to go by and pick her up and bring her home.  I really hated not seeing her face as soon as I left work.  It is definitely the ONE thing I most look forward to every day!  When they got home, I gave Lottie a bath, fed her and played until she was zonked out.  During that time, we ate dinner, watched the Panther's game and I helped a friend out by making her a banner to hang at a baby shower on Sunday. 

On Saturday - we woke up bright and early.  It was my old friend Sarah's 30th birthday celebration.  Her b/f set up a coach bus to take a large group wine tasting for the day.  Such a great idea!  We dropped Lottie off with Jeanette and Ashley (their 1st babysitting experience) at 10:15 a.m.  They did a great job!  Looks like they had a full day of fun!  Brixx for lunch, shopping at Petal and a stop at Yoforia for Lottie's first taste of Chocolate!!!  I received a text from Ashley with Lottie smiling from ear to ear - she clearly enjoyed her first frozen yogurt!

Saturday was such a great time - it isn't very often that Steve and I get to go out and do something with just the two of us.  Although, I think in the end (I tasted too much vino - WHOA!!!!)  Here are a few pics from our day out.

Ilesha and I

Grapes

The Birthday Girl!!!

The Bus........

On Sunday morning, we arranged to skype with Steve's parents so they could see the baby.  They don't have a laptop so they went to a friend's house where we chatted for 40 odd minutes.  They were really happy to see their granddaughter for the first time since we were in England.  For those of you who don't know, Steve's parents are in their late 60s/early 70s and don't fly.  Steve's mom has never been on an airplane in her life.  Therefore, they have never been to the states.  I believe her fear of flying and some health issues have prevented or kept them from coming to see us.  While it is difficult at times to understand their reasoning behind not coming over - we have accepted it and do our best to try and send pictures, skype and visit when we can. 

On Sunday afternoon, Lottie and I took a much needed nap together.  Steve fixed an English dinner with beef, potatoes, yorkshire pudding, gravy and veggies.  It was delicious!  You can't beat a home cooked meal on Sundays!  We finished the night off with some TCBY and cuddle time w/ my sweet girl.  We watched The Princess and the Frog (it was such a cute movie) - I secretly can't wait until Lottie gets old enough for her and I to watch all the classics - Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White, Bambi, etc.  It won't be long.

Today is Lottie's 6 month check up at Matthews Children's Clinic.  I am looking forward to seeing how much she has grown these last two months.  The downside of course is that she has to get more shots today.  But if it keeps her from getting Thrush and Hand Foot and Mouth disease at school, I am all for it! 

Weekend Wrap Up

This past weekend we traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC.  It was my friend Danielle's bachelorette weekend.  We didn't get to Amy's house until 8:45 p.m. on Friday night due to our work schedule, etc. so we stayed in, ate dinner and called it a night. 

The next morning I got up with Ms. Lottie at 6:45 a.m.  She was ready to eat.  I have to point out though that Lottie is a great sleeper - she has been since around 7 or 8 weeks.  She usually sleeps from 8:00 p.m. until 6:45 / 7 a.m.  It is wonderful!!!  Knock on wood this continues over the next few months when we start the teething process.  Yikes - I've heard horror stories!

Back on track..............  After feeding Lottie I did a quick Turbo Fire workout and got myself ready for the beach.  Unfortunately mother nature was not having it.  It was pouring down rain - BOO!  Steve and my brother in law Anthony had decided the night before that they were going to an English pub to watch the opening Liverpool game while Amy and I hit the beach.  We ended up joining them for lunch and a couple of pints.  Finally the weather cleared up and Amy and I left the boys to babysit while we hit the beach. 

We only had a couple of hours on the beach before we had to come back to get ready for our night out w/ the girls.  Needless to say, that was all I needed - holy cow - my chest got burnt.  We are talking LOBSTER!  I should have put on spf 30 instead of 8!  I am not 20 years old anymore!!!!!!!!!  Now, I'm not an idiot when it comes to lathering my face with spf 30 or wearing a hat, but when it comes to the bod - I sometimes neglect it - and because of that I have been itching like a maniac today.

Moving on..........  We were meeting the girls for dinner/drinks at Broadway at the Beach at 6:15 - I haven't been there since I was in my early 20s.  So much fun!  We ended up having dinner, going to Crocodile Rocks (dualing piano bar) and shaking our booties at a couple of other places.  I had such a great time out with my sister and the girls!!  A girl's night is definitely needed every once in awhile.  While I prefer spending every waking minute with Lottie - I think it is important to still find time for yourself.  Thanks D for a great girls night out!  I hope you had as much fun as I did! 

Here are just a few pics from the night!

Please take notice how my face and the rest of my body does not match my chest!

Happy Monday!!!!!!!!  Going to meet Lindsey, Sarah and Jeanette for a couple of birthday cocktails after work!  Can't wait to catch up with these ladies - it has been too long!!!!

Weekend Wrap Up

Is it Monday already?

This past weekend was one of our last free weekends without plans and we took full advantage of that!  I made an appointment at Keith Hawthorne on Saturday morning to have my oil changed, tires rotated and to have two recalls fixed that were placed on my vehicle.  I dropped my car off at 9:30 a.m. so Steve and I had a couple of hours to kill before it would be ready. 

First on the agenda - the Pineville flea market.  I haven't been there in years so we thought what better way to kill some time than to walk through and check out all the stuff (junk) people were selling.  Holy Cow!  I felt like I was in a foreign country - it should have been called the world market rather than the Pineville market.  Walking through, there were folks selling anything and everything.  There were old nightgowns (gross), kid's shoes(that were not gently used - they looked like they were worn for years), sports jerseys, jewelry, fragrances, oils, jam, tacos - you name it, it was there!  However, after walking through for an hour, we did spot something AWESOME!  It was all of the old school video games like Super Mario Brothers, Tetris, Galaga, Donkey Kong, etc.  (76,000 games in one for $25.00)  There was no system to set up like your typical Wii or X Box.  You simply plug the controller into the back of your tv and bam - you've got yourself 76,000 games to play.  Christmas present anyone?????

Up next, soup and salad at Olive Garden.  It was time for Lottie to eat so we popped in, fed her a bottle then had lunch.  She was such a good girl!  You can take this child anywhere.  She never gives us a hard time. 

Once we ate, we ran back over to check on my car.  It was going to be another hour so we stopped in at the The Old Mecklenburg Brewery.  I love this place.  They have the best fresh beer on tap.  I had a pint of the Captain Jack and Steve had a pint of the Copper. 

After all of our running around we got back home, played with Lottie then relaxed the rest of the night.  Shrek was on one of the movie channels so her and I cuddled on the couch, had some girl talk, tickle time and just all around fun family time.  I swear this is exactly what I envisioned and how I envisioned spending my Saturday night when I was pregnant.  Call it lame, but nothing beats it! 

On Sunday, we ran more errands to Target and Harris Teeter.  I bought a newspaper to clip my coupons (not that I plan on pursuing coupons after my last go around - see previous post)

Ashley and Jeanette came by to visit Lottie and Steve made dinner.  He made shrimp tacos and roasted potatoes.  It was delicious. 

Here are a few pics of Lottie eating cereal and sweet potatoes!  Oh and her first pickle!  She is just too cute when she eats - the faces she makes are priceless.  I got plenty of video this weekend of her rolling over like a maniac and eating her baby food!