Play Area Inspiration

One of the main areas I am focusing on in my organizational binge is the downstairs play area. Last year we made some changes down there. The main one being adding  an IKEA Expedit shelving system. And while that definitely helped in getting all of the toys corralled and put away, it still needs some work to make it functional and welcoming.

I put together my own little inspiration board for the space. Included are these ideas: (Please click the link to get the ideas from their original sources.)

I am loving these Mammut stolls turned mushrooms.

These play pillows are graphic and just plain fun!

The simple addition of paper pennants to a table add such a great splash of color.

And adding to the pennant idea, these gorgeous photo pennants.

Footlose and Kid-free

What would you do with a few days away from your normal routine? If you would have asked me that five years ago, I can guarantee it would be a different answer from today. Back then I would have probably started my day by reading in bed. Then gone for a run. Followed by some shopping. And probably finished off with some baking in the kitchen. Ask me that today? I would tell you, I am going to clean and organize my house uninterrupted! And that is exactly what I plan on doing over the next few days. The girls are off at grandma and grandpa's house. And while the kids are away, this momma is going to play! (That is get her house clean and in order!) I have been scouring Pinterest for organization ideas along with some fun decorating ideas if I get the time. Wish me luck and productivity!

A Visit with Nana

Since we were already in Wisconsin, I decided that the girls and I would take a little trip to see my mom's mom, Nana. We got to see the new apartment that she lives in and have lunch with her. Since she is a retired kindergarten teacher, she had a little reading session with the girls as well. It was great to be able to spend some time with my grandma and allow the girls to get to know their great grandma a bit more.

Family Vacation 2013

Last week Monday we loaded up the girls and the back of the van and headed off on the first leg of our family vacation 2013. We started off by spending the night at Mr. Cherry's parents' house. (While we could have made the entire trip in one day, it was much easier to break it up into two pieces.) We hung out there until the next afternoon and then headed off for our final destination, Oshkosh, WI.
Mr. Cherry's oldest brother and his family moved to Oshkosh 5 years ago and we still hadn't ever been there to visit them. If you don't know, Oshkosh is home to the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). And every summer EAA hosts the biggest gathering in the country of all things planes called AirVenture. Mr. Cherry is an aircraft buff and has always wanted to attend. We decided this would be our year.
While Mr. Cherry was off AirVenturing, the girls and I got to hang out with the rest of the family. (Minus Uncle N who works for a company at the airport and was there working hard all week long.) Here is a glimpse of our week in pictures:

Lots of cousin snuggling and bonding time.

A morning at the zoo!

Lots of playground time. Including this great huge wooden playground called Little Oshkosh.

A stop at the Rippin' Good Cookie Outlet. Complete with samples and purchases to bring home!

The girls and I did attend one afternoon airshow. While Peachy liked the planes, Cream LOVED them.

A ride on the park and rec train.

Watching cousin H at baseball practice.

We were able to attend the world premiere of the Disney Movie Planes. They estimate that there were 15,000 people there! No wonder it was hard to see the screen.

After all of that fun we headed off for Mr. Cherry's parents' again. There we were able to see two more aunts and two more cousins! We all had a wonderful trip!! Thank you so much N, J, E, H, and L!!! We loved it!

Rest and Recuperation

We just got back last night from a fun-filled week of vacation time with family. I will do a much more detailed post on our trip, but wanted to let you all know that we are all alive and well. Just recuperating from our rest and relaxation.