mom weekend!

This weekend my Mom came to visit. We were beyond excited to see her and show her around our new home. She's here until Tuesday so we tried to pack just enough into the weekend. I want to remember all the little things we did -- it was so much fun to experience the city with my momma! 

After picking her up from the airport Josh made his special crepes that she loves. We drove over to Winter Park, walked around, and of course made a stop at La Empanada and Le Macaron. After dinner we checked out the jazz festival that just-so-happened to be going on down the street from our house. Sunday morning started off with Christos, our favorite breakfast spot in College Park. Next came Leu Gardens which was more beautiful than we could have imagined! It was so crazy to see all the tropical plants ... such a relaxing place. After walking a few miles it was cocktail time and Stardust's fresh cocktails never disappoint. Tomorrow night we plan to take a walk around Lake Eola ... too pretty not to see on your first trip here. The best part is we didn't go more than 15 minutes from our house. This was actually the most beautiful weather yet -- we basically lived outside and got to open up all our windows in the apartment.

This weekend really hit home how amazing/different it is to have family visit when you live far away. It is such relaxed, quality, focused time. So much better than a rushed dinner here or there.

We hope you had as much fun as we did, Mom! I (we) love you so much!

fall: part two

Randomly throughout the city there are trees that look fall-ish. The rest are thick, green, huge, and tropical. This weekend we picked out some plants for our front stoop. Josh couldn't believe that I wanted a mum -- I guess he is right. Why have mums when you can grow lemons and limes? It is so much fun to be outside at our house. I never wear shoes ... even though there are lizards and bugs everywhere. We hung out at Stardust for a little and it seems like the best place to get good drinks.

On another note ... this has actually been the worst week ever. I had some major tooth stuff going on (what else is new?!) and was in major pain constantly. Josh was basically an angel ... doing everything for me and generally putting up with the drama. By Thursday I had two root canals and thankfully, this weekend feel mostly normal and can get back to life. 

On a happy note my mom is coming next weekend! We couldn't be more excited. It's going to be such a great weekend ... and Sauce is going to go nuts when he sees her.

fall

Today was the first day it felt like fall in the air. It was magical. We hopped on the bikes, had a picnic in the park, and watched the sun go down. 

one month

This is what life looks like lately ... not pictured: working our buns off at school. Starting in a new classroom is no joke and takes a ton of overtime. Weekdays right now are a blur ... except for a bike ride or walk at the end of the day. It's funny to see how our kids handle the weather -- the heat is no big deal to them. Also, when it starts to rain, people don't seem to notice ... they just stay outside and play/go about their business. 

The weekends are another story! Weekends feel like vacation.

Our uncle works at disney on the weekend and our aunt is a disney expert (seriously) -- we got major hook-ups! It's so great to go with them because she knows just what to do/where to do ... we don't have to think about a thing.

We are trying to tie up some loose ends at the apartment this weekend. I want to post some pics next week. It's hard to make a newer-construction apt. look good :).