zoo

life lately // a wrap up

May 15, 2015 by Rachel 2 Comments

Life has been crazy pants over the last month or so. But isn’t that kind of always the case when you’re working and raising a toddler and taking care of family responsibilities and training for races and trying to actually fit in some fun, too?

Moosh started a new session of tumbling at the YMCA. The class is PACKED, which makes me mega anxious. But it turns out his ‘girlfriend’ we met on Valentine’s Day at Café O’Play — Veronique — is in his tumbling class. These two are SO cute! They are a week apart in age; plus they are both pretty much exactly the same size (aka — tiny).

We took a short trip to Louisville, Kentucky to visit with Mimi and Poppy. And we jam-packed it with fun and adventures! The first of which was to the Zoo. Here is my review of the zoo in Louisville: dirty; packed; but we still had fun. Moosh wanted to walk everywhere, which was exhausting for us, but we were hoping it would wear him out so he would take a nap (newsflash: he didn’t.)

The zoo did have some cool Lego thing going on though. Moosh wasn’t nearly as interested in the Legos as we were. Ha! Some day, kid, you’ll realize how freaking cool it was.

Chad, my parents, Moosh, and I went to the Louisville version of the Cleveland Flea — which is appropriately named The Flea Off Market. It was like an early version of the Cleveland Flea. It was cute and crowded and full of local finds, foods and brews — which is pretty much my paradise. So while I was sad we were out of town for the Cleveland Flea, it was exciting to experience something similar as an out-of-towner!

I had the chicken and waffles from something that is not considered a food truck — it was a food wagon. And it was DELICIOUS. And I tried a (new-to-me) brew from Bluegrass Brewing Company — a red IPA! Perfection.

And Moosh ate the crap out of some plantains. This kid loves the most random fruits and veggies! My dad had this delicious cuban food. He loved it; I thought it was spicy-ish. I’ll stick to my chicken and waffles.

We took a family-friendly betting trip to Churchill Downs — just one week after the Kentucky Derby. My thoughts? Churchill Downs is huge; there were a ton of people (even for an “off” day); the horses are beautiful; and betting has never been my thang. It was still cool to experience all of it. Moosh ‘bet’ on the “orange horse,” aka the horse with the rider who was wearing orange.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6No4I_CHZY]It’s a good thing the chicken and waffles were small because we had a date night at an Ethiopian Restaurant, Queen of Sheba, — a first for us! I would be lying if I didn’t say I was skeptical. Sure, it sounded great; but my dad referred to it as a “hole in the wall.” Then recanted and said “Well, it’s not a hole in the wall…” and I was like…. Yay [sarcasm]. But when we showed up I immediately felt at ease.

The food was incredible. I mean that in the most serious way. I told Chad that I wish we had eaten at this restaurant for every meal while we were there. The meals come “family style” on the same big plate… really it’s a platter, not a plate. And there isn’t any silverware. You eat with your hands and the injera, the Ethiopian bread, serves as your utensil. Mine was the Shifta Chicken (the meal on the bottom) and Chad had the Gored-Gored (the spicy beef dish on top).

Moosh played HARD at the playgrounds in Kentucky. And he came back with the bruises to prove it. I seriously wonder if our sitter thinks we beat him. (PS. We did not. Dude just doesn’t know how small and fragile he is. Ha!)

Mother’s Day consisted of a long drive home. Which was accompanied by Moosh sleeping — HOORAY! The perfect gift. 🙂

But we did at least watch some Monsters Inc before we hit the road… <3 Chad happened to snap this photo of us. Too cute!

I took another canvas painting class! I’ve taken several (ie. SEVEN) Wine + Canvas classes. This time I used Paint Nite in Akron. I have to say, it seemed to be a bit more lively and fun; but the teaching of technique was severely lacking. However, I still love the outcome!

We celebrated Chad’s birthday with a low-key night. A quick trip to Café O’Play, then dinner at Aladdin’s new space in Portage Crossings, followed by cake and presents at home.

I think we try not to get each other “things” because if we needed something (or wanted something) we would get it. We try to celebrate with experiences that last a lifetime. So I got Chad tickets to see Joe Machi at Hilarities at Pickwick and Frolic. If you’re not familiar with Joe Machi, he was on Last Comic Standing and placed 4th. The dude is funny in just our sort of way — dry humor. However, he is not attractive like my boy Tommy Jonaghin. Sigh. I love that man (sorry Chad). Regardless of his level of attractiveness, it’s going to be fun. Too bad we have to wait until July to see the show!

I cooked another Blue Apron meal. I feel like this needs to be documented every time. Because it doesn’t happen often. Technically, I cooked the meal pictured on the top — Baked Empanadas de Picadillo with Arugula, Queso Fresco, & Pickled Onion Salad! Chad made the meal on the bottom — Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple and Avocado salsa.

Basically, life has been busy, but perfectly lovely. When I look at this blog post and all of our pictures, it fills my heart up completely!

Memorial Day Weekend Wrap Up //

May 28, 2014 by Rachel 1 Comment

Things we did this weekend: a lot.

Things we didn’t do this weekend: Go to the parade like I planned. Ya know why? Cause we have a kid that is down to sleep ’til 10. ‘Nuff said, friends.

In truth, as much as I want to take Moosh to a parade, I was OK with his decision to sleep late and allow us all some extra time to catch some z’s. Cause we’ve been busy, ya’ll!

Well here’s what we actually did do over the long weekend…

Saturday —

Mama & Moosh went to the Towpath for a nice walk. I had zero desire to run with him. It was a “let’s chill and take in this beautiful day,” kind of walk. And it was lovely. I don’t even mind that he decided to break my sunglasses when he grabbed them as I wasn’t looking.

This is exactly why I only buy cheap sunglasses. Thanks, Charlotte Russe!

Unfortunately, this mama had to work Saturday afternoon. But that’s OK. I had my eye on the prize — two days off in a row with my 2 fave guys! So I just powered through Saturday night.

Sunday —

Moosh woke up bright and early (8:30). Chad made gluten-free blueberry pancakes, and we played until it was time to go to the zoo. I knew it would be busy, considering it was a beautiful day and holiday weekend, but as members, it’s nice to be able to go just for a little while… not having to worry about ‘staying to see everything.’

And we stayed for about three things: 1. The penguins; 2. The stingrays; and 3. The Carousel. This kid loves him some carousel!

I went with him on his first carousel experience, but this time Daddy joined him. Which was fun because I got to capture some serious cheese on camera!

Post-zoo we grabbed some lunch and put Moosh down for a nearly three-hour nap (thank Jesus!). I should have just sat down and enjoyed the brief quiet moments, but I had chores to finish! Chores I had been seriously slacking on and putting off. As soon as I was finished with them, I made a cup of coffee and decided to sit down. The very moment I sat down, Moosh started to fuss in his crib. Of course, right!?

We ended up spending our entire evening on our deck… playing with the Stomp Rocket, planting flowers together, and helping dad shuck corn (and eating it, uncooked!). We even busted out the chalk for the first time! Such excitement on his face for everything. I love seeing the world through his eyes for the first time.

Monday —

The plan was to go to the parade at 9am. We would ride our bikes there, find our friends, and cheer on our sitter, Hannah, as she marched with the band. But that didn’t happen. Because everyone’s favorite baby slept, well, like a baby. (Hooooorray!)

So instead we woke up at 10. We ate leftover gluten-free pancakes; we watched Yo Gabba Gabba; and we took our time. Eventually Moosh & I went back to the towpath for a run. I’ve kind of given up on truly running with the stroller. Instead, I focus on interval running. Because pushing a stroller while running? Well, it sucks. Majorly.

But we finished our intervals. And then we stopped for a selfie! Ha! 🙂

The rest of our day, post-run & post-selfie, was spent busying ourselves around the house and playing outside in the yard. I heard this seasons first ice cream truck and I was so excited for Moosh to experience it for the first time. I’m pretty sure Chad thought I was excited for ice cream, but truth be told having been ‘off sugar’ for the last 2 weeks has helped cut out my cravings significantly! (Plus, if I’m going to “cheat” it’s going to be with GOOD ice cream! Ha!).

So Moosh got his first “Junior” pop! He let me hold it for a while, but then he wanted to take the reigns. He couldn’t quite grasp the concept of holding it by the stick. So yeah, it was messy. But that’s OK. 🙂

All-in-all it was the picture of perfection for our tiny family. Couldn’t have asked for a more amazing + low-key weekend! &hearts;

an open letter to life in general //

January 6, 2014 by Rachel 3 Comments

Dear Tracy at Yoga Bliss —

Thank you for the ass-kicking and mind-strengtening yoga practice this weekend. I love a mentally & physically challenging practice.

Dear Gretchen —

Thank you for the girl time coffee date. You continue to ground me and your friendship means everything to me.

Dear Akron Zoo —

Thank you for being open this weekend. It was the perfect opportunity for Ari to check out the big cats while no one else was there!

Dear Husband —

Thank you for love and partnership, this weekend and always.

Dear Weather —

You’re joking…. And just in case you’re not, thanks for preventing anyone from doing anything at all this week. Grr.

Dear Work Week —

Normally I’m all “bring it!” But this week? This week I just can’t. So please be kind to me.

Rachel @ It’s A Hero //