A couple weeks ago, we were supposed to go strawberry picking, but it rained all weekend. So instead, we finally broke out the paints from our Melissa & Doug art easel that my parents gave Maevy for Christmas. She had a great time and made several masterpieces. Plus she was able to mix colors, just like in Mouse Paint. (love that book!)Happy Tuesday!

This week we had a casual Derby party at the house. Ryan’s parents came in town to meet Carter, and we had some friends over too.

The kids played in the back yard, and we even broke out the sprinkler and our own version (some vinyl from Ryan’s work) of a slip-and-slide. We made mint-juleps, and served beer brats with potato salad, baked beans, and homemade soft pretzels- strawberries with angel food cake for dessert.

For the pretzels, just take some pillsbury bread stick or crescent roll dough. Stretch out/roll out sections of the dough into 6 inch pieces. Then make into pretzel shapes. Brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with kosher or sea salt. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes. Serve with lots of mustard options.
Happy Derby Day!

This week Maevy became a Big Sister. We got her this special shirt and a book (from Baby Brother). So far the adjustment as gone well, and she’s been calling Carter “her baby”.

Happy Tuesday!

This week we headed to Nashville’s newest park on the riverfront, Cumberland Park. Like so many other cities, Nashville has big plans to redevelop the waterfront, making it more appealing to both residents and visitors. Cumberland Park is on the East Bank (the East Nashville side), in between the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge. It’s about a 2 minute car ride from our house or a 10 minute bike ride.

The grand opening was a couple weeks ago, and it’s sure to be a hit throughout the summer months. I love the modern design of the “playground” elements and of course, the spraygrounds. (Okay- phone pics below. Maevy’s in pink- shocker!)
There’s a pier and even a small amphitheater for events. I’m a sucker for parks with a skyline view; so this park has quickly shot to the top of my list.

Happy Tuesday!

This week we headed to the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day at Centennial Park. Everything was free, which we loved. Mostly we bounced from bouncy house to bouncy house.
Maevy also took a break from the bouncy houses to color a couple pictures, listen to some kid-friend music, and get her face painted.
She asked for a pink heart and a yellow square.It was a beautiful spring day; so we were just happy to be outdoors!

Happy Tuesday!

We had an unconventional Easter this year. While we were off in car buying land, Maevy spent a long Easter weekend with Grandparents. After church and brunch Sunday morning, Ryan and I met Grandpa, Grandma, and Maevy halfway between Nashville and Memphis at Natchez Trace Park. We found a spot not too far off the interstate to set-up a small Easter Egg Hunt (Maevy’s 3rd in a week).

My mom brought a few snacks, and I brought enough Cascarones for the small group.
I don’t think Maevy remembered them from last year, and she liked smashing them on our heads better than getting one smashed on her head.
Oh well…good luck for everyone!

Happy Tuesday!

This week Maevy and Daddy made this delicious dessert/snack- Saltine Cracker Toffee. This was a Pinterest find and a big hit at the party we brought them to. Oh and Maevy liked it too…

Lining up the saltines- (We used wheat saltines to make them healthier, yeah right.)Mixing the brown sugar and butter-
tasting a chocolate chip-
spreading the chocolate chips…and letting them cool-
Totally didn’t take a picture of the final product; so I’m borrowing The Girl Who Ate Everything’s-
The recipe makes a good amount, and it was all gone within a couple days. Yum!

Happy Tuesday!

If we were still in D.C., we would most certainly be headed to the Tidal Basin to check out the Cherry Blossoms this time of year.  A few years ago Nashville started its own Cherry Blossom Festival by planting 100 cherry trees in Nashville, with an eventual plan to plant 1,000 trees in 10 years. I always love a reason to head downtown, especially on a beautiful day. We had a great time.

Maevy made a mask (and watched a martial arts demonstration).We checked out the view from the observation deck…and the best part- playing in the Public Square fountains/reflection pools.
Happy Tuesday!

We are still getting back into the swing of things after recovering from our deadly virus. This week we headed outside (in beautiful weather!) to the Bicentennial Mall with some friends.

Maevy ran around the bells (Court of Three Stars) barefoot, attempted hopscotch,  and even enjoyed a cupcake from the best cupcake place in Nashville. Yum!

Happy Wednesday!