28 Hours in KC

As many of you know, Brandon and I flew to Kansas City early Saturday morning to attend the wedding of one of Brandon's old friends and to visit other friends we hadn't seen in forever -- it was such a fun (albeit short) weekend full of laughter, authentic KC BBQ, and selfie stick pics!

My dad dropped us off at the airport on Saturday and we were greeted by HUGE lines at the Frontier desk.. we panicked when we heard they'd just launched a new computer system and were expecting waits up to 3 1/2 hours! *GULP* Fortunately, we were able to check in at the kiosk (though we complicated things by leaving Jackson with Grammy & Grandpa--literally nobody could figure out how to remove an infant from our ticket and it kept throwing off their count), mosey on through security, grab coffee, and board our plane just in the nick of time.

Video chatting with this little nugget while waiting for our flight

After landing and picking up our rental car, we ventured over to our friends Tyler & Jessica's beautiful home (they were our wonderful hosts!) and headed to downtown KC for some authentic Kansas City BBQ.

My first ever KC BBQ was a saucy success--Arthur Bryant's DID NOT disappoint!

We ate and ate until we were all uncomfortably full and headed back to the Thompsons to visit for a bit and get ready. 

Then it was wedding time!

The party don't start 'til Annie whips out the (selfie) stick!

Our friends Brandon and Jana (one of the lovely bridesmaids)

We were trying to get a picture with the bride and groom but they were busy so I we decided to take random pictures.

The wedding & newlyweds were both beautiful (and I'm still kicking myself for not getting pictures of them and the venue!) and we had a great time catching up with old friends and making multiple trips to the open bar. After a few hours, we left to meet Tyler, Jessica, and some of our old professors at Power and Light District for a drink.

"I need a picture of us for my blog!"

On Sunday morning, we woke up slowly (and groggily) and visited with the Thompsons a bit more before grabbing a quick & delicious lunch at The Waffle House and heading back to the airport. We had such a great time seeing so many friends and wished we could have stayed a few days longer but it was time to get home to our toddler who I missed desperately!!

Though I don't think he missed us too much..

Grammy & Grandpa took Jax to a train show, lunch, and then hosted my Aunt Nancy & Uncle Rolf for a fried chicken dinner on Saturday.. our guy was getting plenty of attention and had lots of fun!

{this moment}

I found the prompt for this post on one of my favorite blogs (Little Miss Momma) and thought I'd give it a go!

{this moment} – A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

inspired by SouleMama  

Give Thanks Friday

Is it really Friday already??

This has been an extremely busy and productive week! Tomorrow, Brandon and I leave for a friend's wedding in Kansas City and return home Sunday afternoon (another short trip but that's for the best when you have a toddler)--we're so looking forward to visiting old friends and staying with one of our favorite couples! I'm sure I'll be posting a bunch on Twitter & Instagram so if you just can't get enough Annie (who can?! Ha.), you should definitely follow me!

Until then, it's time to look back at this wonderful week and give thanks for all of our greatest blessings! If you're needing to put things into perspective or are looking for a little end of the week pick-me-up, I encourage you to sit down and jot down your biggest blessings from the week--we all have so much to be thankful for!

1.) I won't go into too much detail but I'm extremely thankful for Brandon's job! He works for such an awesome company and we are so blessed by their amazing "family first" mentality and for the opportunities they provide us. Brandon is also a really stellar employee so they are lucky to have him too!  

2.) We had the best time visiting with several members of my dad's family last Saturday! We went to dinner with my parents, brother, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and then my aunt and brother watched Jackson while the rest of us went to see my cousin's production of "The Wizard of Oz." I'm so blessed to have such a close, fun, and wonderful family (both immediate, extended, and in-laws)!

3.) As I mentioned before, Brandon and I are flying to KC tomorrow morning and I'm incredibly grateful for parents who are more than happy to watch their little grandson! Brandon and I had intended on taking Jax along with us (up until about a week ago) but my mom insisted they stay with him and that Brandon and I get a night away to enjoy ourselves and visit old friends. Thanks Mom & Dad!!

4.) After nearly 6 months of living in our home, I'm finally getting our bedrooms decorated! That being said, I'm thankful to have a handy hubby who patiently goes along with and executes any crazy decorating ideas that come to mind. 

5.) I finally found a really great Catholic based mom's group in Denver and couldn't be happier! The first year of living back in CO was a little rough (not having many local girlfriends really took its toll) but things are definitely getting better and Jax and I look forward to our Thursday MOPS meetings--one of the moms is even starting a playgroup for a few of us and our littles

What are you most thankful for this week?

Thrifty Thursday

Have I ever mentioned that Jackson kinda likes Elmo?

Okay, scratch that.. Jax LOVES Elmo. 

He squeals anytime he sees anything Elmo related at the store.

He sleeps with an Elmo. 

He stops whatever he's doing when he hears Elmo on TV. 

This. Kid. Loves. Elmo.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

That's a different Elmo than the first picture (not pictured are 10 other Elmo books)

 Exhibit C:

Anyway, you get the picture -- we really, really like Elmo!

I recently blogged about how I thrifted Jackson an original Tickle Me Elmo for $2 back in December and how Jax absolutely loves him, sleeps with him, is always giving him kisses, etc. That purchase has NOTHING on what I scored this week. 

Guess how much I spent? 

Before Christmas, a new Big Hugs Elmo cost $49.99 (I know because I considered getting one for Jax but backed out because that seemed a bit much). I paid $4.99. 

What what?! 

Jackson has been sharing a variety of snacks with Elmo including Goldfish, coins, and socks.    

Friends who watch Dr. Phil together stay together

"Don't bite me!"

I had actually found a Big Hugs Elmo last month at Mile High Thrift but ended up passing on it (I didn't have any cash on me and didn't feel like using the ATM) and had a bad case of thrifters remorse ever since--so you can imagine how excited I was when I spotted another! It is in perfect condition (and after Lysol-ing the heck out of it and letting it air out outside, it smelled brand new too!) and has already provided Jackson with loads of entertainment.

I can't wait to see which Elmo comes to live with us next! 

Lolz, jk. 

No more Elmo. 

Unless of course I score another killer deal. 

"I Love You" Box

I've said it before and I'll say it again.. I have the best in-laws EVER!

Jackson and I went to the library the other day to read and play and when we returned home, we were greeted by a package at the door. As soon as we opened it, I knew what a special gift it was; one that Jackson will cherish forever and pass down to his children.

Jackson's Great Great Uncle Dan & Aunt Paulette made him an "I Love You" Box.

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept of an I Love You Box (as I was), it's a box that's filled to the brim with pictures, stories, and special treasures from Jax's ancestors--it tells the history of our family and what makes us so unique.

Here's a few of the goodies that Dan & Paulette packed into Jackson's box:

A letter explaining the contents and concept of the box -- we're supposed to keep adding to it as time goes on and add momentos from my side of the family as well.

A thorough recap of last year's family reunion (that we unfortunately had to miss). Paulette also included the history of the family, where they came from and settled, etc. Brandon's side of the family has Schillings, Schmidtgals, Welchs, & Sandmeiers and my family has Wernsmans, Kastens, Locks, & Koepsels--Jackson comes from a long, long line of Germans!

Pictures of Martin Schilling's (1765) bible -- very cool! Paulette also included how Jax is related to Martin (Martin is Jackson's Great (x6)  Grandfather).

Old family photos -- I'm going to make copies of these to hang on our gallery wall!

The book on the left was written (& signed) by a distant relative and the book on the right tells of the experiences of immigrants at Ellis Island.

Isn't this the neatest gift?! Thank you SO much to Dan and Paulette for taking the time to compile such a cherished gift -- you warmed my heart on a cold Colorado day! I can't wait to continue adding to the box and to eventually (in the distant, distant future) make one for our grandchildren! 

What would you add to your "I Love You" box?

Spring Fever

It's a well known fact that back in the day I used to adore winter.

The snow.

The warm and comfortable clothes.

Snuggling into bed with a good book and glass of wine.

Those feelings of warmth during the most frigid of months have blown away with the icy breeze..

..for I now have an active 14-month-old who doesn't like being cooped up for too long.

Winter walks=hats, Ergo, and my over sized jacket to keep us both warm.

I'm dreaming of..

70 degree days

The smell of cherry blossoms in the air

The way the warm sun feels on my face

Long walks

Play dates at the park

Delicious picnics

Sipping coffee on our back porch while Jax and Bella chase each other around the backyard

Enjoying a beer by our fire pit out back after Jackson goes to sleep

Starting and maintaining a garden

Baseball games

Sleeping with the windows open

Baby birds chirping away in our big old tree

Swim lessons

Walking over to our local bakery with Jax on Tuesdays for their cupcake special

The sounds of Brandon mowing the backyard 

I'm dreaming of spring. 

We're supposed to get more snow tonight and tomorrow so if you need me, I'll be chilling in my Snuggie with a warm cup of coffee and slice of homemade banana bread.

Give Thanks Friday

Another week is coming to a close so it's time to sit back and count my blessings from this week! This has actually been a really wonderful week (despite all the snow.. but I can't complain because we definitely need the moisture and we still haven't gotten anything like they're getting on the east coast) and I'm looking forward to beginning my birthday month on Sunday!

Again, if you're needing to put things into perspective or are looking for a little end of the week pick-me-up, I encourage you to sit down and jot down your biggest blessings from the week--we all have so much to be thankful for!

1.) Last Saturday, my guys and I spent the entire day thrifting around north Denver and it. was. perfection! We had a nice Burger Saturday lunch at Rock Bottom Brewery (their bourbonzola burger is kinda my jam), thrifted our little hearts out, and then miraculously made it home during the huge blizzard. It was such a fun day (despite almost being sideswiped by idiots who can't drive in the snow) and I can't wait to have more family weekends like it!

2.) I'm thankful to live in such an awesome city with so many hands on things to do with our son! We're used to going to the park every day but since it's been so cold and snowy, we haven't been able to--that being said, we've been taking full advantage of our (amazing) nearby library and toddler gym! Gotta wear out an active boy somehow!

3.) For Valentine's Day, Brandon gifted me a mother's necklace and it finally came in on Monday and I absolutely LOVE it--for now, the middle stone is my birthstone and the two outside ones are Jackson's. It's so beautiful and I haven't taken it off since the UPS guy dropped it off. 

4.) The best part of snowy weather? Lots and lots of baking/cooking (including this banana bread)!

5.) I'm thankful this week for new friends! Brandon and I have gone to dinner with one of his supervisors and his wife a few times now and have had a wonderful time! Last Sunday, we even had them over to watch the Oscars (have I ever mentioned that I'm an Oscars freak and make everyone fill out ballots?)! Speaking of Oscars, Brandon and I tied in our ballots this year which was really, really disappointing to me so we owed each other a back rub. 

 

Have a blessed weekend!