A few days in Louisville

 Last week I went away on a girls' trip with my mom and one of my sisters to Louisville, KY. 

Electric charging station at a popular chain gas station.  Nice to see more availability. 

We stayed in an Airbnb in Indiana, across the river from Louisville, and it was a good location. The house had 2 rooms with queen beds and one room with 2 twin beds.  I chose this room and I was surprised at how easy it was to sleep in a twin bed, not having done that in 30+ years.  We had a nice covered patio area too, and we enjoyed sitting out there in the beautiful weather.  

The first night we went to a Chinese restaurant that appealed to all 3 of us:  Mom could have chicken, I could have sesame tofu, and my sister could have either. (She chose General's tofu.) I love anytime I can get a vegan sesame dish, and this was a good one.  We also had an appetizer of dumplings and they were delicious.  

The next day we went to a casino, which is something my mom enjoys and my sister and I are happy to go along with her and play a bit.  

For dinner we had pizza.  Again, it's so nice to be in a bigger city where there are restaurants that serve both vegan and non-vegan food, so my whole family can enjoy.  Mine had pepperoni and cheese, both vegan of course, and roasted garlic.  Yum!  I ate on this thing for 2 days.  My sister and I drove to Cinnaholic and picked up some yummy dessert.  I had the maple pecan pie cinnamon roll.  

The next morning we had two events scheduled.  In the morning we took a trolley tour of downtown Louisville.  There were only 5 of us total so it was almost like having a private tour.  The tour guide/driver was great.  She enjoys history and she knew a lot about the area, even though she's not originally from there.  I love learning about the history of an area so this was the perfect tour for me.  We went through a large area of Victorian homes and stopped at Churchill Downs.  

After the trolley tour we went back to the house and rested, because that evening we were signed up for a sunset riverboat cruise.  I enjoy being out on the water, but only if I'm out in the fresh air.  We needed to sit inside because my mom was unable to walk up the 17 stairs to get to the outside area.  I was glad to do it so we could all be together because that was the whole purpose of this trip.  There was a band playing oldies and new songs.  It was basically like being in a loud nightclub on the water. Outside the music was fine but inside it was a bit much for those of us who weren't going to be dancing and would have liked to have seen the sights.  Oh well, now I'll know if we ever do it again.  Daytime narrated cruise ONLY if you have to be inside.  We still laughed a lot and enjoyed being together.  

The next day we had scheduled a day of rest, because we knew Mom would be tired from the late evening.  We slept in, then went to a breakfast/brunch restaurant.  This vegan was able to have a bowl of oatmeal with pecans, strawberries, and brown sugar, and I liked it.  My mom is a big breakfast person so mainly we wanted to make sure she got to enjoy herself.  

We just hung out most of the rest of the day.  In the evening I drove to a nearby town and picked up Indian food for my sister and me. I ordered naan, vegetable pakoras, samosas, and gobi Manchurian.  Yes I made a meal out of bread and appetizers.  My mom is not what you'd call an adventurous eater so she stuck with a frozen meal she had picked up.  We all got in our pjs and while we ate we watched a movie.  

The next morning it was time to pack up and drive home.  Once again we went by Cinnaholic and got some cinnamon rolls for ourselves and for the family members who had to stay home.  

My husband got the blueberry pie version.  

It was a wonderful few days but I was glad to get home to my husband after being away.  I'm so glad for the memories I got to make with my mom and middle sister.  

  

Easter activities

The day before Easter, J, Mr. GV and I went to a "Breakfast with the Bunny" fundraiser for our favorite local humane society.  Along with breakfast, J got to hold a bunny for the first time.  He was thrilled!!  Mouse the bunny was sweet and so soft.  It was another great way for the kids to learn about treating an animal in the proper way.  

J was a happy boy when the pancakes were replenished.  (He had a Sonic cup full of water, his drink of choice.)  

The next day, on Easter, we had an egg hunt in our front yard for J.....

....and his NaNa.  J likes a little competition and since he's the only child in the family, and my mom enjoys competing, she was nominated.  I love the look on her face in this picture.  She was mock-sad because J had just found an egg hidden in the magnolia tree.  Ha!

Mr. GV did yard work while the rest of us played.  We are getting rid of the plastic fencing around our raised beds.  It was impossible keeping them taut and the deer just put their necks over it or jump inside the bed anyway.  

J got an Easter basket with some nice things, but his favorite was definitely this Plants vs Zombies graphic novel. 

As a matter of fact, it was tough to get him to do anything else.  He finished it within a short while, but I'm sure he will be reading it over and over.  (By the way, that's a bag of recycling in the background, not trash mounding up, I promise.)

I hope everyone had a good Easter weekend (if you celebrate), or just a great weekend!  Mr. GV and I don't celebrate it in the religious sense, but we do enjoy participating in fun activities with J that go along with the holiday.  

6th Birthday

Last month, J had his 6th birthday!  We woke up to snow, but it didn't keep us from celebrating!

J with his mommy.

Breakfast at Huddle House.

There was a scheduled karate camp that day, and J wanted to go.  (The birthday child gets a "drum roll" by the other kids if it's their birthday.)  

Afterward, it was time for a surprise movie date at The Lego Movie.  

J is trying to act all cool in this picture.  *Sigh.*  

J and his NaNa enjoying a game of air hockey before the movie starts.

Dinner was J's choice, which of course was at the Chinese restaurant where we are all known very well!

His Mommy and NaNa hurried back to the apartment to get the surprise party ready.  They had decorated while he was at karate camp.  J had been told that he wouldn't be having a party this year.  

The party was Lego-themed as well--primary colors, Lego cupcakes, and a few Lego gifts.

Naturally J got interested in his Lego Movie book....

Here his Mommy is telling him the story of his birth.

Group picture of those that were able to celebrate his day with him!

Christmas Activities, Part 2

As usual, we went to the Christmas parade in our hometown.  It was freezing this year, and I was a little bit sick.  Mr. GV kept me warm by snuggling me close.  (My hero.) 

My favorite entry would have to be the guy who made his wrecker into Towmater.  It was just adorable. 

Of course for a child the best part is seeing Santa....and collecting the candy that is thrown out!  J left with quite a stash.  

Family selfie!  

After the parade, it was off to Mom's house to decorate her tree.  Here J is posing with one of the cats (Thing 1 I think) plus Casper the friendly pit bull.  

My Christmas cards that I sent out this year.  I found them at Goodwill early last year.  They each tell a story on the back about the animal you see, who lives at Farm Sanctuary.  

A few days later, it was time to decorate our tree at home.  J came over to help us out and Mr. GV made homemade hot chocolate for us.  Some Sweet and Sarah marshmallows, a dye-free candy cane, and some cinnamon on top, and it was perfect.  

J enjoyed sipping on his mug o' chocolaty goodness and listening to the Kids' Christmas station on Pandora.  

J and Mr. GV hanging this years ornament on the tree.  This year we decided on a bicycle-themed ornament, to represent our vacation which culminated in the Bicycle Museum of America, Mr. GV's dream destination.  lol

One day J helped me make wrapping paper, then we wrapped his Mommy and Nana's gifts from him.  

He was so proud of his gift wrapping.  He pretty much did it by himself, with a little guidance from me and some help with the tape.

J was chief decorator this year.  He decorated the entire mantle himself.  Notice we have 5 stockings this year.  He couldn't understand why he didn't have a stocking here at our house.  I'm glad he feels "at home" here but wanted to make sure he knew Santa only comes to the house he stays at Christmas Eve, so his stocking here would remain empty.  He was cool with that, so I let him pick out an extra stocking I had.  He chose the one that my high school Spanish teacher gave me when I was an aide in her class.  

Almost all of us.  Gabby the cat was not having it, as usual.

My favorite Christmas picture this year.  A dog and his boy.  

Christmas Activities, Part 1

We took part in so many activities in December:

Visiting with Santa in his house on the court square

Making a gingerbread house at the library with NaNa

And oh, what a decorated house it was!  J wanted a bit of every available candy on there.

Supper with Santa at the school, where J met up with his friend while we were waiting for Santa to arrive on the fire truck.  

There were lots of games to play, 

and cookies to decorate.  

There was also a cake walk, face painting, pictures with Santa, cotton candy, food to be bought, inflatables to jump on, and experiences to bid on.  

Related to winter but not Christmas specifically, we saw "Frozen."  We all thought it was a cute and funny movie, and of course the music was beautiful.  J has enjoyed listening to the songs from the movie whenever they are played on Pandora.  

Good country cookin'

Things have been busy around here (new dog, a stray with multiple problems) and lots of other tasks so I've found myself without a lot of free time and/or energy to blog.  But yesterday we went to my Mom's house and had lunch with her.

Mom made kraut, stewed potatoes, crowder peas, and cornbread, and we brought the Field Roast.  It was a simple yet delicious vegan meal and there were even leftovers that she sent home with us.  Smile.  

Graduation!

Somebody graduated!  And this time it WAS this one, at his preschool graduation...

No idea why he walked in like this, but he did it his own way.

With his teacher and his diploma.

His teacher asked if anyone wanted to say the prayer before we ate, and this boy JUMPED at the chance.  He is not shy, not one little bit. We all held our breath, because with this one you never know what is going to come out of his mouth.  But he did such a good job and we were all proud (and relieved!)  

My guys having a nosh after the ceremony.

Our little family with the graduate!

And now on to bigger things for our little guy!