Memorial Day Part 2: Bikes and a Jen-uine Partay

My hubby spoiled me rotten last weekend. We spent most of Saturday shopping for a bike for me (he has one but I've been envious!). He's the best to shop with because just when you thought you got a screamin' deal, he brings out his innocent eyes and asks, "Can you go any lower?" Somehow they always manage to find an applicable discount. He also knows a lot about...a lot, and he does his research!

So my new ride is a mountain bike that really is road-friendly. I wanted something I could use around the neighborhood and also have the option to get crazy (later!). We also bought a little trailer for the kids so we could have a fun family activity. Boston just loves it and is always sitting in it waiting for me to take him out. Cassidy, the wee li'l provoker, usually pulls his hair or yells at him, but we're going to manage. I've been going out every day in it and I feel like a little kid again, though I don't remember my quads burning so much as a kid!

I also got a whooole day of girl time with Bridget and my Filipino sister, Jen Cu Cu, who was in town from Los Angeles. In the morning we went and got massages, overate at Cheesecake Factory, did some shopping, and ate again, and then maybe once more. It's also our tradition to sing karaoke (Jenny has a little system that plugs into any tv).

Though Jen was on a vacation from her mom-duties, she was kind enough to play Monopoly with Alex and Gabriel and let Boston shoot her repeatedly with Nerf bullets. And she always cooks/bakes for us when she's in town (because there's always room for cookies!).

Memorial Day Part 1: Ribs & Reading

I'm starting to see more of Travis these days, which is such a treat. Cassidy is big enough now that she enjoys all the outings. One outing I don't really enjoy with the kids is going to restaurants (unless the restaurant has a playground, in which case you can hardly call it a restaurant!).

My Uncle John and Aunt Val from NY were in town over Memorial Day weekend and wanted to attempt this whole dining experience thing, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. We all (my fam, Bridget's fam, Dad and Renita, John, Val, and my Uncle Mark) went to Famous Dave's. The barbecue yumminess is served on upside-down trash can lids. It's a fun place but I was still wondering how long Cassidy would stay seated. Well, guess what?! This chick loooves (and I mean loves) ribs! She's my meat eater, but I couldn't have imagined how much she'd enjoy gnawing on those bones. In fact, we gathered all the bones to take to Emma and I'm pretty sure she licked off any last remains before surrendering the them.

After dinner everyone came back to our house to eat cheesecake (thanks, Bridge!) and visit. Cassidy is so social, and I think she really bonded with everyone. She loves reading and it's hard to resist that sweet face and her little voice, "Peeaase?"

It's been a joy seeing more of our East Coast family. Just love you!