Chaco Chillin'

I think yesterday finally caught up with me. It's been an incredible weekend, but certainly a busy one! As jam-packed as it was, it was still simple, relaxing and full of friends, laughter and good vibes! I found myself after breakfast this morning realizing that our life isn't full of extravagant things, but it's filled with irreplaceable, incredible people.

We had breakfast with Jesse before he left to head back to Illinois, then ran to do some errands before heading home. We made a pit stop for Rob to cut his hair, and while he was there, I sat outside waiting in the truck, letting my feet soak up some of the Sunday sun.

workin' on the chaco tan .. haha

I circled back to the idea of living a simple life, and realized that while we're not down to the raw necessities like I somehow wish we were, we certainly don't need much more than a couple of great friends and a body of water (or forest, whatever) to bring smiles to our faces :).

I'm a pretty happy chickadee tonight.
It's back to the workweek grind tomorrow. I'm ready!

xo | cmd

ALI's HERE!

It was too late last night when Ali arrived to do mich of anythddng other than a quick catch up before bed. Knowing we wanted to take full advantage of today made it that much easier to find sleep wirhout delay.

Today = bright and early start in the house, complete with homemade breakfast, compliments of Ali and me! We pulled out all the stops and produced a full spread, including pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon and toast. I mean, we had a full day of fun planned out!

First stop: The 513 City Flea! One of my favorite Washington Park events to frequent at least once or twice each season, even if I walk away with nothing but the receipt for a Street Pop long-ago devoured. 

gosh you're pretty, washington park... 

The Summer City Fleas mean that the splash pad is in full operation, and if we're being honest, it was only because our parents taught us manners that prevented every adult in the park from joining their kids running through the course of water jets.

summer splash pad!

i mean.. she's thinking what we were all thinking today #95degrees

Ali and I managed to drag her out of the fun for a twenty-second selfie opportunity, a decision that was apparently eqivalent to asking for her to walk a lap around the planet [huffy puffy!].

the girls! 1st take, nailed it! 

We trekked over to Findlay Market for lunch, which afforded each of us the vendor to satisfy our cravings. Becky's newest initiative, Dirt: Modern Market, is in its soft opening stages, but we were able to check it out. Ali bought some custom jams, while Sydni had her own photo shoot outside.

my little mini market girl 

celebrating dirt! 

After Findlay, we headed home to drop Rob and Sydni, then continued on to REI, in search of Ali's first pair of Chaco's! It would've been a straight shot, but I took a scenic route and Coffee Emporium got in the way, like it does for me on many occasions.

We eventually made it to REI. It wasn't as fruitful as we'd hoped, but long story short, she's all set and Chaco'd up for a good while. 

We did so well on our venturing this afternoon that there was next to no rushing when we arrived back at the house to get Rob & Syd. We set off to the movie theater, where the Minions  3D experience awaited us.

minions 3D! 

We did a post-movie dinner at Logans nearby, and finally circled back tothe homefront to wind down.

Tomorrow it's church with Ali before she heads home, and then back to a brief bit of the reality that is the to-do list around here. 

What a beautiful day! Seeee you tomorrow!

xo | cmd

Chacos | City Flea | World Cup | Farm Fresh

Bro, I am TIRED today.
It could be the fact that I stayed up with Nader and Keith well past my usual bedtime, and woke up this morning on my body's workweek alarm setting. Meh.

To combat my grogginess, I opted to do something outside the box.
I'm here to say that, after nearly five years of belligerance, I broke down and replaced my old Chaco's with a brand-spankin' new pair. Thank you, RRT in Milford!

newbies!

They are fantastic! My first order of business post-purchase was a mini hike down by the Little Miami. It was a perfect morning for it all, and despite being tired, I was quickly rejuvenated by my little jaunt.

pretty little morning :)

nature selfie!

It wasn't long before Becky and Mike called; they were heading from Findlay Market over to the 513 City Flea, so of course I joined.

513 city flea, washington park | cincinnati, oh

Our friends at Fab Ferments were of course there, so it was an easy choice to pick up some kombucha along the merchant route.

fab ferments kombucha = deeeeelish.

And on the opposite end of a body cleanse, some grilled cheese from C'est Cheese:

yum!

And on our way out, Becky and I made a stop off at one of the vendors, where I picked up this cute little number:

wooden hair accessories - love!

yay, city flea! :D

After City Flea, it was time for some World Cup Coverage; for that, it was Hap's Pub in Hyde Park. The World Cup is just beginning, so it'll be interesting to see where our good old boys from the U.S. land, and how they play, since Landon Donovan obviously won't be making an on-field appearance this time. GOOD LUCK!

standing room only!

Our last stop of the day was out to Becky's parents on the western side of Cincinnati. It was egg-collecting time, and there were plenty for the taking. Thanks, chickies!

straight from the chicken!

There's nothin quite like farm fresh eggs.

Anyway, it's definitely been an extended day, and I'm ready to do all of nothing else tonight. I'm pretty excited for that (:

xo | cmd



WOrld Cup @ Hap's. 
Home. Relaxed. Did NOTHING rest of night.