memorial day weekend

We spent this Memorial Day weekend as we've spent the past several years, at my in-laws' lake house, ringing in the official start of summer. We have been blessed with great weather this May and were excited to kick back at the lake before baby two comes along to shake things up.

I've been trying to spend time doing special things with Elia over the last few weeks since my attention will be divided soon so we went up to Rockford after I worked for a few hours on Frida morning and shopped, checked out the dam and river, played in the park, and then enjoyed lunch outside together. I swear, she's the best lunch date and, if not always the most patient or well-behaved, certainly the cutest. I'd take her to lunch every day if it were an option.

We spent the rest of the day napping, playing in the sand, and then I headed out for my sprinkle.

Saturday marked our first trip of the season to the farmer's market, something I always enjoy. Though the selection at Michigan farmer's markets are limited in the early season, there's still plenty to see and buy. We settled on asparagus, cinnamon bread, and fresh flowers.

After naps (for both Elia and I), we spent the afternoon and evening boating and enjoying the beautiful day with friends who were visiting us at the lake.

On Sunday we spent a leisurely morning on a walk and then decided to give the paddleboard its first spin on the lake. Elia loved riding along with her dad.

More friends came to visit before lunch and Elia had a great timing playing with her friend on the beach. I wish I had taken pictures of the girls holding hands as they walked down the dock together but alas, some sweet moments are just meant to be experienced, not documented.

We headed home before lunch today to regroup after so many days away and get ready for a busy week. Afternoon rainstorms also set the stage for some great naps again. Summer is definitely here and we are so ready for it. Happy Memorial Day to all!

sprinkle

On Friday, I was lucky enough to be honored with a baby sprinkle for Baby Boy Neckers. My sweet friend, Sarah, agreed to host the sprinkle when she herself has a four-week-old at home. She's incredible. We talked about the possibility of a sprinkle a few months back and I told her that all I really wanted was to get together for dinner with some girlfriends before the baby comes, to have some girl time. She took things a step further and made the cutest centerpiece and favors and it really made the dinner feel special.

I realized that everyone who was there is a mother, all of whom I've known since before any of us had children. The group that gathered that night included women who I have been friends with since I was twelve years old, women I met in college, and women I met later on. We have seen each other through high school drama, bad boyfriends, worse breakups, the establishment of our professional lives, our weddings, and now motherhood and each of them provides such a beautifully unique perspective on the joys and struggles of it all. Each of them is a wonderful mother and has such love for their family. We all do things a bit differently and we are all raising great kids. We have all had our own challenges and I love that I can ask any of them about how they've tackled different parenting issues, if they had a feeling that labor was going to start before it did, which foods they introduced first, how they're dealing with limit-testing toddlers, how to navigate the challenges that parenting adds to marriage, and really everything and anything that has become part of our realities since becoming moms.

 

Sitting around that table, it struck me that it is such a special thing to be able to share the adventure of parenthood with such a great group of friends. I am so grateful to be experiencing all of this with them and can't wait to see what unfolds as we continue to watch all of our children grown up together. You are all great moms and I learn from you every time we're together. Thank you, girls, for being willing to share this adventure with me, to celebrate the exciting moments and empathize with the tough ones. 

And thank you, Sarah, for getting everyone together and helping make this pregnancy feel just as special as the first one.

five cocktails for summer

I know that technically it's only spring but here in Michigan, we are having some very summer-like weather. Nothing says summer like relaxing on a deck with a nice, cold beverage in your hand. I've had to enjoy lemonade as my beverage of choice but after eight months sober, I'm really starting to look forward to enjoy a cocktail or two this summer.

In honor of those summer nights that are just around the corner, I've rounded up some cocktails that I can't to try this summer. Click through the links in the titles to try the recipes yourself.  Cheers!

1. Paloma from Jessy and Melissa

I've been dying to try a Paloma, which combines tequila and grapefruit. I've already declared it the drink of summer, sight unseen, err...drink undrank.

2. Blueberry Mojito Royale from Domesticate Me

What a beautiful cocktail and a mojito is always a winner in my book! And all of the antioxidants in the blueberries negate the alcohol, correct?

3. Lavender Collins Cocktail from Couture Craft

I love a touch of lavender in anything: shortbread cookies, lemonade, jam. It's such a delicate flavor that add something special to whatever it's in. Why not a cocktail? Plus, it's hard not to imagine yourself overlooking a French countryside when you consume lavender and talk about beautiful!

4. Pineapple Margarita from Crunchy Creamy Sweet

I love pineapple and I love margaritas, is there anything else to say? 

5. Champagne Grapefruit Mojito by Foodie Crush

I fell in love with Champagne Mojitos when introduced by a friend when we were living in Costa Rica. In fact, I loved them so much that they served as one of our signature drinks at our wedding. These are so refreshing and festive and I can't wait to sip on one this summer.

I'm also looking forward to trying variations on this favorite of mine like this Champagne Grapefruit Mojito from Style Me Pretty Living and the Champagne Grapefruit Pineapple Mojito from Cooks with Cocktails.

For even more cocktail ideas, visit me "Drink Me" Pinterest board.

What cocktails are you looking forward to trying this summer?