8 Years Down + A Lifetime To Go

Did you know pottery is the gift to be giving your spouse on your wedding anniversary?  Well, I certainly wasn't "in the know"; however, Matthew, being as clever as he is, decided to follow the tradition for our anniversary.  He set up a date where would actually take a pottery class + make our own.  This was one of the most memorable date nights we have ever had.  The learning something new together + getting totally out of our comfort zone was a great combination for a lot of laughs + fun.  Then, we proceeded to have a fabulous dinner + then went off to downtown Cincy to see Lumonicity.  Guyssss, you have to see this next year.  It was the neatest projection/musical show I have seen (well, next to Disney).  If this anniversary date is any indication of the year ahead, I'd say we are in for another amazing adventure.  Love you, Matthew Wayne. <3

Family Day

Can I take just a moment to say how thankful I am for my husband?!  He has taken all of his summer break + selflessly given it to work for our family {our ever growing family, at that :)}.  Matt has been working 12 hour shifts most days just to provide some extra income for us.  I am ever grateful that he takes care of our needs + puts us first.  That being said, he becomes an even better husband + father when he suggests that we take Saturday {his only day off mind you} a family day.  High fives for all of the men of the family like that!  So, that is just what we did.  We made our way to the Newport Aquarium early Saturday morning to find that it was a two hour wait...yikes!!!  So, being the flexible people we are, we decided J + E could experience their first time at the movies.  Jude is a pretty big Despicable Me fan, so viewing the minion movie was a no-brainer.  Let me tell ya, that was not the worst time ever.  I've been dreading taking my extremely active 3-year-old to the movies + not to mention with an 8 month in tow; however, it was so relaxing and Jude LOVED it!!!  Then, it was off to the aquarium, where we not only got to see a lot sharks {Jude's fave} but also walk on a bridge over them + pet them.  It was such a much needed fun-filled family day...thanks to a pretty amazing daddy.

 ^E was out for a quick nap^

 ^But not for too long^

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day...a special day to remember those who fought + died for our freedom, but it is also the signal for summer to begin.  Since summer is my favorite season, I am not mad about this notification to get things started.  We have already started having summer-like weather, so this just prepares us for more of it.  We spent the weekend going to graduation parties, visiting OTR in Cincinnati, and putting up our American decor.

Grilled Cheese Heaven

Any grilled cheese lovers out there?  Come fall time it's definitely one of my favorites...especially with a bowl of tomato soup.  I have to thank my sister for introducing me to grilled cheese heaven, Tom+Chee.  She told me several months ago that I would love this place...she knows me and my love for food well.  We were in Cincinnati on Saturday and decided to try it out for lunch.  This restaurant pretty much has every version of a grilled cheese you've ever thought of and more.  I mean, who would have thought to put potato chips on a grilled cheese sandwich or to make a blueberry grilled cheese donut?!?!  I tried "The Italian" and Matt had "The Flying Pig" and we must say that we were thoroughly impressed.  The yumminess did not stop with the sandwiches though...that tomato basil soup was something amazing .  Do yourself a favor if you live in the area and give it a try.  Oh, and to all parents out there, kids eat FREE on Tuesday. :)