Another Visit from Gigi

We were so thankful that my mom's back had improved enough for her to make the trip up North to visit us. Conveniently (well, for me, anyway) the timing of her trip couldn't have been better, as Dave had a work trip scheduled for the week she was planning to be here. He was gone Sunday through late Friday night, so although he and my mom didn't get to spend quite as much time together, I enjoyed having someone here with me in Dave's absence :) Since her visit stretched over two weekends, Dave was at least here for the weekend days, which even allowed for he and I to get out on a couple much-needed date nights!

Our days were fairly low-key, which was a welcomed change around here. The boys loved having someone other than myself to hang out with, and I think it's safe to say that Gigi enjoyed her time with them as well. Dave's mom even watched Will & Graham for a day so my mom and I could get out together for a while kid-free. I must say, I very much enjoyed this ;-)

My mom and I love shopping Anthropologie, but I rarely choose to go there when I have the kiddos with me, because I just don't have the time to devote to putting things together, BUT, not only did I find some fun everyday stuff, but I lucked out and found the perfect dress for my sister-in-law's wedding next month (well, for the rehearsal anyway...I'm in the wedding, so I'm excited that I get to wear a 2 pretty dresses in one weekend) ;-)

Last Friday we decided it would be fun to go to the zoo. I'm embarrassed to admit that was my first time taking them this summer (and, might I add, Graham's first-ever trip). I must say, however, that as far as trips to the zoo are concerned, I prefer this time of year. I love that it's not so hot, and there are much fewer crowds because kids are back in school. The weather could not have been more perfect. I think it was 72 degrees with no humidity...seriously could not have drawn it up any better. We all had a great time.

Thanks to Kristin's wedding, we have another visit from my parents to look forward to next month. And if all goes according to plan, Dave and I might even be able to slip away for a few days after the wedding while my parents hang back here with the boys...I'll drink to that ;-)

I'm in Love...

...with a new kitchen item. If you already have one of these, then shame on you for not letting the rest of us know about them :) If you don't, and you like cooking with olive oil, then you need one!

If you're like me, then you often pour out more olive oil than you need. This little ditty keeps you from using too much on your food, and helps prolong the life of your expensive olive oil, so it's a win-win.

Behold the Oil Mister

Perhaps I should be a spokesperson.

Monkeys' Uncles

My two brothers, Buzz and Scott came to visit us in Omaha this weekend, and we had a great time having them around. My older brother, Buzz had the trip scheduled on his calendar for several weeks, but Scott called last week and said he wanted to come, too, so we were thrilled to have them both here at the same time. I honestly can't remember the last time the three of us were under the same roof at the same time.

We enjoyed just being home and having Will and Graham spend some quality time with their cool uncles :) We spent Labor Day with Dave's family on the lake riding the wave runner and hanging out with Kristin's soon-to-be in laws. We loved taking advantage of the nice weather for yet another weekend, and hope it sticks around a while longer...I'm so not ready to kiss it good-bye!! Don't get me wrong, I love the Fall, but very much dislike the looooong winters! Buzz took off on Tuesday morning, then Scott and I walked the boys up the road from our house, and enjoyed eating lunch outside.

Tuesday, the 7th also happened to be Dave and my anniversary...hard to believe 8 years have come and gone so quickly. It was about a year ago that our favorite band, Over the Rhine was here, so several weeks ago I scouted out their tour dates and realized they were going to be in Omaha on our anniversary! Dave and I dined at our favorite little local restaurant, then Scott met up with us for the concert...he also happens to be a fan of OTR, so he was pretty excited that they were in town while he was here. They put on a great show, and their talent and versatility never ceases to amaze me.

here i am stalking their trailer

Scott jet set back up North to Michigan yesterday morning, and now we're looking forward to our next visitor on Saturday...my mom :)