I Feel The Need, The Need For Speed!

It was my parents' wedding anniversary (February 17) and after considering Nathan's school schedule, I determined Monday was the best day to take an adventure. I went downstairs and woke Jess up. "Do you want to go France for lunch?!"

To our credit, neither Jess nor I had an idea what was in store. We just went! I had done little more than google Strasbourg, France. We chose "Strasbourg city center" from our navi menu and off we went. 

Road trip!

And on this little day out in France, it seems Jess took part in yet another first...Quelle surprise!  My first speeding ticket. Oopsie! To really complete my need-for-speed experience, the letter accompanying the ticket was in German. The ticket itself is in French. Parfait! 

Ready for adventure (and a restroom)

Crossing a bridge to...somewhere

Using the Apple store wifi to let Kyle and Mom know we are safe in France

Cheers to our adorable spot for lunch!
We were wary of the dark beer, but it was delicious!

Evy's first time in France!

After lunch stroll 

A picturesque European alley

A little diaper change before we head home

Now I can say, "Remember that one time we drove to France for lunch on Mom and Dad's anniversary? And I got a speeding ticket?" Cheers to our adventure!  

:) sbc

Batting-a-Thousand

On Valentine's Day, Kyle brought me a gift from the airport...my sister!

Really no words for this... 

Trying to introduce Evelyn, but Natey was all, "Jessa! Jessa!"

Hugs from Jessa

After we walked Nathan to school, we headed to Starbucks to boost Jess up with some caffeine.

Jess finally meets her Evy. It was love at first sight.

Jess adjusted to the time change like a champ (poor thing had to deal with daylight savings time plus a time change on the return trip home) and before we scooped her up into our swing of things, she checked in with her little Valentines to make sure they received their treats:

Thanks, girls, for sharing your Momma with me!

We had such a good time, but it wasn't all fun. Poor Jess was tasked (1 and 3 were mine. 2 was from Gram) with three firsts:

1. Get Evy to accept a bottle.*

    *Heather, on her visit, was instantly successful giving Evy a bottle, which lulled me into a false sense of security. Without regular bottle exposure, she became a real "boob girl."

2. Potty train Nathan.

3. Introduce cereal (and a spoon) to Evy.

Bottle, check. Poop in the potty, check. Cereal, check.  A (week) long story short: She was three for three and got on that plane "batting-a-thousand."

Yes, dear reader, Kyle and I got to go on a real date where I didn't utter the words, "On your bottom!" even once. It was everything I thought it could be.

Pre date photo

The "I got this" picture Jess sent while Kyle and I were on our date.
Evy's legs leisurely crossed while enjoying a BOTTLE!

It wasn't all work, I swear. Here's some evidence of our fun. 

Konigstein Farmer's Market

Jess arrived bearing THIN MINTS. We expertly paired them with Pinot Noir. ;-)

Selfie during brunch at Sunflower, one of the many places I have been wanting to try

Walking to the castle. Only open on weekends...Wah waaah

I challenge you to a foot race!

Fun Lunch at Ratsstuben in Konigstein. 
We discovered this place when my mom requested a traditional German meal. 
The people are lovely and I have taken all my visitors here. 

Evy styled by Jess

Ready to go out

Appetizers before lunch at the Zoo :)

I like your new purse, Jess!

Jess, Evy, me and Nathan

Lunch at the Opel Zoo!

This kid still hearts the Zebras 

Last dinner out with Jess

Getting all her kisses in 

Awwww  

Our fav fountain/castle backdrop

You had to be there...makes Allen girls giggle because sounds like, like I said, you had to be there.

Thanks to Jess for making the trip and sponsoring so many firsts for my kids. And thanks to Hadi, Matt, Gram, Beepa and Lonnie for taking care of the girls so Jess could meet Evy.

:) sbc

Half Dozen

Evy turned six months yesterday. Where-oh-where have the last half dozen months gone?! 

She continues to be a very happy girl and is a big fan of her big brother. Two peas in a pod, these two!

:) sbc