memorial day weekend

Last year was freezing, the year before was scorching, this year was perfect.  Well okay, I was sweating (which isn't perfect), but it was close to perfect.

Taking two babies to the parade versus one was a serious full-time job.  Since Jeff was in the field, I enlisted my sister to help out.  Her one and only job was chasing Patrick.  

You guys, this kid doesn't sit still.  And he has no social awareness whatsoever.  Am I doing something wrong as a parent?  Are my expectations too high?  I mean, there were no other toddlers in sight who tried to dodge traffic multiple times.

When I could tie him down for a split second, I got to steal some kisses.  Check out that 'fro.  Haircuts are already on the schedule.

This year we got a spot towards the beginning of the parade to ensure a larger candy retrieval number.  It worked.  Not one patriotic person that throws candy can resist a toddler waving an American flag.  Patrick double-fisted with suckers most of the morning.  He also danced, clapped to the beat, and proclaimed "Happy Memorial Day!" to everyone in sight.

Whether or not the general public enjoyed my dancing to the marching bands I'll never know, but Connor sure did.  That kid hit the hay.

Another reason I had to have another adult with us is because in order to transport two children, both of my strollers had to be put to use.  It was the biggest pain - a double stroller has been in my dreams since the weather has gotten nice.

Actually, I purchased a double stroller about a month ago.  After much debate (and an opinion from the Babies 'R' Us attendant "Jodie"), I ended up going with the Baby Trend...I don't know...Sit 'n Stand Double?  Whatever it was, it sucked.  Totally and completely sucked.  The thing weighed as much as a Mack truck and was twice as long.

At only $169.99, you get what you pay for.  The first thing you need to look at when purchasing a double stroller is 1.) What you'll be using it for.  My purpose is for going on walks in our little town, so I really wanted a side-by-side.  "Jodie" kept telling me I should buy a front-to-back because none of those side-by-sides fit through doors.  WHO CARES.

If I wouldn't have had both boys with me (acting a fool in the cart) I could've made a much more sound decision.  I felt pressured and overwhelmed and pissed.  Obviously I returned the stroller the following weekend, and Babies 'R' Us was amazing about it.

So after reading about a million reviews and stalking parents at the zoo, I'm going to bust my wallet into oblivion by purchasing the Baby Jogger City Mini Double.  Everyone says it's the best double stroller, hands down - it just costs a fortune.  At $449.00, they seriously rip you off.  That doesn't even include accessories like a drink tray or a place to put my phone and bloody mary water bottle.  Anyways, I'm getting it.  Even if it takes me three months to save for it.  Bye bye, two strollers.

// memorial day weekend 2013

// memorial day weekend 2012