IT'S A MIRACLE!!!!!!

Holy Carl!! I'm back... well sort of. Actually, I'm not holding breath, because this is truly an occurring miracle. Somehow or another, we have internet ---- TA DA!!! I know I'm a little too happy, but lets face it people, some things we really take for granted and THIS is one of those things. No I'm not celebrating the fact that I can now web browse the new Royal baby - I did that on my phone - I am simply ecstatic that I can put a fresh post out there on my lonesome little blog... poor thing. 

Well my oh my, have I got alots to talk about. Yes I'm aware that's not a word, I'm excusing all grammar corrections for time reason - I don't know how long I'll have this internet access. HAHA

So let's see if I can bring you up to speed from these past weeks... month... ouch. Awhile back we took Audriana to the track for the first time! She had a blast seeing the horses in the stables. Up close and personal! 

 July 4th was celebrated with both my parents and my husband's. It was a successful, delicious, and entertaining cookout! I loved every minute of it. :)

 And as always, we like to catch a Cincinnati Reds game on a nice weekend. This time around, we signed up Audriana for the Reds Kids Club making her an official fan! ;)

 And then a couple weeks ago we met up with our new friends (the special couple we met on our cruise) at Great Wolf Lodge, in Cincinnati. To say it was fun would not do it justice... it was simply a blast!! 

A full post is totally necessary for this weekend adventure. There's just too much to share, I wouldn't want to shorten it one bit. We love these guys, and our girls got along so well. It was just perfect. :) 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 LASTLY... there was a big announcement for our family!!!!!

We are expecting a new little IU fan in late winter! :))))))

She's ecstatic to be a big sister!!!!!!! 

Wheewww-wweeeeee... I feel like I just sped through a whirlwind tornado. I'd say I'd deserve it if this was a case of procrastination - but it certainly was NOT. Here's hoping this internet is kind to me again so I can keep the updates coming! I even have a famous mac & cheese recipe I've held onto to share!!! Expect a lot of food updates... it's just bound to happen. 

Well folks, it's been real. I'm happy and relieved to have been back for this brief moment! ;) Fingers crossed it won't be another month until these fingers are tappin again... over and out!!!

:: weekend picture book ::

On any adventurous week, or weekend, expect a picture book post to follow!! Sometimes they're just too good to not share.

Post inspired by My Cup of Te & Sami's Weekend Shenanigans

Saturday, my family - which usually includes the following: dad, mama, hubs, baby, aunt & uncle - set out on a road trip to Cincinnati, OH, ready to cheer on the Reds. Being that it's just one of the many games we've attended, we had the necessities in stow! However, this particular weekend, the vehicle - aka, dad's 1990 Astro Van (in need of serious retirement) - was fully loaded with blankets and chairs, in preparation for Thunder Over Louisville later that evening. In case you didn't catch that, we would be traveling from Louisville to Cincinnati, back to Louisville... in one day... with a 3 year old. This was going to be an easily estimated 12 hour day. Needless to say, we weren't exactly sure how our little munchkin would last through it all, but we were pleasantly surprised. She was perfect. *Proud mommy moment... FOR SURE.

Immediately, entering the stadium, we're each handed a "Brandon Phillips" bobble head. Woo hoo! Surrounded by children, we adults easily blended in! We were now owners of five - yes, five - bobble heads. Necessary? No. Did we care? Not the slightest bit. They were free! Little did we know how convenient it would be to have such a vast number; two broken bobble heads in less than four hours. Again, we did have a 3 year old along this journey... it's expected something will break at some point. 

(continuing) We made our way to the Champions Club, and had our brunch/lunch/linner/dinner - yes, all four meals at once. At least that's what it felt like; stuffed wouldn't describe that miserable feeling. We then proceeded to our seats - beautiful high 60 degrees weather - and enjoyed a successful "W" for our dearest Reds!!!! Go Reds, GO!!!

Back in the car/van/oh my gosh, dad we're gonna die vehicle, we headed back to our hometown for the annual fireworks show. Luckily, little bit zonked out for the entire drive back; catching her second wind = pleasant child = pleasant every one!! ;) The rest of the evening needs no preface, or summary of any sort. It was cold cold COLD, our seats were on the Belvedere, and the show was as expected - AMAZING. I will only be sharing a couple photos, because fireworks are nothing new... 

...I did, however, want to share a video of the finale; regardless of the fact the effects on film surely don't suffice the feeling or impact of the sound when you're there!!! They don't call it Thunder for nothing. Enjoy!