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Ari’s 3rd Birthday //

November 3, 2015 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Well, it’s only been TWO WEEKS since Ari’s birthday. To say I’m slacking would be an understatement. Although can you really blame me? I’ve been bouncing from doctor appointment to doctor appointment, dragging a toddler along, and throwing up along the way (sometimes quite literally). So yeah. There have been “delays,” one would say. But better late than never, right? Right. (Just roll with me, friends.)

Friday the 16th // The Actual Birthday

His actual birthday was on Friday and I wanted to make it kind of special. Well we got a tad bit of a late start (thanks to both myself and Ari sleeping in way later than we should’ve — hooray!). But we ended up at Café O’Play… eventually. It was CRAZYTOWN in there. Turns out Ari’s birthday is also a teacher administration day or something, so all of the local schools were closed for the day. And, hence, the Café was insane busy.

After a little while of playing, we decided to head to out to finish a couple of party errands. While Moosh took a short nap, I decorated a teeny bit for our little family birthday celebration. I had leftover decorations from last year so I just decided to throw those up and wing it! I was tired of looking at Minion party stuff for his big she-bang anywho! 🙂

When Chad got home from work, I quickly snuck out to go get Moosh a cupcake (neither Chad nor myself are big cake people, so I just didn’t see the point in getting or making an actual cake).

Ari’s one birthday request for dinner was Chick-Fil-A (or, as he pronounces it, “Chick-Fay!”). So we headed to Chick-Fay for a quick dinner. And, quick it was! One thing I never realized before having a child, is how quickly a person can consume an entire meal. Seriously. It’s a bit scary.

Post-Chick-Fay we came home to open birthday gifts and sing happy birthday! He was so excited to get his new bicycle (which is a Radio Flyer Balance Bike), a Lego set, a light saber, and his new sleeping bag (which, admittedly, he’s been sleeping in since that night. Seriously. He refuses to sleep in his bed.). Birthday success!

Saturday the 17th //

Mimi and Poppy (my mom and dad) drove up from Kentucky to spend the weekend with us for Ari’s party. After they arrived, we decided to grab some lunch (aka – satisfy my craving for soup) before going Trunk or Treating at the YMCA!

Last year, Ari seemed to catch on(ish) to Trick or Treating, but this year, as a “big boy,” as he so refers to himself, I figured he would go nuts for it.

I was right. He now knows what candy is. So the idea of dressing up in a costume and getting free candy was more than appealing to him. He had a fabulous time. And, although I had no idea, the Y was apparently doing an open house… so the gymnastics area was completely open for the kids to run and play!

It was pretty much the perfect way to spend a (very chilly) Saturday.

Sunday the 18th //

The big day had arrived! Luckily, I had planned ahead enough to not be stressed for the day of the party. My mom and I ran out Sunday morning, sans Ari, to get a couple of last-minute items (like to pick up his balloons) and all of us were ready to leave the house an hour before the party was set to start (!!!!!). Guys. This is a miracle in itself.

We had planned the party to be a — big surprise — Minions/Gymnastics Party at the YMCA. Yep. This kid LOVES taking his gymnastics classes. And what better way to get a bunch of kids to have fun, right!?

So I may have gone a tad bit overboard with the Minion-themed food… Cookie Robots. Minion Munch. El Machos Salsa. Unicorn Horns. Unicorn Fur. Ha.

Caterpillars (aka – Cheetos). Anti-gravity Serum. My Mom’s Bad*** Minion Cake.

The party was, by all accounts, a complete success! The kids were fed, the adults snacked + mingled, and then it was time to play

The adults may have gotten into gymnastics a tad bit, too. Gymnastics play time started with the “rules,” which were quickly thrown out the window. And all of the adults and kids went nuts! Ha.

Monday the 19th //

Yeah, yeah. The weekend (and his birthday shenanigans) were technically over. But that Monday he had his 3 year well-baby checkup. As expected, he barely gained any weight and height. Ha. At his 2 year visit I’m pretty sure he weighed in at 25 pounds. At this 3 year visit?? Twenty-six pounds. 2-6. Yep. Well, he’s still in the second percentile for weight. Ha! Oh, and he’s 35″. Which is a miracle (and probably gained 2-inches from his shoes).

Aaaand then we all crashed from exhaustion and I got sick for days… 🙂

I know that after Ari’s very Yo Gabba Gabba first birthday bash I promised I wouldn’t do another over-the-top birthday; but something about having a last hurrah for our ‘only child’ was appealing to me. I’m sure next year I’ll be back to business-as-usual throwing things together haphazardly. 🙂

weekend wrap up //

September 29, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

This weekend my sister-in-law and her family came into town from Denver for a quick visit. The unfortunate part about this is that I was still very much sick; but I made the best of it (and luckily just spent my nights throwing up, not my days). We haven’t seen them in what seems like ages. My niece and nephew were so excited to play with Ari — it’s been nearly a year since Chad took him out to Denver for a visit.

As much as it was a chance to visit with out-of-town family, this weekend was a chance for us to reconnect, too! Chad + I spent some serious snuggle time with Moosh. I took him for coffee + donuts at the Lil’ Donut Factory (where he requested a “red” donut… I’m not quite sure what that meant, but he seemed to enjoy his sprinkle donut all the same!) before we went to a family cookout — complete with the biggest bonfire I’ve ever seen.

On Saturday, Chad had plans to go with his sister + her family to the Ohio State football game against Western Michigan. He was beyond excited; and I was just as happy to not be going! [Pregnant + around a lot of drunk people = no bueno]. My job for the day was to hang with Moosh, my niece Grace, and their Grammy [my MIL]. We had big plans of our own!

First stop, the North Market! It was definitely busy, but not too busy to swing by my favorite stands + grab some goodies! Moosh seemed to enjoy the Belgian waffles (from Taste of Belgium). I would only let him eat a few bites because we had lunch plans for the Hot Chicken Takeover popup shop.

GUYS. It was amazing! The spicy chicken with warm maple syrup!? Incredible. So incredible that I had to rub it in Chad’s face that he wasn’t there to enjoy it with me! And the kids seemed to enjoy the mac + cheese! In the words of Ari, “It was really good!” Ha! Kid cracks me up.

Post-market we took the kids to Dave + Busters for some fun. I should have known better. I should have known that these kids didn’t even need any tokens… they just pressed buttons! They did end up finding some games they liked to play… like skeeball. It was adorable.

By the end, I was exhausted and so were the kids — SUCCESS! Before we headed home, we got them their prizes (a sticky hand and a Fun Dip each!) and a treat — Graeters Ice Cream!

Believe it or not, Moosh asked to nap afterwards!! Post-nap the kids were pretty mellow while we waited for everyone to come back from the big game. It’s safe to say that everyone slept well that night. Well, except for me — ha.

Sunday morning we went to the Orchard Co. in Plain City for their Fall Festival. Moosh seemed kinda wiped still. And I certainly was. But he managed to enjoy the “train” ride and playing with his ‘friends,’ aka – his cousins!

By the time we arrived home, I was beyond wiped out. I slept for 11.5 HOURS. No joke. But seriously, busy but great weekend. It’s officially Fall, y’all!

do what you can // it takes a village. still.

July 15, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

After Moosh was born, it became crystal clear that the saying “It takes a village to raise a child” is 100% true. I was, and forever will be, eternally grateful for everyone who brought over a meal or sacrificed their time to come clean our house and do the laundry. We even had several family members donate a few nights to staying with us overnight and hanging out with a very colicky baby while we slept.

And I’m already noticing this again during this pregnancy. In just the littlest ways, it has helped tremendously.

My Husband // It’s no secret that I’ve been sick and less than human over the last few months. I’ve slacked on everything. Obviously, it’s not on purpose; but there is still a huge amount of guilt over disregarded housework, laundry in piles, and a toddler disheveled. Not to mention my inability to go into work. He’s been incredibly supportive and has picked up my slack.

My Doctors + Pharmacist // They have all seen a lot of me lately. I’ve been in to see my doctor biweekly and the pharmacist about the same amount, if not more. My doctors (yes, the practice has multiple doctors that I rotate in seeing) haven’t batted an eye at trying different methods to help my extreme morning sickness. They’ve been patient and accomodating.

And as odd as it sounds, my pharmacist has been a huge supporter. Not only have I seen him on the regular over the last few years, but he was one of the first people to find out I was pregnant both times! The first time — with Moosh — I literally went one week to picking up my birth control pills to filling and picking up prenatal vitamins the next. This time around he had to go behind the counter to get me some B6 vitamins, which are made pretty much for combating morning sickness. Ha! Well over the course of this pregnancy, my dear pharmacist Patrick (yep, we’re on a first name basis — LOL), has told me about how his wife had a terrible time with both of her pregnancies. This last time I went in to get a new morning sickness medication Patrick offered an additional piece of advice… He told me not to feel guilty about the multiple doctors visits and not to feel like I was wasting their time. That all of them were happy to help and get me to feeling better. ♥ THANK YOU PATRICK!

My Family + Friends // Everyone has been so supportive. My mom calls in to check on me everyday. I know she wishes she could be here to help me through this time, but times like this last weekend she WAS able to come up and help out. And I totally appreciated having her take on a super crazy toddler for me.

My Coworkers // I’ve had so many people ask me how I’m doing on the daily. And there are so many women, so many mothers, who have been so incredibly supportive. Not really offering advice, ’cause let’s face it — there’s nothing a pregnant woman loves less than advice — they’ve just been consoling, comforting, and a shoulder for me to cry on.

So yeah. This quote. I’ve gotta remember this. I can’t change my situation; I’m simply waiting for the situation to change in my favor. Thank you to everyone who is respecting where I am. I’m going to use what I have (and that’s my resources — YOU!). And just know that I’m doing what I can. ♥ And I will forever be grateful for my village.

life lately //

July 9, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

Pregnancy has taken over my life, friends! Seriously. I’m sick pretty much all of the time (truly, very, very, sick). But as much of a cluster that this pregnancy has caused these last few months, I’ve also managed to fit in some happy to our lives. And I’ve been quiet about ALL of it… because let’s face it — I’ve barely been able to keep my eyes open, let alone blog, as of late.

So get ready for the longest blog post in the history of this blog. Ha! Oh – and lots and lots of pictures!

The Cleveland Flea //

Moosh and I ventured to the flea for a few hours. It was a beautiful day, not too hot, not too cool. But it was very crowded. And many a flea-goers seemed unphased and unwilling to pay attention to the toddler they were nearly elbowing (I was wearing him as to avoid a trampling of the moosh). So that was fun. Ha.

Besides being a tad bit overwhelmed by the crowds of people not paying attention, we did manage to scope everything out. We said our hellos to our friends over at ReTread Akron and Studio KMR before settling in with our tasty lunch-finds: Tacos from #TeamSawyer and french fries from Melt Bar & Grilled.

After chowing on some delicious food (oh, and ice cream via Mason’s Creamery), Moosh wanted to listen to the DJ and dance in the open space. And who was I to stop him ~~from wearing himself out~~? All in all, it was a successful Flea trip. But truly, I could use a few people who watch where they are walking.

SOAR Playground //

Over the last couple of years I had heard about this “amazing” playground in Stow, Ohio. But there are so many other playgrounds around that I hadn’t ventrued out to find it. Well, we did. And it truly is amazing. Located in Silver Springs Park, the playground is suitable for young kids as well as the slightly older kid. And it’s very well known for being handicap accessible.

PS. Can you see Moosh in that picture?? He’s running up one of the ramps, which is one of his absolute favorite things to do.

An added bonus of this park is that you can still go play after a rainy day, or even a rainy few hours! No messy mud or mulch to deal with!

Movie Dates //

We’ve gone on THREE movie “dates” in the last couple of months. One was taking Ari to see The Lego Movie for $1 kids club day. He LOVED it! It was a new-to-him movie and an all-around new experience for all of us! Cinemark is doing Summer Movie Camps where they play movies in the morning at 9:30 am for just a dollar a ticket! So no pressure for us to stay through the whole movie. However, Moosh made it through most of The Lego Movie before we had to leave. 🙂

In addition to The Lego Movie, I took Moosh on a solo movie date TWICE since then! Once to see Penguins of Madagascar and the other time to see . These two times he acted like a pro! Ha! He was like, “Mommy, I want popcorn and fizzies.” (By the way, fizzies = root beer). And he sat through the whole movie BOTH TIMES (!!!!!).

Chad & I did have an opportunity to go see a movie I have been pumped to see for a while, Jurassic World. Guys!! I LOVED it! Sure, judge me. But the original Jurassic Park movie is one of my favorite movies of all time. This movie? This one was right back up there!

Meeting Spiderman //

Ari has developed a bit of an obsession with Spiderman, pretty much out of nowhere. Well, I shouldn’t say nowhere. He has a Spiderman sippy cup, but he had never actually seen an episode or movie of Spiderman. Well, he ended up meeting Spidey at Café O’Play in Stow.

And the dude was TERRIFIED, but I swear he was actually excited. We snuck away for a picture without the other kids chasing Spidey. Moosh talked about it all day, but he really does look terrified in the picture. I think he was just in shock.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History //

Moosh and I ventured to University Circle to hit up the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. It’s been years since I’ve been and decided that a day-trip was indeed necessary! Moosh wanted to see dinos, but he ended up being pretty terrified of their size, compared to his less-than-36-inch stature.

We did find one gem that was impossible to pry him away from — the kids play and explore area in the basement! He used “science” to ‘dig up’ dino bones and explore bugs of the world. Very exciting stuff. The only problem? Eventually this mama had to pee and that meant full-on meltdown mode for one cranky little toddler. Nothing a quick trip to the gift shop couldn’t fix! He was holding a turtle stuffed animal for a while (this kid LOVES stuffed animals), but he ended up finding a pair of kids binoculars and he refused to let go of them. So we bought them (I know, I know… spoiled kid). I was surprised to find that he knew exactly how to use them. Whaaaat? Where do kids pick this stuff up, anyway!?

Race For The Place + Family Parties + Pregnancy Announcement //

So I have to be clear – our pregnancy announcement this time around was much less glamorous than the first time. The first time I was super nervous to tell everyone. This time I just wanted everyone to know because I was so tired of feeling sick for “no reason.” In fact, when telling people I mostly just blurted it out to family members.

The first weekend in June we participated as an extended family in the Race for the Place, to benefit the Gathering Place in Cleveland in honor of my aunt. Well as soon as we got there my one aunt said “Aww, Ari doesn’t look like a baby anymore. We need another baby in the family.” and I just blurted out “Well you’re getting one.” She freaked with excitement and I was relieved to have told someone. Ha. And that’s kind of how it went. We told family as we saw them. Most people said that they could tell (could it be the pregnancy glow? Probably not. It was likely the barfy look on my face and a pouch in my belly.).

I also felt like I needed to be honest with people because I was planning on running the 5k race. Which, while pregnant and very sick, was going to be … interesting. I used Moosh as an excuse to run slow, since I was pushing him in the jogger. But thankfully, my sister and brother-in-law ran alongside me and helped push him when I needed a break. Also? It’s good practice for them! Ha!

We ended up finishing in about 32 minutes. Far from my best time (like, real far), but it was my first race pregnant, so I was proud to have finished.

A few weeks later we went to a surprise 40th birthday party for Chad’s cousin. We spilled the beans pretty much as soon as we walked in (plus Moosh was wearing his “Big Bro” shirt!). And then later we announced it on Social Media with a picture of Moosh in that same shirt.

It felt great for the news to just be OUT! Freeing, actually. I hate secrets. Especially secrets like this.

Visits From Mimi + Poppy //

My parents rarely are able to visit together these days. They are both working opposite schedules and their desire to see Moosh often outweighs their need to travel together. It’s good for us because it means visitors often! We’ve been able to go to Café O’Play with both Mimi + Poppy on separate occasions. Plus lunch dates galore! Poppy loved checking out one of Moosh’s fave places — Retro Dog! And this mama never says no to a Sahlen’s Hot Dog (miss you, Buffalo, NY!).

When Mimi came to visit we took Moosh for a run and to the farmers market in Kent, and then later a playdate at Café O’Play. With Poppy, we went to Café O’Play, lunch, and then we (ie. Poppy) put together Ari’s tricycle!

Fathers Day Surprise //

I mentioned before that the one thing Chad requested for Father’s Day was to spend the day alone. I totally, totally get it. Moosh has been a bit of a monster these days. And I’d be lying if I said I wanted anything other than that for Mother’s Day (or my birthday — cough:cough). Moosh and I had to go for a drive to pick up his new Thomas the Tank table anyway. So we ventured and left Chad at home.

While we were out that way, we decided to swing by Chad’s dads house unannounced. He wasn’t home, but Chad’s aunt + uncle live next store so we pretty much barged in on them to say hello. And yes, I totally spilled the beans about the pregnancy to them in the first .2 seconds too (clearly this was pre-party & pre-FB announcement). Ha! As we chatted, Chad’s dad ended up coming home and he was super happy and super surprised that we were visiting for Father’s Day!

Ari was being his goofy and happy self (thank GOD) so we decided it was ‘safe’ enough to venture to Tai Pan in Middlefield for lunch. This teeny Chinese restaurant was a staple in our diet growing up and I honestly cannot eat at other Chinese restaurants because of it. We are so spoiled. It’s on the list of the top 100 Chinese restaurants in America… and it’s located in the town that carries the title “Fourth Largest Amish Community In The World.” Way to go, Middlefield, Ohio! Ha. There are exactly ZERO pictures from lunch, because wrangling a toddler through an hour+ lunch is nearly impossible. But pictures or none, I assure you it was delicious!

By the time we got home, Moosh was ready for bed. Chad had the Father’s Day he dreamed of, and I wore Moosh out. Success!

Toddler Snuggles //

As much of a PITA Moosh has been, he’s had his moments of awesome, too. He’s been a snuggle bug, but only when he’s avoiding bedtime. Regardless, I’ll take it. Beggars can’t be choosers!

Outdoor Summer Fun! //

Between having a zoo membership and having a plethora of local parks to explore, we have been busy! For one, the Akron Zoo is so completely accessible for a quick trip to wear out our little man. As a member, parking is free. And at most, we end up spending a couple bucks on the carousel. We love it. And Moosh loves bringing friends with him! Especially Kayden (whom Moosh declares to be his ‘BEST friend.’). Too cute.

We also have a park in our backyard. Literally. We have a small backyard and just beyond a teeny fence is a park, complete with slides, swings, and a kiddie pool! On the hot days (though those are few and far between), we’ve been hitting up the kiddie pool. Moosh is officially unafraid! Woo hoo!

The rain has certainly gotten the best of our outdoor fun as of late, but before the downpours began, we managed to fit in our fair share of outdoor play.

Thirsty Dog 8k //

I was pumped to sign up for the Akron Marathon Thirsty Dog 8k race. I signed up months ago and anticipated the big day for so long! GOOD BEER at the finish line! In fact, a special beer, The Blue Line Brew, brewed specially for this event. And then I got pregnant. Running has been difficult, sure, but I knew I could finish. Again, not my fastest time; not even close. But I finished. But I was too exhausted and tired post-race to even consider waiting in line for a sip of the (very low alcohol content – so hush haters) blue line brew. There was just no way!

So yeah, I finished the nearly-five-mile course and then pretty much crashed for the whole rest of the day. Oh well.

Fourth of July Fun //

We had planned on having a super chill Fourth Of July, but plans change, y’all. We ended up being incredibly busy.

I knew I definitely wanted to take Moosh to the parade again. Last year he had fun, but he was still young. This year I told him there would be music, marching and candy. Candy!!?? Yep, candy, kid. Well, as if that weren’t enough, his friend Kayden was meeting us there AND we got donuts so he could share with all the kids while we waited. He was in heaven. And truthfully? So was I.

Post-parade (and mid-sugar high) we headed home to pick up Chad (who, unfortunately, got called into work and missed the parade) and we headed to meet up with my sister for a cookout and swim. Moosh had a blast in the pool and I got a bit of sunburn.

But wait – there’s more! Our fun day didn’t stop there! We had another party to head to after hanging with my sister. We hoped Moosh would nap on the way. But nope. Bummer. He played and played and played at the last party before heading home to a bath and to crash. And we all crashed. No fireworks, no sparklers; just our beds.

So yeah. We’ve been busy lately. Add in gymnastics + swim lessons + a gazillion household chores and you’ve got one busy little family. But I wouldn’t have it any other way! OK, back to regularly scheduled blogging! Ha!

Luau On The Lake // Giveaway

June 23, 2015 by Rachel 7 Comments

Summer in Cleveland is a festival-goers dream! And this year I’m excited to attend (again!) the 10th annual Luau on the Lake to benefit Shoes and Clothes for Kids, on July 25th at Wendy Park on Whiskey Island.

One of the major changes from last year is that there are now three different levels of tickets:

General Admission – $50 through June 26; $60 through July 20; $65 at the door – includes island buffet, beer, wine, soft drinks, and souvenir cup. Pre-mixed Island Cocktails available for purchase.

Big Kahuna – $60 through June 26; $75 through July 20 – includes all the above plus 3 Island Cocktail drink tickets, Hawaiian lei, VIP cup and tote, and half-hour early admission.

Tiki God – $125 per person or $200 per couple through July 10 – includes all of the above plus open bar (beer, wine, liquor, and Island Cocktails), appetizers, VIP tent with seating and port-o-lets, and one-hour early admission!

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrTxLOXtdoA]

Based on my experience last year, early admission is KEY! You have prime pick of your spot (BYOB — Bring Your Own Blanket/Chairs). An extra bonus of a VIP tent with seating and potties is also a huge bonus.

Regardless, all three ticket levels are supporting a great cause. If you aren’t aware of this awesome organization, know that their mission is to “provide a unique service for income-eligible families in Greater Cleveland by distributing new shoes, clothing, and items for infants and youths.” Hugely important in our community!

You can purchase tickets to Luau on the Lake online or you can enter to win two Big Kahuna tickets using the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be announced within 24-hours of giveaway close. Entrants must intend to use the tickets and be 21 years or older.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was asked by Shoes and Clothes for Kids to help promote the Luau on the Lake. In exchange, I will receive 2 Big Kahuna tickets for myself and 2 Big Kahuna tickets to give away. All opinions herein are my own.

Zippity Zoo Doo // A (Late) Wrap Up!

June 16, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

A lot has been happening in life lately. I kind of alluded to the fact that things have been kind of crazy around here. More on that later (sorry).

But a week and a half ago I had a chance to kind of set all of that aside and went[ to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for the Cleveland Zoological Society’s annual Zippity Zoo Doo. The theme was Serengeti Sunset and besides being African-inspired, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I was greeted by valet and an owl! Talk about rolling out the red carpet! But really, the owl was adorable. And I did not expect live animals, but what a pleasant surprise! And that wasn’t the end! Once I met up with Jen from Why? CLE and her husband, we headed for a glass of wine and scoped out the hors d’oeuvres! I had stalked the menu prior to the event and as more than excited for the African-inspired menu.

I realized after chowing down that I was so excited I forgot to snap a couple of quick pics! Above (clockwise from left) is the event tent (which was MUCH larger than it appears in this picture), a grand display of the Lamb Tagine & Couscous and sliders, followed by a close-up of the delicious (and spicy!) South African Farmer’s Sausage Slider with Crunchy Slaw! Not pictured, but also delicious, were the Lobster BLT and the Peri Peri Chicken Kebabs. Seriously so good I ate too fast for a picture. Ha!

After we snacked and sipped we took a quick trip to the new Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter! The previous giraffe area had a single-file line type of walk-up where you can feed a single giraffe. The new setup features a large patio that allows visitors to walk right up to the giraffes (yep – multiples!). Sadly, the giraffes were in “hiding” while we visited, but we were still close enough to see the mama and baby!

We also had a chance to ride the carousel. In honor of Moosh, I rode “Nemo,” also known as the clown fish. I sent Moosh and Chad a picture while I was on it. Which apparently prompted Moosh to want to watch Finding Nemo! Ha!

We eventually ventured back down to our table for dinner. We met up with Alicia from Poise In Parma and sat down for an amazing dinner. While we ate, chatted, and laughed, the auction festivities were on a roll, including the highest table for the Giving Tree (the highest table as of 9pm received a ‘backstage’ visit at the giraffe encounter). Our table wasn’t quite in the running, but that’s OK because we were enjoying the food SO much!

The salad? Was. To. DIE.FOR! It’s unfortunate I ate so many hors d’oeuvres because I would’ve eaten way more of the salad (which was spinach, grilled pineapple, bell pepper, raisins, toasted coconut, and pineapple ginger dressing!). Next up? Smoked fennel crusted filet with golden fig chutney (yum!) and red snapper yassa. The wild rice and filet were delicious. For whatever reason, snapper just isn’t my thing. Ya know? By the time dessert came out I had to leave (I know – lame! It was only about 8:45, but my mom was coming into town from Kentucky and I wanted to be there when she arrived (and it’s about an hour drive home). On my way out they were serving dessert — French cheesecake with raspberry drizzle. Umm. It was hard not to sit my butt back in my chair and indulge, but I left without dessert (I heard it was delicious). And I’m secretly still dreaming about the “what if” I stayed to eat it. Ha!

The only thing that would have made this night more perfect is if Chad would have been able to make it with me. But I had a blast with the gals. Thank you, ladies, for hanging out with this ‘single lady’!

Disclosure: I was asked by the Cleveland Zoological Society to help promote Zippity Zoo Doo. In exchange, I received one complimentary ticket to the event. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.