Date Night

I think by far the best new years resolution ever. And one of the only ones that I have ever stuck with....

Every single Monday, J and I have date night and Mimi watches the boys (they have "Mimi Date" night - which they have now come to ask for every night of the week...wonder what exactly goes on, on Mimi date night!!).  Either way, it is a win-win.

When Madi was born, we missed the day she was born (although i guess we had a date night in the hospital room up all night with our new daughter), but since then Madi has joined us on all our date night and I think we have missed maybe 5 the entire year....Seriously....we are that committed and Mimi is that awesome. Trust me...work has tried to come in the way for both of us...but a commitment is a commitment.....and believe me...it is worth it.

If I weren't in the middle of a quick and dirty blog catch up I could write for hours on how amazing this time is for our marriage...our sanity...our family planning and budgeting...and finding our zen amidst life with three under the age of 5.

Date night has rules. We go to the same place every week (that way no stress about where to go, when to meet, nothing...it is decided...we just do it). We do not start later than 6 (happy hour ends at 6!). And every once and a while Date night can be used for a double date with good friends.

Here are some random date night photos...

Nipple confusion....

[This was written beginning of July 2013]

This post is not about Madison and her confusion between Mommy and the bottle. With just one two-day scare in that department, we are doing just fine :) [despite my constant feeling like it is about to all fall apart....too good to be true!!]

No, this post is about Ayden's adorable confusion.

First, he calls nipples, 'pimples', which just cracks me up. 

Second, he tells me..."if daddy fed me from his pimples, water would come out..."

Where to even start with that one.....

4th of July 2013

What a wonderful 4th we had this year. The day started with a ride on the trainer while the boys and J played around the house. Then, Madi and I met Candice for coffee and much needed girl talk. From there, I ran home and grabbed the rest of the family only to meet back up with the Rupprecht family at Kevin's parent's house for brunch and swimming. It was a blissful morning. The food was fabulous (thank you Candice!!) and the company even better!

Madison adorned her 1st, 4th of July outfit care of Aunt Candice. Take a look at that pom-pom on her head!!! I seriously couldn't resist the head gear...it was adorable!

From there it was home for nap time. All of the children took great naps and refreshed themselves to hit the town again for another party that evening at the Soloways. We look forward to this party every year. Marc and Sharon always rent some cool inflatable water slides and the boys play and play for hours. It is very nice for us too because the older girls at the party always take care of the boys - it is fabulous!!

Here is Ayden on the slide. The video of Gavin was accidentally deleted =( 

Madi and Sidney. 

Hard to believe I used to nanny for Sid when she was 3!

After a fun filled evening, the Riley clan headed home for bed. It was one of those perfect days filed with everything a girl could want.....exercise....girl time....family....and friends.

The next day, Madi continued the celebration in her 2nd, July 4th outfit care of Aunt Dasha! (Yes, this girl is spoiled, already!!).

San Diego 6/2013

This past June, Mimi and I took the three kiddos to San Diego with Nea, Shiloh and Brynn. What a fantastic trip with great friends!!