A Mom's Getaway

Sometimes mom just needs a break and a little getaway...right? In the midst of a hectic schedule full of school, homework, sports, and a traveling husband, a getaway helps to restore the balance of the craziness, at least that is the hope.  So, somehow I was amazingly able to coordinate with three other moms (our husbands are all friends from college) and meet up in New York City for a quick two night trip. I'm still in shock that something major didn't come up that prevented any of us from making the journey. 

So, what exciting things did we manage to do in 2 short nights?  

Of course we enjoyed the view of Times Square from our room at the Marriott Marquis.

Some fabulous burgers and drinks at Five Napkin Burger.  It's located in the Hell's Kitchen area of New York City and highly recommended.  If you are in the area and craving some delicious fare, this will not disappoint.

A pre theater meal at Bond 45.  Honestly, you can not go wrong with this amazing Italian restaurant located just off of 45th and 7th Ave near Times Square.  I think we are all still dreaming about the mouth watering open faced lasagna and homemade tiramisu.  

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder was a delightful Broadway show that provided some laughs and comedy along the way.  One little warning: the theater is very small and seating a little crowded but still worth it to see this amazing show.  

Of course a few toasts to enjoying a wonderful two nights away from our fabulous kids and our husbands that were able to manage and hold down the fort while we were away.  It definitely was a much  needed few days/nights of relaxation.  Of course, the wonderful foggy weather at JFK airport extended my weekend one additional night...but I'm already asking....when can we go again?  

~Ila~

Apple Picking at Stribling Orchard

Our boys have been begging us to go apple picking for a few weeks now so Sunday after church we ventured out west of the DC area to Stribling Orchards.  It is about a 40 minute ride for us from our home and as an added bonus, only 15 minutes from my parents house. Of course, they were also begging to stop by Grammy & Grandpa's following the adventure as well.  Last year, I was able to squeeze in a field trip with our middle son to Stribling so I was aware of how wonderful this orchard is for picking apples. 

 

 

They were picking four varieties of apples: Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Macintosh, & Grimes Golden.  What I love about this orchard is the the numbered map with locations of trees, the color coded tree trunks and the ability to drive right up into the orchard area to pick.

 

 

They also provide the long handled apple pickers which come in handy for all those ripe apples way up on the top of the trees.

 

All three boys got into the action and enjoyed sampling the apples along the way: my favorite is definitely the Macintosh but the boys loved the Golden Delicious!

 

Stribling has a great area for picnics so you can easily bring your own and enjoy the afternoon.  They also have a wonderful bakery full of apple bread, turnovers, pies and donuts!  They also sell local honey, butter, wine and peanuts! During the weekends, they have a snack shack open selling hot dogs/hamburgers and a variety of other food and drink. Caramel apples were $4.00 and apple cider was $1.50.  The views of the Shenandoah Mountains are beautiful and you can see the leaves just beginning to turn a little.

 

We ended up picking a 1/2 bushel and a peck full of apples (cheaper than weighing by the pound). Now to figure out what to do with all these yummy apples?

 

~Ila~



I'm Finally Blogging Again!

 

 

It's been almost 18 months since I last attempted to start and keep up with the world of blogging.  There are numerous reasons for this passage of time, mainly moving twice in 5 months, welcoming a 3rd baby boy and attempting to adjust to our 2nd house in a year, new schools, new surroundings and being a mom of three.  However, as the year passed and summer approached, I decided I needed a mommy outlet, a place where I could share some creative ideas, recipes, adventures and all the craziness that goes along with raising boys.  Needless to say, I promised myself I would start back up the blog once our newest addition turned one and the school bells started ringing.  So, here it is.....my attempt at blogging and sharing some wonderful adventures along the way.  Hope you enjoy!