I think that blog post title sums up our weekend pretty well, but just in case you were hoping for a wee bit o’ detail, I’ll try my best to oblige! Let’s back things up and start from Friday night…
Date Night at Kindred
On Friday night, I made reservations for an impromptu early evening date night for me and Ryan at Kindred, our favorite restaurant located in the nearby college town of Davidson.
Top: Abound via Nordstrom Rack // Midi Skirt: Express (I bought it last year but this Express skirt is very similar) // Shoes: Charles David via RueLaLa // Purse: Marc Jacobs via thredUP (I am so in love with this purse!)
With no international data plan and limited access to wifi during my travels to Canada last week, I felt rather disconnected from Ryan and a quality date night without interruptions (and wine!) was just what we needed.
Thankfully my mom was still in town (she left early yesterday) and offered to watch Chase which allowed us to relax and dine distraction-free. We had so much fun and began our meal with drinks and Kindred’s milk bread, also known as the best bread in the entire universe. (<— Not an exaggeration.)
Ryan and I tend to want to try a billion different dishes on Kindred’s ever-changing menu, so we decided to order a bunch of small plates to share. This worked perfectly and we chatted away as ate our way through plates of clams, buttery summer squash, skirt steak, scallops and poke.
Everything was fantastic but the standout dishes for me were the scallops and poke. Always the seafood. Always.
We were full but not stuffed by the time our check was delivered to our table and after ordering a milk bread cinnamon roll to go for a late-night treat, we popped into Whit’s, our favorite frozen custard shop for his and hers custards.
My custard combination included graham crackers and caramel and it totally hit the spot on a hot summer night. Sweet tooth = Satisfied!
By the time we arrived home, Chase was ready for bed, so we said hi to my mom and our favorite little guy before I put him down for the night.
Saturday
Saturday morning began with a much-needed workout! I missed the gym a lot last week and it felt good to sweat it out and get my heart pumping again. Once I made it back home, I spent the morning eating baked steel cut oatmeal for breakfast, unpacking from our trip to Canada and hanging out around the house with my mom, Chase, Ryan and Sadie.
The weather was gorgeous on Saturday but still quite hot, so a day on the boat sounded more than appealing. My mom encouraged us to take advantage of her last day in North Carolina and spend a few baby-free hours on the boat with Sadie while she soaked up some last-minute quality one-on-one time with her grandson.
Bikini Top: Gap via thredUP // Bikini Bottoms: Victoria’s Secret (Only $16.50!) // Sandals: Havaianas (I’ve had these sandals since college and they’re my favorite beach/boating flip flops!)
Since our boat time is typically limited to 90 minutes or less when we have Chase on board, we were happy to take my mom up on her offer and spent the next three hours on the water.
(Pic from my Snapchat –> juliepbfingers)
I had the best time swimming in the lake, splashing around with Ryan and Sadie and reading magazines on the boat. Lake days = Summertime at its finest!
(Pic from my Instagram)
By the time we made it back, Chase was just waking up from a nap, so our timing was perfect for baby playtime!
Lots of book reading and toy train noises ensued before our stomachs eventually told us to take a break because dinner time was approaching. We headed out to pick up some food for an evening cookout and grabbed a hodgepodge of kebabs and burgers from The Fresh Market to throw on the grill.
We clearly weren’t thinking clearly because we completely forgot side dishes, so reheated leftover macaroni and cheese filled that void, along with a couple of pints of ice cream because ice cream on the weekend is a necessity in our house.
I selected Jeni’s brown butter almond brittle ice cream and it was out of this world! A cold and creamy slam dunk of a flavor! Ryan was awfully jealous because his pint of McConnell’s sea salt cream and cookies ice cream was freezer burnt. Womp, womp. Even though it took some convincing, I shared because I am a nice wife.
My mom wasn’t in the mood for ice cream but since we ate early, by the time 8 p.m. rolled around, I was feeling snacky and coerced her into eating some homemade Chex Mix with me.
That stuff is WAY too addicting. We ate our way through almost half a batch of Chex Mix while watching the Olympics. Maybe I’d have a chance at competing in the Olympics if Chex Mix Eating became a sport?
Sunday
Ryan and I said our goodbyes (and about a billion “thank yous”) to my mom before bed on Saturday night because she had plans to wake up early on Sunday to get a jump start on her drive back home to Florida. It was sad not to have her joining us for breakfast on Sunday morning but I’m so thankful for the time we had together.
Moms and grandmas are some seriously special people and I’m so grateful for the two weeks I had with my mom over Chase’s birthday and my blog trip to Winnipeg. She’s the best and watching Chase light up around his grandma and fall asleep in her arms on the plane (something I previously would’ve thought would be an impossible feat for our active little guy) is something I will cherish forever.
I began my Sunday morning with waffles, eggs, some work on the computer and meal planning while Ryan hopped on his rowing machine in our mini home gym. Eventually Chase woke up and play time began!
Ryan and I piled our little family into his car and headed out to a local greenway for a hot and sweaty walk.
The greenway used to be our favorite walking trail when we lived in temp housing when we first moved to North Carolina, so it was fun to return to one of our favorite walking spots! We walked for right around an hour, stopping for a few water and snack breaks for Chase, and made it home right as Chase began to get fussy. He clearly needed a nap (I’m still trying to figure out whether he’s ready to drop down to one nap a day – some days I think YES, DEFINITELY and other days it’s like no, no, no…) and while Chase slept, I began working on this blog post.
His nap lasted right around two hours and once he was up, we were off again, this time heading to Birkdale Village for acai smoothie bowls from Clean Juice and some splash pad fun.
As you may remember, previously the splash pad wasn’t exactly a hit with Chase and though he was still skeptical and definitely wanted to be held the whole time, he was noticeably braver around the shooting water during our second visit. Baby steps!
On our way home from the splash pad, we popped into the grocery store for food for the week before driving home for dinner followed by bath time for Chase. Once Chase was settled in his crib, Ryan, Sadie and I curled up on the couch to watch the Olympics and Big Brother (aka Bamboozled – we love this hot mess of a show way too much right now) before calling it a night.
I hope you all had a lovely weekend and that your Monday is off to a good start! See ya tomorrow!
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Kindred’s milk bread is out of this world. Also, their cocktails are amazing! I loved the squid pasta and the birthday cake for dessert! Chex mix is so addicting, and once I start eating it, I’ll basically eat it all 🙂
Agreed! Ryan got the “Barkeep’s Choice” cocktail and it was the most amazing mix of gin, sherry, honey, lemon, tonic and some other stuff I can’t remember. So tasty!
Love your date night outfit! The pattern of that skirt awesome paired with the crop top.
Michelle | https://thedogtribe.com/2016/08/15/oatmeal-raisin-granola-bars-naturally-sweetened-no-bake/
I’ve never heard of milk bread, but it looks delicious! And I agree, I always try to order seafood out because it tastes so much better when someone else makes it. And now I’m craving ice cream and it’s 8:00 am, lol! Have a great week.
Grandmas are the best! Did u do chase 1st bday update ? I’m wondering if I missed it.
I didn’t but I am working on it today! Hoping to have it up tomorrow (or at least sometime this week). I’m so behind on life right now! 🙂
I can’t handle how cute Chase is! And I love your outfit! Glad you had a good date night!
So nice of your Mom to watch Chase a couple of times. I LOVE your date night outfit. Thanks for sharing the details.
Weekends at the lake are what my summer dreams are made of — I go upstate to my parents’ house every single weekend and wouldn’t spend them any other way! LOVE that jumping photo and need to replicate that. Acai bowls and poke = two of my absolute fave foods. Amazing weekend!
Hi! I rarely post, but always read your blog! I have a 2yo son and around Chase’s age would sometimes have a nap and other times not. If you feel like he’s not totally ready, we actually would put him in his crib for “quiet time”, so even if he didn’t sleep, he relaxed and de-stimulated. This may be an option for you if you need to accomplish some things! 😉
As for TFM, we’ve had freezer burnt products from them, too! In fact, I’ve bought many items from them that lacked freshness, just FYI.
Lastly, I think it’s wonderful how even though your Mom lives out of state, Chase still obviously remembers and loves her each time she visits! 🙂
I LOVE the idea of “quiet time.” My mom said she and my dad did that with me and my sister. We tried it a little bit with Chase this weekend and he seemed to really need it! There was one time where he didn’t fall asleep, but he seemed to really relax and enjoy playing with his Wubbanubs in a stimulation-free environment. I do think a lot of playtime can get overwhelming to him and when he doesn’t want a “real” nap, some alone time to decompress and relax without so much stimulation may be beneficial! Thanks for weighing in! <3
Grandma’s are the best! I was fortunate to be able to have my mom come and stay with me for a month when I went back to work with each of my kids. It made the transition back to work a little easier cause I could call her every 15 minutes to see what they were up to. I’m pretty sure if I did that at daycare they would not be so pleased 😉
Having my mom around to spend time with my baby is definitely something I will forever be grateful for. It is the best seeing them together!
We are also trying to drop to one nap a day so we are in the same boat! Some days she seems totally ready and others it is impossible to keep her up. Good luck!
Seriously! I feel like this whole nap thing is a daily guessing game around here right now!
your date night outfit is the CUTEST!! Love that top!
So jealous of your weekend! Wish I could get some time away on the water.
Ok, I’m a new fan – and o.m.g. – ‘Brown Butter Almond Brittle’ ice cream!?!?!?!??! Say WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
right!? it was SO good!!
Lol I know it was girl! That is something I have GOT to find…sigh:) Well I’m now subscribed and look much forward to more stories and getting to know and try the recipes. I’m a huge fan of all things culinary and love finding new food bloggers (new to me!). Also can’t wait to check out your workouts! That nice flat tummy is long a thing of the past for me but I guess my two kiddos are worth it!
Looks like you guys had a fun weekend. I have lots of great memories of my grandparents visiting when I was a kid. I’m sure Chase will be grateful for those memories too once he gets older.
Sounds like such a fun weekend!
I can’t wait to hear about your trip, too. I’ve been following Gina’s snapchats, too. It definitely looks and sounds like an exciting week!
XO, Jessica
http://www.semisweettooth.com
And just like that, I’m craving Chex Mix- hard core. 😉 I may just have to make some….
Grandparents are seriously the best! That was so sweet of your mom to encourage you and Ryan to enjoy the built-in babysitter. Such a treat! Sounds like an awesome weekend. We have been tuning into the Olympics every night as well.
How fun and relaxing!!! Definitely love it when grandma comes to visit! Is it a grandma thing, because I never thought my son could fall asleep on someone and he only does on Grandma!?!? That bread…my tummy is now grumbling for it!
Exactly!! They must have that magic touch!
Ok, you look AMAZING. Can you do a postpartum weight loss post pretty please?
Oh my goodness- your little boy is precious! I’ve never heard of the almond ice cream you mentioned- what grocery store do you use? Sounds like a wonderful weekend! xx
We bought it at The Fresh Market!
Hi Julie! So many comments on this one. I love your outfit for date night. I also wore Havaianas nearly every single day in college, but sadly don’t have my favorite ones any longer. And Moms are the best. My Mom is actually coming across the country to stay at our house when we go on vacation next week to stay with our dog. I mean, it’s her only grandchild, and she’s amazing. How lucky are you to have your Mom with you for so long! Happy Monday, gal!
Did you take Chase with you on your trip? My son is 10 months old and I know eventually I’ll have a night away from him. I’m just curious.
I did! I am still nursing and when I was invited on the trip I wasn’t sure where I’d be in the weaning process and Chase has never been good with a bottle. He came along and honestly shocked me with how well he did on the four flights!
I am still nursing too and my son won’t take a bottle either! We’ve been on 8 plane trips and two long road trips in 10 months!
I LOVE your date night outfit! I mean you look amazing in everything but I love that skirt/crop combo.
I absolutely love your outfit!! You always look so put together!
What a cute date night outfit! Those scallops look delicious. Looks like a fun weekend!
Such a great weekend! I was just telling Adam last night that I am CRAVING a date night. Time to find a babysitter!
Your mom seems to be available to help you SO often. Is she there two weeks every month? That is so much help for one kid! I can’t imagine life that easy 🙂
I wish!! I feel so grateful that she is retired and really wants to visit and spend time with Chase/help me. It is such a blessing. She usually comes to visit every 6 weeks or so but doesn’t usually stay for 2 weeks. This trip was definitely a treat!!
This seems like such an awesome weekend! …and all of the ice cream and frozen custard consumption doesn’t hurt! 😉
-> http://www.poweredbysass.com
That BREAD! I have so many other comments to add here, but that one consumes all of my thoughts right now. Yum! <3
You are bringing it with the Ohio ice cream/custards. Whit’s is our favorite and we live just a town away from the very first Whit’s! And Jeni’s is a staple in Columbus. So so so good!!
I always love a good seafood dish! Glad you guys got some couple time!! 😀
Before you push him to one nap, maybe try to tweak his wake times a bit..? We worked with a sleep consultant for our daughter when she was 6-7 months old and we held her off the 2-1 transition until she was 18 months (13-18 is normal with 15 mo being average). She told us wake times of 3.25/4/3-3.5 were the last point of 2 naps. If you’re needing more than 4 hours between the naps in order for him to take that 2nd nap, then tou can transition… 2-1 can be super brutal if you do it too early since the wake times are MUCH higher than 2 naps. I hope that helps. We had nap issues for a long time. Most people think once their child turns 1 they need one nap, when really the timing just needs to be tweaked a bit. GOOD LUCK!!
BTW: your date night outfit is OUTSTANDING!!
What a fun, jam packed weekend! I especially love all the ice cream! And the food at kindred sounds amazeballs. I wish I had somewhere nearby where *I* could get some milk bread! You’ve talked about it several times, and every time I see a picture I think, “gimme!!” Love boat days, too, it’s something I did a lot growing up (we had two boats – not at the same time), and not at all as an adult (much to my chagrin – no opportunities). Looks like a great weekend was had by all!
Love these posts! Thanks for sharing your life with us ?
Can see why it is your favorite restaurant. Food looks amazing.
Gosh Chase looks so grown up in that pic ! Why is it that as soon as they turn 1 they no longer look like babies!! What a great looking weekend! I’ve been craving ice cream all week (we can NOT keep it in the house) and now I want it even more! lol
Hey! I’ve followed your blog since college & never realized you live in NC! My own little family just moved to North Charlotte a month ago and I am obsessed with Davison it’s so cute! I gotta check out Kindred!
How random is this. I’m sitting here visiting Santa Barbara eating 2 scoop ice cream from McConnells! One flavor is the one you had at home and the other was a delicious churro flavor. 🙂
That is the cutest bikini! Love that you and your family look so so happy!
My mom actually took both my babies to Jacksonville (where she lives) with her for 5 nights (we live in ATL) & my husband & I joked that nobody was more grateful for my mom than our vizsla because for 6 days our vizsla was the golden child again! Haha – everyone in our house appreciates a visit from Mimi because even the dogs get more playtime when she’s around. Grandmas are the best! Glad you guys got some fun dates in! 🙂
He is getting so big. I love his super blonde hair. 🙂 And can I just say that you look amazing! Seriously girl!
Your bod looks amazing!! XO
Your date outfit is SO cute! I wish I had the fashion sense to put together outfits like that. Omg I went to Nashville over the summer and just had to go to Jeni’s after reading about how amazing it is, and that is one of the flavors I got! To die for!
P.S. I had a chance to try Body Pump, and I can see why you love it so much. Thank you for posting about it, because otherwise I might not have tough to to try it.
We transitioned to one nap at 15 months and looking back it was a really good age for the transition (at least for us!). Also, just from a logistics perspective, going to one nap made life a lot easier! We were able to get lots done and go so many more places before nap time rolled around. My daughter’s nap also got longer-2.5 to 3 hours at one time. I felt like I could get so much more done and stay focused on a task for so much longer than before! I hope that’s the same for you. So once it is time for your son, I say embrace the change!