Man, what a GREAT past few days we’ve had! We’ve been busy, and we’ve had some exhausted kiddos (while simultaneously tiring us out, too!) but it’s been a blast…so let’s catch up!
On Friday night, Jay and I were lucky enough to enjoy a little date night out. The last time we were out just the two of us was when we visited Turning Stone a few months ago (gahh, I want to go back!), so it was feeling long overdue.
After going back and forth (for what seemed like days) trying to decide on where to go, we eventually ended up at Tala Bistro, which we’ve been to before and loved.
We got there in time just for the tail end of their happy hour, so we grabbed a couple of seats at the bar and each enjoyed a drink (or two) before getting our table. My drink of choice was their summer sangria and it was pure perfection.
Once we got to our table, we decided to get an order of their calamari for an app because it’s just SO good.
For my dinner, I chose one of their specials which (I believe) was sole stuffed with scallops, crab, and shrimp and it was also delicious.
And for dessert (because, why not?) we split their mini chocolate chip cookie sliders. Mmmmhmmmm.
Because we’re old, lame, and the weather was sort of crappy, there really wasn’t much more to do after dinner so we ended up getting home before 9pm (and I’m pretty sure asleep by 10pm!). My, how things change.
Saturday morning was pretty relaxed; Lucas slept over at my parents’ house the night before and Alex had a great morning until nap time. It actually worked out well because both Jay and I had to work a little overtime over the weekend, so while Alex took his morning nap, the two of us did our work over a delicious breakfast of bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches…courtesy of chef Jay.
The rest of Saturday didn’t have all that much going on. I did, however, give the new grocery pickup service that our Walmart has just recently started offering a try…and I will say, I’m impressed!
I placed my order via their mobile app the night before and chose when I wanted to pick it up the next day. I didn’t get a full grocery list for our first try…mainly dry foods, yogurts, and a couple frozen things. I did try a few items from produce, as well as some Harvestland chicken and grass-fed ground beef, and I’ll say I was VERY happy with the entire process from start to finish. Plus, not ONLY are there coupon codes for $10 off your first order (feel free to use THIS CODE for $10 off <—it’s a referral code, so we both get $10!), but they also give you this fun little bag of freebies, too!
I think I would absolutely use their service again, and the savings really were awesome!
The rest of Saturday evening was basically spent hanging around outside or playing with neighbors in the street.
Speaking of awesome neighbors, we actually had a super fun get-together with a few of them on Sunday afternoon!
Between the four families that were there, we have six boys all ranging in age from Lucas’s age (almost 4) to Alex (1) and oh my GOODNESS, do they have fun. We totally lucked out in the neighbor department and I know it’s not going to be long before they’re all causing trouble. ; )
While we were there, I ended up enjoying a couple of these dry hard ciders from nearby Indian Ladder Farms and they were SO good. Apparently, I’m in to ciders this year??
The food was also incredible; plenty of appetizers, including this dill pickle cheese ball (I believe it was this recipe and I’m TOTALLY making it).
We had pulled pork, grilled chicken kebabs, grilled veggie kebabs, salads, and more.
And, of course, dessert. We had mini chocolate cream pies, I made my favorite stars and stripes cookie cake, and also brought some watermelon.
Because what’s a summer picnic without watermelon, right?
Right. <3
A sudden rain shower caused the evening to come to a close, but it actually worked out quite well because we had two little boys who were more than ready for bedtime.
Both Jay and I had to work on Monday, so there really isn’t much to speak of for that day. And then on Tuesday, we enjoyed a casual morning at home before packing it up and heading to my parents’ house for a pool day.
Side note, I almost died when Jay brought Alex downstairs from his nap in this outfit. I mean…c’mon. <3
We had beautiful weather and everyone was able to enjoy plenty of time in the pool. Even though we are now 0 for 2 on the naps for Alex there, a little boob snooze did the trick and we were back out shortly after.
(FYI: The last time I posted this pool float I got a ton of questions about it! I bought it on Zulily a few years ago but it’s THIS ONE on Amazon right now and we love it!)
We rounded out our with a delicious dinner + Friendly’s watermelon roll for dessert before heading back home to put the boys to bed…and now here I am typing! Now that this post is done, I’m about to go relax on the couch for a bit and probably head to bed shortly after that because a) I’m wiped, and b) we finished season 5 of OITNB so now we don’t have a show to watch! (P.S. – thoughts on the end of season 5, anyone??)
I hope you ALL had a fabulous 4th and weekend! What were some of YOUR favorite weekend highlights?
Trisha says
So much fun! You are so lucky to have neighbor kids the same ages! Our weekend was slightly less exciting but I’m exhausted just the same. My boys are sleeping in today & I know I should be up taking advantage of it but I just can’t seem to pull myself out of bed!
montessoriishmom says
Alex is SO cute in that little pool float! Also, those ice cream sandwich sliders look amazing….
Shaqueefa says
FUN! And isn’t having curbside grocery pickup super convenient? Didn’t hafta get outta my car at all! I did wait 45 mins though bcos I gave my list to an employee who picked up the carts and he just gave me this weird look. Come to thinka bout it my grocery store might not have curbside pickup – I just parked in a employee of da month parking spot. Shrugs.
And I can’t wait til OITNBLTA is on again! I can’t belief I gotta weight anohter year tho!
Renee says
That Walmart service they are offering near us too and all my mom friends are raving about it. I rarely shop at Walmart but I think I’m going to have to try it and cheat on my beloved Wegmans! My husband and wallet might be happy about that :)
Brynn says
How fun your neighbors all have kids around the same age! The picture of them in the car cracks me up! We had a great holiday, too with friends, food and fireworks.
Madeline @ MedandMomLife says
One of the things I’m looking forward on after moving back to Arizona this fall is grocery pick up. As a working mom that sounds amazing! Looks like y’all have had a ton of fun!
Kayla says
Omg, all of those pictures of your boys are just too cute! And that pool float that Alex is in is just so adorable!! Looks like you guys had such a fun weekend!!! I had a great one over here too with family and friends! Luckily, my husband was off Monday & Tuesday (which never ever happens) so we got to spend some time together, which I totally soaked it all in! :) Xoxo
Laura @ Laura Likes Design says
Those chocolate chip cookie sliders look AMAZING!!
Jessica says
Hi. Love the blog. Alex’s 4th of July outfit is adorable! Are those crocs?
Courtney says
Thanks, Jessica! And yes they are :) They used to be Lucas’s!
Allison says
This sounds like the perfect weekend! And what a beautiful family picture of all of you at the end :) OITNB season 5 was SO GOOD. I was hooked in from the second we started it. I am not even ashamed to say that I sobbed at the end and have that image like, burned into my brain. I’m so intrigued on what is going to happen – can’t wait for season 6!!
Courtney says
Do you mean the image of them lined up in the pool???
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
your weekend & 4th looked so lovely!!! man, i can’t wait for the day when i have a backyard to host a bbq! and i’m soooo into ciders lately too – they’re super refreshing and just the perfect amount of sweet!
Courtney says
I totally agree! Some of them are a little too sweet for me, but the ones I’ve found lately are just perfect! :)
Kaitlyn @ Powered by Sass says
This seems like such an amazing weekend! Plenty of sunshine, good food, and grown-up drinks. :)
A few highlights from my weekend were celebrating my two-year anniversary in Annapolis (a little staycation of sorts!) and hosting some friends for the Fourth. We hung out poolside, drank homemade margaritas, and ending watching fireworks over the Potomac. It was an amazing extra long holiday weekend!
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Courtney says
That sounds fabulous!!
Amanda L says
WHAT are those rolled sandwich thingies pictured next to the kabobs. I need to know more.
Your boys are ADORABLE and not just because they remind me of mine :)
Courtney says
Aww, haha, thank you!! :)
And that’s garbage bread!! (pepperoni and mozz cheese rolled up in pizza dough!
Stacey says
Can you get Sons of Anarchy on Netflix? If so and you haven’t watched it’s a MUST in my opinion! Starts out a bit “rough” but it’s so good. It’s one of those shows you truly can’t guess what’s going to happen next and no one is safe from elimination.
Shashaqueefa says
The cheese ball reminds me of my feta breadcrumb and anchovy ball! The kids axcidetally used it as that slime they like to make tho!