Disney World

Disney World. The Happiest Place on Earth. One of my all-time favorite places in the world, and something I've been most looking forward to doing ever since we found out we were pregnant. My mom is one of the biggest Disney fans I know, only to beat her was possibly her own mother, and I distinctly remember traveling to Disneyland and Disney World all the time as a kid and obviously loving it.

We decided to bring Sydney to Disney World for her second birthday, 1/3 because I was so anxious to introduce her to one of my most treasured past times, 1/3 because Disney in January has relatively lower attendance (if you know my husband, you know this is vital), and 1/3 because she could still fly for free if we booked the trip before her second birthday. Jordan had never been (to either Disney World or Disneyland) and I was so excited to introduce him to Mickey as well---although I can't say his enthusiasm matched mine. Being the Disney fanatic she is, my mom couldn't help but somehow manage to squeeze her, my dad and my brother along for the trip, but I didn't mind because---DISNEY!

Fall Catch-Up!

Last week was brutal. Yes -- sickness, AGAIN. After a whirlwind weekend flying to Minnesota to celebrate Jordan's dad's 60th birthday, Sydney came down with a nasty cold/cough that somehow turned into pink eye in both her eyes. Awesome. She made it to two half-days of daycare (which I'm fairly certain is how she nailed pink eye), so there was lots of crying/whining/cuddling going on last week. And cleaning. LOTS of cleaning and sterilizing and laundry.

CLEAN HOUSE!

Our trip to MN was short but so sweet. We flew in Friday night and immediately drove to a house Jordan's dad and his wife rented on a lake to meet them, Jordan's middle brother and our sister-in-law (who's due with our first nephew in a few weeks!!) and their sweet little girl (who is six months older than Syd) and Jordan's youngest brother (who just got a job out in Denver and moved out here!). It was a great weekend spending time with family and getting to spend much needed time with our niece, and it was so much fun seeing the girls play together. We went to an apple orchard, Sydney went on her first pony ride, we took the boat on the lake, and we (I) ate lots of s'mores.

Camping.

What is camping with two dogs and a toddler like? A walking three-ring circus.

I feel like people either love camping or hate camping. Living in Colorado you're surrounded by most people who love it, and usually I would consider myself one of them. Up until I went camping with two dogs and a toddler... Just kidding -- we had an amazing time. It was so great to be out in nature having bonfires, eating s'mores (sooo many s'mores), hiking, kicking back with cold beers, seeing incredible views, and of course viewing it all through a 20-month-old's eyes. Everything was blowing Sydney's mind, and it was really adorable to see.

Sherpa Boots // Fleece Jacket

Jordan picked out an easy spot for our first camping excursion as a family of five in a car campground called The Crags, which is located in the Colorado State Forest in Walden, CO (a little bit northwest of Estes Park), which sounded absolutely perfect. We heard about the beautiful views from the individual sites which allowed privacy, and we heard the hiking nearby was awesome. Sold.

Viva Mexico!

It's been a little quiet around here lately, and I apologize -- we were in Mexico for a week, and then both Sydney and I came back with colds and Syd battled some really high temps. It's been a little hectic getting our schedule back on track, especially when you throw a bachelorette party and a baptism in the mix, but I promise I 'll catch up! Up first -- our Mexican getaway...

Every other year my parents, my brother and I have gone to Mexico, and it's been fun to see how the trip has changed over the years. (Ha---I just remembered Jordan's first Mexico trip with my family was also his first time meeting my dad. Awkward.) This year Jordan and I convinced my parents we should go to Cabo rather than Cancun, and it was so much fun exploring a new place, especially with Sydney in tow. We had a blast, and I'm fairly certain Sydney wants to go to the pool and the beach every day now. Seriously---the kid LOVES water now.

Here are some of our highlights -- enjoy!

Watching Frozen on the plane with Daddy

The face of a disgruntled toddler who would rather go swimming than [insert any other activity]

Beach baby

Loving the ocean

But REALLY loving this dolphin water fountain

Ice cream in her pjs past her bedtime. #onlyonvacation

Catamaran snorkeling trip

First time swimming in the ocean

Horseback riding on the beach

Little explorer

Mom and Dad got a date day!

Bottom glass boat ride out to the arch

So many sea lions (or 'big dogs' according to Sydney)

Dinner at a restaurant with the best bruschetta ever

With the cutest little bunny ever

Heading home, eating snacks, wearing sunnies. #sydneybellelife

Travels, Part II: Aspen

If you've never visited Colorado in the fall, I highly recommend it -- specifically, the mountains; more specifically, Aspen. Besides breathtaking views of mountains dusted with early winter snow, the tree colors are incredibly vibrant and colorful, which make for some pretty awesome pictures. 

Jordan had an old man hockey tournament last weekend in Aspen, and while I didn't love the idea of being on-the-go for the 6th weekend in a row, I had never been there before and I knew how beautiful the mountains were this time of the year. Plus, Sydney loves watching hockey, so away we went. The four-hour drive was absolutely gorgeous until we drove through Independence Pass, which was like being on the worst roller coaster but with the best views. Hashtag so carsick, hashtag beautiful.

One lane road winding around a mountain...little dicey.

Last weekend was sunny with bluebird skies, crisp air and fall 50-degree-ish temperatures -- aka perfection. Also perfection? Aspen. Aspen is pretty much my heaven on earth, and by heaven on earth I mean a mountain town full of boots, leather pants, black clothes, fur, good food and great shopping. Plenty of local restaurants to choose from, dive bars, boutique hotels, beautiful homes, cobblestone streets, scenic views... It's like God took all my favorite things and made a town. I'm in love, and it was such a fun weekend getaway.

Gray & White Striped Headband (similar) // Jean Jacket (similar) // Hoodie // Leggings // Leopard Fur Boots (similar)

It was fun watching Jordan play, but to be honest it was even more fun watching Sydney watch him play -- she was fascinated and just sat quietly in my lap taking it all in. This is such a fun age (they all are, though, huh?); Sydney's all over the place, and she's learning so much every day. She still isn't really crawling, not for lack of ability, as she crawls when she wants to, but because she'd rather stand or 'walk' holding someone's hands. She loves waving hi and bye and seems to understand the concept of doing so, and she claps whenever anyone says "YAYYY!" or shows excitement for her. It's all so cute, and our little peanut is growing up before our eyes. Anyway, the boys made it all the way to the "championship game" (I can't take old man hockey seriously enough to write that without quotation marks), but thankfully their games were spaced out enough for us to enjoy the town. 

Me: Oatmeal Beanie (similar) // Red Jacket (similar) // Black Skinny Pants // Camel Boots

Sydney: Oatmeal Beanie (similar) // White Puffer Vest (similar) // Gray Sweatshirt (similar) // Black Leggings // Moccasin Boots

Sherpa Bear Hoodie // Jean Leggings (similar) // Gray Fur Boots

Talon and Sydney watching their dads

The drive back on Sunday was absolutely BRUTAL. Independence Pass, while still beautiful, seemed to have gotten 10x more curvy over the weekend, and both Sydney and I were stuck on a boat that would not stop swaying. I hung my head out the window, Sydney cried for nearly an hour and a half, and poor Jordan drove quietly wishing he were dead time would speed up. We finally made it home, exhausted but alive, with plans to relax and do nothing. I put Sydney down for bed, or rather I thought I put Sydney down because when I turned on the monitor, I saw a little bug trying to escape.

We had to lower the crib, and then of course Sydney decided it would be the most perfect time to shit so then we had to change her, and then from all the activity, Sydney decided it was party time.

Exhausted. But how can you be mad at a face like that?

Xo

Travels, Part I: Minnesota

Two weekends ago we went back to Minnesota for a quick visit (yes, again...) to get professional family photos done by our wedding photographers, Paper Antler, who were in town. Side note/quick PSA: Paper Antler is AMAZING. They're a husband and wife duo based out of Madison, WI, and their photos are ab-so-lute-ly gorgeous. Seriously, go check out their website...and if you're engaged and in need of wedding photographers, do yourself a favor and book them now! They're so creative and talented (not to mention totally awesome as people), and they can make anyone and anything look stunning. (Case in point: our wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty and looks so perfect -- but in reality it was more of a gongshow.)

4:30 AM airport fashion: mint headband // gray + gold foil heart pajamas // umbrella stroller // camel boots

Sydney and I flew into MN a day earlier than Jordan, and I was initially a little nervous to fly alone with a very curious and mobile 8-month-old. Thankfully, she once again did so well on the flight, and in fact, after she woke up from her nap, she started hamming it up; every time another baby started screaming crying (which unfortunately was often), she would raise herself up and peek over the back of my seat and smile charmingly to all the other passengers as if to say, "Look how good I am!" Ohh, little peanut. One day you'll come unglued on a flight and those smug little smiles will be long gone (and your mama will want to die).

Hi, world.

Our trip was very short but sweet. We got to spend a lot of time with both our families, especially our niece, which was so nice since the trip prior was barely spent with either side. We love visiting MN and seeing everyone, but it's getting increasingly more tricky to spend 'quality' time with anyone, especially now with a little one who needs her naps and somewhat of a routine. Plus, I've learned the hard way what a jam-packed schedule will do to a baby (and to me), so I've started to be a little more protective of our time. For friends and family in MN that are reading this -- we're so sorry if we don't get a chance to see you!

Snuggles with Grandpa Anderson

Playing with Miss Kennedy Kaye

Grandma Anderson with her two granddaughters

Family pictures went fairly well. The day was beautiful, so I'm hoping Paper Antler was able to capture some great shots of our family; Jordan and I are both terribly un-photogenic, so they had their work cut out for them, ha! I had been carefully 'curating' the perfect outfits for the entire family, and I was so pleased with how all the colors and patterns came together -- I can't wait to get the pictures back! Jonny + Michelle, thank you SO MUCH for shooting our family. You guys are seriously the best, both professionally and personally, and I'm so glad we were able to meet up!

Behind-the-scenes with Grandpa + Grandma Kraft

Early birthday celebration for Jordan -- happy birthday, sweetheart!

The flight home to CO was--thankfully--very uneventful, as Sydney slept the entire flight. We arrived home, unpacked and did laundry, and 96 hours later we were on the road again! Stay tuned...

Kennedy's First Birthday

Our sweet adorable niece Kennedy turned one on July 26th, so we made the trek back to Minnesota to help celebrate. Sydney once again did awesome on the plane, which means a) those treat bags are now a waste of money; and b) we've got a little traveler on our hands. :-)

Going back to MN is always a whirlwind, to say the least. We actually get back fairly often, but it's tough because we try and see all our family and all our friends every visit - which clearly does not work out too well. We usually end up exhausted or sick (or both) by the time we're on our way home, so after this last visit which resulted in both Sydney and me sleep-deprived and sick,  we decided we need to re-evaluate our trips back to MN and learn to accept we can't make everyone happy. Eek.

Nevertheless, the trip was a blast, and it was so wonderful to see everyone again. Kennedy's birthday party was darling, and it was so much fun to see how much she's grown and changed. She's the absolute sweetest baby (except when she's bonking her cousin's little head, lol), and we love her so much! Happy, happy first birthday, sweet girl...your Uncle Jordan and I hope you had the best day! We love you!!!

Already doing the 'girl pose' (leaning back, hand on hip). Jordan, we may be in trouble...

Giggles with Grandma Judy

Took a trip to the MN Zoo and watched a tiger shit in a pond

Our little chicken

Dad and Sydney monkeying around

Sydney meets Hudson!!

The absolute sweetest little (big) baby ever. Bones & Brit, he's PRECIOUS beyond words. #obsessed

Morning laughs with Grandpa Bill

Early bird dinner Date night with Anne & Nick

Having fun with Grandpa Greg

Hanging out with Great Grandpa & Great Grandma Freiberg

The birthday girl!!

Kisses to my sweet Kennedy (love that serious face - cracks me up!!)

Hanging out with Uncle Kyle

Kennedy opening our presents

Happy birthday, little lady!!

Kennedy and her two cousins, Sydney & Evelyn

Cousins!

Caught this moment between Syd and her Uncle Mac...isn't it so sweet??

Brunching with Lindsey

Hanging out with Anne

Plane ride home...sweet baby girl

Finally home. Sydney's a little grumpy.