THIS WEEKEND WE WERE BLESSED WITH OUR FIRST VISIT FROM FRIENDS (WHO ARE BASICALLY LIKE FAMILY.) MARK AND MARIA FLEW IN FRIDAY EVENING FROM CHICAGO, ILLINOIS AFTER A BUSY WEEK OF WORK. LITTLE DID THEY KNOW OUR WEEKEND WOULD BE EVEN BUSIER, AS WE ATTEMPTED TO FILL EACH MOMENT OF THE WEEKEND WITH EXCITING CLEVELAND ADVENTURES.
ADVENTURE #1: RIDING IN A VAN WITH TODDLERS
Thanks to the ol' Honda Odyssey we were able to shift the second seat to accommodate our guests in the very back of the van (nice) where they were treated to our children's finest outbursts, singing, screeching, laughter, rants, raves and chatter.
Riding. In. Style.
ADVENTURE #2: THE WEST SIDE MARKET
Mark and Maria appreciate fine food, cooking, and eating, which is one of my absolute favorite things about them. When we visited this market back in July, Jeff and I took one look at all of the fine food stands and agreed that if Mark and Maria were to visit, this would be one of the first places we took them. We eagerly consumed mammoth apple fritters, sweet cherry donuts, and fresh fruit for breakfast and hand picked a variety of tasty treats to enjoy throughout the afternoon.
Never one to miss a dramatic moment, the little lady communicates her strong desire for a sparkle donut (only minutes after finishing a cherry donut).
As we waited for the men to peruse the market, we killed time with a spontaneous photo shoot.
And, took in some street music.
ADVENTURE #3: DATE NIGHT WITH THE CLEVELAND INDIANS
All fans of major league baseball, we decided that a trip to Progressive Field would be the perfect way to enjoy an evening out in our new city. And, while our loyalties lie with other teams (Maria the White Sox, Mark supporting both Chicago teams, and us faithful fans of the Brew Crew) there is nothing like sitting beneath the summer sky with a ball park hot dog, cold brew and good friends.
The RTA has become our transportation of choice when venturing downtown. We continue to become slightly agitated while driving on Cleveland's roadway systems.
Take me out to the ball game.
ADVENTURE #4: ON THE RISE BAKERY (no surprise here)
Apparently, the little lady and Maria share the same affection for pain au chocolat (aka - chocolate croissants). Upon hearing this news, it became clear to me that a trip to On the Rise bakery was necessary. So, day two began with sweet croissants and steaming coffee.
The little lady was thrilled to discover our guests were still in town come Sunday morning, and was eager to spend more time with Mria (her pronunciation of Maria) and "Markie."
The twinkle in her eye for Mark and Mark alone.
Enjoying the company of our very attentive guests.
ADVENTURE #5: HORSESHOE PARK
In an effort to kill some time, burn off some calories and enjoy the cooler weather, we set off for one of the more unique parks in our area.
A willing teacher and very eager pupil.
First signs of fall.
ADVENTURE #6: A TRIP TO LITTLE ITALY
Alas, I have no pictures from our little trek through this quaint Italian neighborhood. We were too busy enjoying the red, white and green flare as we searched for an open restaurant to satisfy our hungry children's mouths. We did; however, enjoy a leisurely stroll, good conversation, and a light lunch.
ADVENTURE #7: FAMILY NAP TIME
Again no pictures to accompany this sacred time of peace and quiet; however, I sure wish I had one! Initially, I thought that we would forego naps in favor of spending more time exploring the city. However, after a late night, early morning, and several hours outdoors it became clear that we all needed some down time. The kids welcomed their blankets and fell fast asleep, and the four of us adults each found our way to the (extra large) sofa. With the Brewers/Cubs game playing out quietly on the TV screen, we dropped off one by one, two tired wives sandwiched between two tired husbands.
ADVENTURE #8: DINNER FOR SIX
As the children finished their naps, Maria and I enjoyed a peaceful stroll to the Fresh Market to purchase items for dinner. Being that we had basically been eating around the clock since 9am, we decided on a light meal of salad, rotisserie chicken and bread. The little lady was quick to pull up a stool and help prepare the evening meal.
Tasting Maria's "lunch" of salad greens and lemon vinaigrette. She refers to all meals as lunch.
After dinner, our sweet ones enjoyed story time with Markie, a sweet and memorable moment.
ADVENTURE #9: MITCHELL'S ICE CREAM
I'm afraid there are no pictures to commemorate our trip to this fantastic ice cream parlor, as we were too busy stuffing our face...once again.
It was such a blessing to have dear friends make the trip to Cleveland, after two months of our being here. It was a weekend full of laughter, good food, great conversation , and sweet moments as Mark and Maria invested in our little ones. It is sure to be one of the highlights of our year here.
Thank you M & M!
