Road Trip With Jay

Last week, Jay had to go to Quebec City for work and Arabella and I decided to tag along. We left on Thursday after I went to the gym (I had to get my Spartan training in) and when she was out of preschool for the day. It was a quick overnight trip, but it was still nice to get away for a bit as a family. Arabella did great in the 3 hour car ride and was so excited to check into the hotel. She couldn't wait to check out the room!
It was fun to be up so high in the hotel and in a room that had huge windows - we had great views of the City. Arabella loved sitting on the window seat and seeing what she could "spy".
This was the first time we, as a family, had stayed at a Loews Hotel. It was great and they really cater to families and those with pets. I have stayed in some pretty fancy hotels in NYC and elsewhere and I am not sure that I have ever seen either one of these room service menus:
Once we were settled in, we decided to explore a little before dinner. It was sunny but a little chilly out, but we were still able to enjoy the area.






Arabella thought this was a princess castle...too sweet.
How funny that they had to post a sign telling people they couldn't camp in the parking lots!

We had dinner at a fun Spanish restaurant...I know we probably should have found a great French restaurant, but we liked the menu and they were fancy but child friendly...bonus!

I was able to grab a few night shots that came out great...I have to say it again, I love my camera!!


We were up bright and early the next morning since Arabella had to check out what was going on outside the huge windows...sunlight flooded the room in an instant! Sure enough there were things to see including a cargo ship going down the St. Lawrence.
Jay had to work so it was just an Arabella and Mommy morning. We had breakfast in the restaurant at the hotel that revolved - Arabella loved the buffet and being able to see all of the City. It was a lot of fun.
After breakfast we decided to explore the City and we had a ball. We walked around, had a coffee and chocolate muffin from Starbucks by the River, and found many, many parks and fun places before Jay came to get us.





We enjoyed a bite to eat in the sunshine before getting in the car to head home!
Dipping her fries in mayo...just like me!
Loved this salad - pears, almonds and feta cheese!
Thanks Dad for letting us tag along!

Seed Update

It seems a little soon for an update on our seeds, but check out what they have done in the past 2 days:


I think we are going to have to think about transplanting them into larger pots...

Thursday's Thoughts

Hearing: The wonderful sound of chirping birds in the backyard.

Tasting: Crust-less quiche with leeks, spinach and asiago cheese...YUM!

Seeing: Beautiful yellow pansies by my door:

Smelling: The many fresh smells of the warm spring air.

Feeling: Tired and sore from the gym workout this morning which consisted of Turkish get-ups, jumping rope and squats!

Green Thumb

On the way back from Quebec City last week, we made a pit stop at a very big and very nice garden center. It was such a beautiful day and seeing all the flowers and plants made it hat much nicer. Arabella was so excited to see all of the colors and kept smelling every single flower she could, it was adorable!


We looked at herb plants and also at all of the different seeds that they carried. I was amazed at how many there were. Arabella wanted to pick out some seeds to plant with the pumpkin seeds that Grammie had sent to her. So we let her pick some out and we also purchased a seed starting greenhouse. I was planning on waiting a little while before we planted the seeds, but as soon as we walked in the door, she had to plant them!




We checked on the seeds on Tuesday and were amazed at what we saw...


Arabella is checking the progress on a daily basis...and they are growing and growing, much fast than I thought they would. Stay posted for more seed updates!

Wordless Wednesday

Mail From Grammie

Arabella loves to get the mail each day when she gets home from school. And she really LOVES when she gets something in the mail. So much so, that is there is nothing for her, she gets disappointed. Last week, Grammie sent her a few old magazines with butterflies, birds and beautiful flowers - all of Arabella's favorites. For whatever reason, she had to sit on the table when she opened the envelopes and then read the magazines right there. I loved watching her and seeing her excitement when she saw something that she knew the name of or really thought was beautiful.


While enjoying the magazines, she had to have 2 of her favorites with her...Teddy and green olives stuffed with blue cheese! Thanks Grammie - You made her afternoon!

Another Sign of Spring

I was so excited to see this on the trees the other day: