My Kind of Party

There were confetti bombs and giant balloons that fell from the sky. Oversized fur coats and 'coon skin hats. It was quite the dance party. And we were there. It was a blast to jump around with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at their world tour finale; the last night of a 3 month trip. It was our first date night in a very long time, and our first concert together as a couple. It was so much fun, I hope we'll make an effort to go to more shows together.

Happy Weekend Friends!
xoxo
Joy

Today is for:

a hot cocoa date while the babe naps

finishing a new quilt project

blog design brainstorming

lighting Christmas scented candles

turning up the heat

making goals for a new year

Christmas gift planning

enjoying our cozy home

What are you guys doing today? Winter is definitely here in Seattle..has it come to your house yet?

xoxo

Joy

[a witty title that has nothing to do with food but everything to do with our week]

this post is part of my 31 Day series. here is the beginning

Thursday was a weird day. I guess my mind needed some time off because it seemed to be missing all day! The weather was gor.geous. Crisp and bright. Ollie and I went for a nice long walk in the morning, then after nap we explored Discovery Park with Uncle Jordy and his new lens. It was so nice and relaxing. Exactly what I needed but I didn't even know it.

Friday was grocery shopping day. I felt a little overwhelmed because I needed to plan for a week's meals + company! But Ollie was very helpful by keeping a list as we strolled up and down the aisles. ;) And once I had 'groceries' crossed off my to-do list, I felt much better. 

Friday evening Camillo and I went on our first dinner date in 14 months! Oh my goodness, you guys. It was blissful. I ate my own dinner without having to feed someone else. And Camillo and I got to talk and visit the whole evening. Just the two of us. *sigh* After dinner, we walked a couple blocks to Bluebird IceCream. I got Phantograham (graham crackers and chocolate, yum!) and Camillo got Elysian Stout. It was supposed to be a beer flavor but he didn't really taste it..Thank you Julia for a grown up date night!! (and here's to more on a regular basis!!)

Saturday Caroline and Maria flew in to Seattle!! The two kidlets are only 5 months apart and they are getting along SO well. They follow each other around and are constantly giving each other hugs and kisses. Cutest thing ever. Ollie is working on saying Maria but it comes out sounding more like Aria! hehe, He loves his friend Aria, too :) I finally got to bake some cookies, too. Did you see that?! Caroline loves them so I might have an excuse to make them again before she leaves. I'll be sure to send a couple all of them home with her ;)

I'll do my best to keep up with my daily posts but please forgive me if I miss [another] day or two. We have family here through the end of the month and we want to cherish our time together. That might mean no blogging for this mama! You can be sure there will still be plenty of eating though ;)

xoxo
Joy

Weekend Recap

Saturday, Camillo and I celebrated 5 years as Mr&Mrs. Five years? I don't feel old enough to have been married that long! We were a young bride and groom, growing up together. It's been a good, hard, rewarding, sometimes frustrating, wonderful, kinda crazy, amazing 5 years of learning how to love each other bigger and better. A couple weeks ago I asked  Camillo (with kind of a pout) if he thought we'd even come very far in the last five years. He assured me that of course we have and, looking through our wedding photos at those two little kids, I agree. For a minute I felt like we should be farther along, better at being married, or whatever. But we've learned so much about one another, built a life together, and started a family together. We're a great team, crazy about each other, and hopeful for another 90 wondrous years together. Love you, babe. 

Sunday, this little digger turned 13 months. I've seen a real change in him these last couple weeks. He's more sturdy in his climbing, seems to understand more of what we say, has quit eating sand by the handfuls, and has an imagination that keeps him busy with his dishes, animals, cars, and blocks. Just, grown up! He's got a little attitude that comes out with fake cries and hollers. He's a sweet heart who, at the end of the day, just wants to be with Mama and Daddy. After 2 weeks of not sleeping at all, we've finally found his new rhythm and the last 5 days he only woke up once each night! Glory halelujah!

We had a sentimental weekend with these two milestones. We spent both days together exploring our city and ignoring outside distractions. There were also a couple naps to be had, pizza to be made, and football to be cheered for. It was an excellent weekend for the three Candidos. Hoping the same for your family!

xoxo
Joy

Another Birthday Boy!

Today my love is another year older. I thought he was turning 23. But no! He's 24!! That means I'm not 25, I'm 26. Dang it. 

Happy Birthday to my handsome sexy hubby, awesome baby daddy, and best friend. I hope and pray that you always know how much we love you and appreciate everything you do for our family but that today you feel it extra! Thank you for being you, I'm so thankful you're all mine.

xoxo

Your Beautiful Sexy Wifey

On Your First Father's Day

 Dear Camillo,

    What a sweet daddy you are. From the day we found out we were going to be parents, you have loved this boy with all your heart. And now, I can see your heart is growing even bigger. You are kind and patient. Silly and fun. You're so excited to be a good daddy, and I'm enjoying every moment watching you grow into your newest role. 

     I'm praying that you and Oliver will always be best buds. That you will be a positive role model in his life, an example of a daddy who loves Jesus and Mommy. I pray for your heart that you will continue to pursue a stronger relationship with Jesus because that's what Ollie needs the most. 

    Thank you for working hard to take care of us. You have such great goals for your future and I know that your motivation comes from wanting to provide opportunities for our family. You're going to be an excellent doctor because you care about people and want to help those in need. I'm glad that Ollie will grow up seeing this in you and I hope he becomes that kind of person, too. 

    You are one of Ollie's favorite people. He loves you so very much! I can see in the way he looks at you as if he's saying 'Dad, dad, hey dad! I love you!' The fact that you are the only one who can make him giggle as hard as he does. The way he waves toward the door long after you've left for class. How he wraps his little arm around your neck and clings to the arm that holds him when you guys are snuggling. It's so good for this Mama's heart to see a daddy and his boy. 

   I love you so very much. I'm proud of you and I'm proud to be your wifey. Thank you for doing life with me. We're in this together, me and you babe.

   xoxo

   JC

Our Valentine's

Since Camillo had a test Friday morning, Thursday night wasn't going to work out for a Valentine's date. No problem to me! We stayed in to order a pizza and watch a movie. But Monday night, we got dressed up (I shaved my legs, people!) and headed out to Fumaça Brasilian Steakhouse. Even our little mister wore his Sunday clothes :)

I was kinda nervous taking Oliver (now accepting babysitter applications) since it was close to nap time but he was a champ. He quietly watched the servers walking around and listened to our conversation. When he was ready to eat, we sat him in a big boy chair (!!) and he ate his sweet potatoes and drank his water. (Let's not tell him that mommy and daddy were eating delicious meats, rice, and beans and drinking coconut soda..)

It was a fun night out on the town with my boys. I realized how much a little time out with the baby and the Daddy can be good for my spirits. I say these boys take Mama on dates more often!! 

xoxo

Joy

Sick Days

We've been a couple of sick kids around the Candido house this week.
First it was Camillo and now it's me.
I'm spending my time with a little extra sleep, reading, and movie watching.
My body is just tired from everything I've been dragging it through.
Lots of water and vitamin C...
xoxo
Joy

First day of Autumn Soup and Sandwich

I love the days that are perfect for hot soup and sandwich and the first day of October called for just that!

Usually I think tomato soup is a little bland so I added a few things to this batch and we thought it was delicious!!

I added some left over mashed potatoes to a can of soup, then topped with corn.

Add a grilled cheese sandwich and viola! - the perfect lunch for a cold afternoon!

After we ate lunch Saturday, we snuggled up with some cozy blankets on the couch and watched a couple (or 7) episodes of Friends.

It was so great and relaxing to just be home doing nothing.

Plus, there's something about Friends on an autumn afternoon that takes me back to our dating days.

We've watched the entire series almost four times now which must mean it's a yearly tradition, right?

What are some of your end of summer traditions?

xoxo

Joy

We Hit The Road

Yahoo! Hubby and I packed up the car and headed towards Mount Hood.
It was the best idea ever (nice one, babe!) because it was far enough away to be exciting but close enough to skip the plane tickets and enjoy a nice long drive.
Oh man, my heart's happy remembering our sing-a-longs, good talks, and funny jokes.
Here's a couple (a lot) of photos from the road.
Man, we kinda suck at taking pictures of ourselves together but I got lotsa pretty scenery/weather photos with Cam's iPhone.

 

Three and a half day trips with your favorite guy are great on the heart and soul.

We got home feeling refreshed, rested, and reconnected.

I loved being out of the city and just slow down in nature.

Have you guys been on any quick trips that helped you refocus and recharge?

I'd love to hear about it!

xoxo

Joy