The Best Day Ever!

This past Friday evening, whilst the kids were playing out front, I decided to break in my new lens. I've still got some things to learn (read: a lot to learn), but even for a beginner like myself, it worked well. Obviously, it also helps when you have really cute subjects to photograph. ;)

The weather was perfect during the later hours of the day, so we took advantage of it with scooter/bike rides, a little catch + searching for bugs. The kids even got a treat (their very first one) from the ice cream truck that came through our 'hood. Nico chose a Sonic popsicle and Lola, Hello Kitty.

Nothing too out of the norm for us, but Nico deemed it "the best day ever!". And he's right. Because the days when you get to hang out with your family, just enjoying each others company? Those truly are the best days...ever.

A Small Favor...

It's that time again! Top Baby Blogs has reset their numbers and we need your help to get back to the top! Thanks to you ladies and gents (but mostly ladies, right?), Brock Paper Scissors was in the top 15 for pretty much the entire last quarter, which we think is pretty neat-o! We'd love to do the same (or better!) this go 'round, but can't get there without your help. So, if you enjoy coming to our little corner of the internet and reading this blog, would you mind taking a quick second to vote for us? Just click on the link below, then again on the owl to the left.

That's it. Easy, right? Remember, you can vote once every 24 hours (there's even a TBB button over there to the right that you can use as well).

In other news, Google Reader will be shutting down in the near futch, so if you still want to keep up with what we're doing, be sure to add us over on Bloglovin' or Feedly!

Thanks guys! We lurve ya!

Mother's Day 2013

Organic seeds we planted (basil, cilantro, oregano and parsley)

Even though the kids and I were feeling under the weather, Mother's Day was still pretty great because I got to spend it with the 3 most important people in my life: my family. This family that Dan and I created. When I think about it, it makes me feel all the feelings. Because man, how did we get so lucky?! A question I find myself asking a lot these days. Seriously, though. We really lucked out with these two.

Anyway, so yeah, MD. Nico made me the sweetest beaded bracelet, flower out of tissue paper and card at school + Dan really hooked it up this year (with this + this + a haircut and massage). We went to the supermarket down the street to pick up muffins for breakfast, and then later had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory. Afterwards, we came home and spent the rest of the day outside planting things (cute, right?) and enjoying the weather. Nothing too fancy, just hangs with my crew. And I can't think of a better way to spend the day!

I hope all you mothers out there had a day that was equally as fabulous!

Insta-life {April 2013}

It's Oh So Quiet...

Happy Friday, guys! It's been pretty quiet around here as of late because there's been a LOT of sickness going around - first, the kids and now me. Did I mention that I'm a HUGE baby when I'm sick? Yeah, that. Thankfully, I was able to get in to see a doctor later this morning, so hopefully they'll be able to fix me and stuff.

Fingers crossed that we all start feeling better soon because Dan's promised to take us to Downtown Frederick on Mother's Day to celebrate me being a mom and stuff. There are a lot of antique shops and whatnot, which should be fun. Plus also, MACARONS. There's a bakery in Bethesda that makes 'em, and since we've never had them before (I know), we'll definitely be making a pit stop there. Because obviously.

On a completely unrelated note, I wanted to share this little Disney short film with you guys. Y'all have seen Wreck-It Ralph, right? It's only my kids' favorite movie, like EVER. For serious, they're OBSESSED. Well, we've been watching it a LOT these past few days, and there's this really cute short called Paperman that's included on the DVD. This Oscar-winning film will definitely pulls at your heartstrings. Enjoy!

Currently...

The prettiest magnolia tree (all the things are finally blooming out here!)

Thinking about: how Nico will be starting Kindergarten this Fall. I picked up his registration packet this past week, which just made it that much more real. Right now, he's in Pre-K, but it's only 3 days a week for part of the day, so it'll be a big jump to 5 days/wk & all day long. I know it'll be good for him, but at the same time, I just can't imagine my days without him by my side. Cue tears.

Feeling: Very emotional about the fact that my baby (Lola) is no longer a baby. Up until now, when I've told her she is a big girl, her response has been "No, I a baby!". But now? When I call her my baby, she corrects me with, "No, I a big grill, Mommy!". I'm sorry, but NO. I'm just not ready for all of this.

Watching: We started Game of Thrones a few weeks back and OMG! I'm not a big fan of fantasy movies/television, but guys? This show! Lurve it. Also, Bates Motel. Another show I wouldn't typically go for, but I'm liking it. Oh, and Awkward. What can I say? It's GUD.

Reading: I'm about 1/3 of the way through Gone Girl, a book that's been on my to-read list for a while now. I don't have a lot of down time, but any chance I get, you'll find me immersed in this book. It's really well written and I'm just loving it.

Looking forward to: Our upcoming trip to FL next month. Dan's older brother, Casey, is graduating from medical school (in the Air Force), so we're gonna drive down there to cheer him on. Most of his family is making the trip, so it'll be like a reunion of sorts. Plus also, it's near the beach, which shouldn't be any fun at all. ;) (If you have any recommendations for things to do along the way, please, do tell!)

Making me happy: My littles and just what happy, easy-going kids they are. They've been sick for the past week (first pink eye and now some sort of virus), yet remain completely unfazed by all of this. If Lola didn't have a fever and Nico a cough, I wouldn't even know they were sick. Not sure where they got this from (as both their daddy and I are complete babies when we're sick), but I'll take it!

What about you guys? What are you currently up to?

*Original inspiration for these posts provided by Danielle over at Sometimes Sweet.

What's Cookin'? - Granny's Guacamole

Way back when, I shared my grandma's guacamole recipe on the blog. But then the other day, since I couldn't find the recipe card (I didn't realize it was on here - duh!), I decided to wing it. And although it was slightly different, it was still pretty much the same + all kinds of NOM-y (also, a little more "clean", which I'm aiming for these days). So, I thought I'd share it here with y'all. I mean, 'cause everyone likes a good guac recipe, amirite?

Here's what you'll need (to do):

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• juice from 1/2 a lime
• 1 packet guacamole mix (I used this kind)
• sea salt & cracked pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mash the avocados.
2. Next, mix the tomatoes, onion, garlic and lime juice in.
3. Stir in the guacamole mix.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

That's it. Enjoy!