Weekend Wear-Abouts: We're Back in Florida + LOTS of Disney

Will and I returned home to Florida after a two week getaway to Connecticut. We survived the flight home (boy, was I nervous about flying with him solo-- not about the flight at all, just how he would manage) and when John suggested we head to MK after landing, we jumped at the chance. This would be Will's first visit to that park! 

During an impromptu linner (late lunch, early dinner) at Liberty Tree Tavern, we discussed what Will's first attraction should be. We settled on it's a small world-- a classic, has a neat history behind it, and so appropriate. I may have had teary eyes as Will took all of it in. 

We also rode Haunted Mansion (he fell asleep!) and then headed out of the park for bath and bedtime.  It was a perfectly magical little jaunt to the park, and the Christmas decorations and music on Main Street made it all there magical. 

On Friday, I loaded the kid on the front pack, and our gear on the back pack, and headed to Epcot. My friend was doing a Tipsy World Showcase History Tour, so we met up for a few countries. 

T-shirt // Shorts

That evening, we had a sitter. John and I met up with Amanda (@dixiedelights) and Marissa (@mousegrams) and their men for a cocktail at The Wave lounge. Amanda is a DVC member, so we also checked out Top of the World. 

Striped Boatneck Top (old J.Crew, but I'm LOVING this similar one)  // Shoes // Necklace

Saturday called for what else? More Disney! (Ok, I have a problem and I'm not afraid to admit it. Thing is, JOHN is now even suggesting visits, so it's not just me. We're really enjoying seeing the parks through Will's eyes). 

We again went to MK, and unbeknownst to us, a few players from the World Series Champ Chicago Cubs were there for a parade. The place was a zoo. BUT Casey's was offering a delicious special edition hot dog! 

We rode Dumbo, Jungle Cruise, and the train. On the way to the train station, we bumped into my friend Ashley (@ashley_yaco) and Ryan (@honorary_android), which was funny since Ashley was visiting from her home state of New York, and we'd tried to meet up a few times but it just never happened. She and I have been Insta-friends for a handful of years, and just now got to meet face to face. :)

Angie and Danny were there too; here's a pic of Danny waving to us as the train departed. 

Sunday was spent around the house, grocery shopping and meal prepping for the week ahead. 

Both John and the baby are fighting off a little cold; I joke with John that with him feeling under the weather, I now have TWO babies to care for. Fingers crossed this mama stays healthy so I can tend to my boys. 

Thanks for reading! XO, Ashley

Beyond Disney: Will's First Trip to the Big Apple + Two Great SALES!

Will has been experiencing a lot of 'firsts' on this trip: his first road trip, first hotel stay, first pumpkin patch, first play date, and more. Guess that's the nature of things when you're two and a half months old!

I visited New York City for the first time when I was twelve years old. Will's first trip was on Saturday, lucky boy.

We drove into the city and parked near Columbus Circle to stroll through Central Park. We rode the Trump Carousel (make carousels great again!) and enjoyed a lite bite to eat at an outdoor cafe before walking by the Central Park Zoo. Along the way we stumbled upon Big Bird and Cookie Monster-- I would have never guessed that Will's first character meet n' greet would be beyond the gates of a Disney park! He slept through it all though, so does it count?

Lacoste Sweater (old, similar here) // Stella & Dot Scarf // Tunic Tee ($16!)  // Kendra Scott Bracelet 

After a few hours in the park, we grabbed a cab down to Grand Central Station. I don't know why I wanted him to experience it so badly-- I mean, it's one of my favorite Manhattan landmarks. The hustle and bustle, the history, the gilded splendor, I just love it. That, and I really wanted some oysters from the Grand Central Oyster Bar.

Anyway, this checked off Will's first taxi cab ride. I wasn't sure the protocol for cab rides-- do kids have to be in car seats? We didn't have the base to his seat to lock it into place, so I held him on my lap for a bit (a la Britney Spears) and had him in his seat for a bit. I guess because cabs can't really get going too fast in NYC traffic, it's not too much of a hazard? I don't know. Anyway, we all survived and enjoyed some delicious oysters.

We headed home and arrived only an hour or so after Will's scheduled bed time; he was such a trooper, a good boy, and I think had a wonderful first visit to the Big Apple.

On a side note, two of my favorite shops are having sales this weekend. Sales end at midnight on Monday, October 31st.

I love Pacifica products, specifically their Sandalwood body butter (which I use daily and always get compliments on) and soy candle. All candles are up to 50% off and make great gifts, if you're one of those uber organized people who get all their holiday shopping done months before Christmas.

J.Crew is offering 40% off their sale styles, plus and EXTRA 50% off sale items to their cardholders! One of my favorite tops, which I own in black, is on major sale for $22, originally $65! Thinking I'm going to get the grey version (below), too.

This cardigan would be the perfect weight to toss on in the parks as the weather starts to cool off. Easy to ball up and stash in a bag, or tie around your waist when not in use, too. Just $25, originally $70!

THIS top would be perfect for a casual Dapper Day look- think Annette Funicello, paired with some high waisted white cropped pants. Very 50's. Originally $70-- now $20. 

These boots are beautiful and were originally $348-- now $100! They also come in brown for $50 more. 

A closet staple, especially here in Florida where it's shorts weather almost year round. Originally $40- now $12.50. Crazy!

This top is a great basic and a nice lightweight linen. Originally $45-- now $10. 

We have three days left here in Connecticut and plan to fill them with fun, fun, FUN! Then we return home just in time for a busy November. Life is good!

Thanks for reading. XO, Ashley

Beyond Disney: Our Road Trip to Connecticut + What We've Been Up To While Here

If you follow along on Snapchat or Instagram, you'll know that Will, my mom and I have made the drive from Florida to Connecticut this past weekend.

We left Orlando on Thursday and made it all the way to Gainesville (!), a short two hour drive away, where we stayed the night and ate a Satchel's Pizza. Even though it was a short visit, it was still nice to get back to my old college stomping grounds. Go Gators! Can't wait to take Will to a game in the Swamp.

The next day we made it to Royston, Georgia to visit our family friend. We dropped my mom's dog off with her and stayed two nights before hitting the road again. Our third stop was Harrisonburg, VA for the night; the next morning we drove up along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the fall foliage. Our final stop was in Shippensburg, PA before rolling into Connecticut a full five days after leaving Florida.

My mom and I have made this trip every year for the past 6 or 7 years; my dad lives in CT and works in Manhattan, while my mom prefers to live in Florida. They visit each other often and kind of have the best of both worlds. It's unconventional but it works for our family-- my parents have been married for 37 years! This drive was a whole different ballgame with a two month old in tow. He was such a trooper and has quite the story to tell in his first 60 days on earth.

Since arriving in Connecticut, we've visited the town of Sleepy Hollow and went to the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, a popular event featuring thousands of carved pumpkins decorating the grounds of a historic property in the Hudson Valley. Historic Hudson Valley is in and of itself a really neat destination, especially in the fall. It features Sunnyside, the home of Washington Irving, who Disney fans know as the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (fun fact: Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, is modeled after Sunnyside). It's also the site of the Sleepy Hollow cemetery, where Irving is buried, along with several citizens of the town who inspired some of the characters in his famous tale. In the month of October, Historic Hudson Valley plays host to a bunch of neat Halloween themed events. There's also Christmas tours and more, and it's an all-around really pretty area to visit. Definitely check it out if you're in the area.

We've also spent time just hanging around, visiting the cute Main Street in New Canaan (the town my dad lives in), and running errands. I'm not sure I've mentioned it, but I lived in Connecticut for four years after graduating college, from 2006-2010, before my mom and I moved back to Florida. When we return, it's nice to see friends and stop by the places we frequented when we lived here.

In the days to come, we'll be going into NYC, taking Will to a legit pumpkin patch (one where you pick a pumpkin from the vine!), go apple picking, visit with more friends, enjoy the world's best lobster roll (no, really, the best), and more. It's nice to visit, especially this time of year, but boy is it nice to get home to sunny, warm Florida again. Look at the weather we had on Thursday morning. Brrrr!

Thanks for reading!

XO, Ashley

Disney Baby: Baby Suit is 2 Months Old

Hooray! We all survived the first sixty days of Will's existence here on earth! 

This big fella is weighing in at 14.9 pounds and 24 inches long. He easily fits in three month old clothing, and often sports 6-9 month old duds. He's a hefty fella who loves his chow. 

He pretty much sleeps through the night, from around 8pm -5:30am before he starts fussing, and then eats at 6:30 in the morning. We've been using the Moms On Call book to help with a sleeping and eating schedule, and it's been great. 

Let's see, what else? He's got excellent head and neck control. He loves to 'stand' with support. He's happiest just after he eats, and smiles and coos once he's burped. He does the same at diaper changes. He's starting to drool quite a bit and likes to have his right hand in his mouth when a pacifier isn't available. We've found the magic baby soother- our LiliBaby carrier! Puts him to sleep every time he's in it. He doesn't LOVE his swing, so we're in the market for a new one. Any recommendations? 

In his second month of life, Will has visited Epcot (twice!) and Animal Kingdom, rode out Hurricane Matthew, visited my work family at Buena Vista Construction Company, been to Target and Publix umpteen times, and has been the subject of too many Snapchats to count. 

He's such an awesome little man, and we're all falling more and more in love with each other, and learning more and more of how our family works, every day.

Happy two months, little bud.