Tables

This past week we hosted our last Table gathering before the summer sabbath. Tables is what our church calls Small Groups. We've hosted several semesters and this past season was, I think, our third time. We had a really large crew this year in our tiny space which was interesting at times but overall we enjoyed the season.

I always get a little stressed before the gathering because hosting is hard for me a lot of the times and I'm typically cranky right after work. But once everyone arrives and we were all seated and enjoying a meal and conversation, I always felt better. It's a positive stretching experience for me. And we are grateful for this loving community.

Weekending it

Guys, it's officially summer!!!! And summer gives me LIFEEEEEEE. I'm so happy.

Plus, the weather this weekend was pure summer perfection and it was a great way to kick things off.

The Friday before Memorial Day is my first summer Friday at work so we start getting to leave the office at 2 pm on Fridays. It's my favorite benefit of the job. When I got home Mandy and I took Kip for ice cream and a park date.

After dinner Mandy and I headed to her place in New Jersey for a sister sleepover. This was her gift to me for Mother's Day and I love it. We watched movies and slept in a bit before getting pedicures and some mall shopping. Dan and Kip came over to NJ Saturday afternoon and we took Kip to the park. He got really into twisty slides this weekend. The kid is totally fearless which doesn't blend well with a fearful mother.

Sunday we headed to church and chores and then Mandy came over that afternoon to spend the rest of the weekend with us. We took Kip for a walk by the pier.

And Mandy made hot dogs for dinner, so you know what they say...it's not summer until you have a Ballpark. So we did!

And Dan and I got to go on a nice long evening walk and dessert date once the short rain storm passed.

For Memorial Day we all took the subway to Central Park. It was Kip's first time and Mandy hadn't been in many years. The weather was bliss.

We stopped at the Central Park Zoo first.

And left with yet more cars. SPOILED.

We strolled around a bit of the park after lunch. We sacrificed Kip's nap for the day which made some meltdown moments quite hairy...like when he got mad that we wouldn't let him walk off the edge into the boat pond, because, you know...how unfair.

We saw a puppet performer, got some special attention from the bubble man, got some cold treats, and tried to climb the giant rocks like a 10 year old.

Eventually he fell asleep in the stroller and we were able to enjoy the park and shade and tunes from the accordion man.

It was a great weekend and I'm really looking forward to the summer ahead!

Weekending it

The summer weather is here and we had a fabulous weekend with Grandma and Grandpa visiting!!!

We enjoyed a ton of play time!

A trip to the Transit Museum on Saturday!

And we watched the Norwegian Day Parade in the neighborhood on Sunday!

Finally some fun park time.