FBP: Resolved (February)

This year I resolved to creating monthly goals rather than yearly resolutions in hopes that I will stick to them and create better habits.  This month's goal was to go on a date with my husband- just my husband! This is a big thing for the two of us because we were always used to taking the boys with us when we went out.  The first time that Tyler and I went out without Everett was when I was pregnant with Nolan and we actually went to a Fredericksburg Family Birth Circle meeting! Now, we are able to get away every once in a while with just Nolan in tow but since Nolan was born we haven't taken the time to go out without our children. 

We received a gift card to Old Towne Steak and Seafood for Christmas and this past weekend we were happy to put it to good use! I called about a month ahead and made our reservation, then all we had to do was wait for the day to roll around. Well, the days have this funny habit of coming faster and faster and before we knew it, our date night was here! The boys were very excited about us going out because Rae Rae and Pig Paw (my parents) were coming over to babysit. 

When we got to the restaurant we were seated right away which made me happy that I called ahead and made the reservation! Tyler and I were seated and continued our conversation that we had started in the car.  Throughout the evening we were able to freely talk without having to break to pick up someone, change a diaper, play cars, etc.  We have been together since 2004 and even after almost ten years we can still talk all through the night! I am so thankful that we took the time to go out on a date, even though we LOVE our kids it is really nice to take the time to reconnect with each other.  When we got home the kids were quite excited to see us and we were excited to see them as well! Everett told us all about what he did while we were gone and Nolan was especially happy to see me so he could nurse. 

Have you ever taken time to go out with your spouse?  Do you think that it is something that should be a priority for couples? This is something that Tyler and I would like to start doing on a monthly basis, even if it is just to grab some ice cream at Carl's.  

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This post originally appeared on Not So Average Momma on Fredericksburg Parent.net! 

Instacram: August 2013

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Top Row:  1.) Snug as a bug 2.) Nolan blowing bubbles,  3.) Daddy and Everett fishing,  4-5.) Nolan and I got all snazzy for Brittany and Kenny's wedding

Bottom Row:  1.) Brittany and Kenny's wedding,  2.) Everett cheesing it at the doctors office, 3.) Big boy in the stroller,  4.)Nolan cheesing it at the doctors office,  5.) Sweet shades 

Top Row:  1.) Throwback Thursday: The dad crew 2.) Pig Paw and Everett,  3.) Playing quietly at the train table,  4.)  View from the barn  5.) Is anyone home?  

Bottom Row:  1.) Climbing up the ladder,  2.) Video: Hello animals!, 3.) Video: Ahhhh echo!,  4-5.) Lazy afternoon 

Top Row:  1.) Uncle Scott playing with Everett at the pool  2.) Fresh picked blackberries,  3.) Making laundry soap,  4.)  Snickerdoodle anyone?  5.) Rest in Peace "Mo-Mo" 

Middle Row:  1.) "If I could only reach this...",  2.) Old town Fredericksburg,  3.) More baby wearing,  4.) Video: angry morning  5.)  Love that bed head

Bottom Row:  1.) Video: Happy morning,  2.) Backyard butterfly, 3- 4.) Love this face,  5.) Peek a boo Everett

Top Row:  1.) Everett playing around at a farm  2.) Sleepy Nolan,  3.) He is becoming more and more obsessed with trains,  4.)  A photo grid of Tyler, me, Everett, and Nolan  5.) An unwelcome visitor in our yard

Middle Row:  1.) The many faces of Nolan,  2.) Baby wearing,  3.) Say cheese,  4.) Backyard bliss 5.)  Sweet boy

Bottom Row:  1.) Brothers,  2.) "Time in" for Everett, 3.) Sleeping brothers,  4.) My happy boys,  5.)  Everett playing on his swing set!  

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For more Instacram posts click here! 

Thanks to Jess for the original inspiration for this post! 

Checking out the Farm

This summer I am trying to get out in the community and check out all of the fun things that Fredericksburg has to offer.  As part of this "quest" I have started a play group and we each take turns picking the location.  One of our most favorite places that we have found is Braehead Farms off of Tyler Street.  The farm just opened to the public this year and they have some really fun things for the kids to do there.  

The "barn lot" as they call it has tire swings, sand piles with trucks, slides, pedal tractors, and lots of fun animals to see and even some to pet.  We had a group of eight adults and nine kiddos at the farm and the kids loved running around and playing with each other.  

There is an admission to the barn lot ($5 for 3 years and up) but I think it is well worth it. We could have stayed and played out there all day.  They have picnic tables as well so next time we will definitely pack a lunch and make a day out of it! Check out the pictures I took while we were there!

The kids loved the sand pit, not sure how much the mommy's liked it! 

A cute little chicken

Running through the fields!

Everett and Kristian, little best buddies!

Running to see the pigs!

Checking out the pig shaped bench!

One of the pigs! 

Checking out the chickens....

Kristian was the "chicken whisperer," they loved him! 

"Look at the goat Everett!"

Micah, Kristian, and Everett checking out the goat

Just a boy on the farm! 

To read more about the farm opening click here! Be sure to like the farm on Facebook here! 

Get Out There

I love getting out and exploring my local community and I love that Fredericksburg has such a great programs to offer.  This past week we went to Picnic in the Park at Hurkamp Park in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  I went with my friend Christopher (you can see him in this post), Lilly, Everett, and two of Christopher's friends.  We packed a lunch and a blanket and had a great time hanging out under a tree at the park.  The music was great and it was so cute to see all the kiddos dancing around. 

View of people taking in the music, dancing, and hanging out

Just relaxing

Checking out the water fountain

Lilly meeting Sergeant Pepper at Horseshoes and Hand Grenades a Vintage Shop downtown

Fredericksburg Parent Magazine had a photographer there taking pictures

Christopher and Everett

Fun times

Mmmm lunch

Lilly and I

Some of the vendors that were at the park

See the T+L on the tree above my hand?
This is the tree that Tyler proposed to me under at Hurkamp Park!

What have you been up to lately? Is there anything that you do around your town?