Friday Favorites!

Remember, I’ll be replying back to your comments on this post, so check back!

Happy Friday, y’all! Today I’ve got a random list for y’all–things we did as a family, books, a YouTube channel, a blog post–all the things!

one

Last Saturday we went to Birmingham for the day and visited the Mcwane Center. I remember going as a kid on field trips, but Dustin never went so this was an exciting trip for him (I think he may have had as much fun as Harrison did LOL). We did lots of things–laid on a bed of nails, shot bottles into the air, played in a pretend city, acted as meteorologists, tried to pet a sting ray and shark, and lots and lots of other things! Harrison and Banks had a great time and Merritt just enjoyed coming along for the ride 🙂

two

I read The Women in four days! It was SO GOOD! I learned so much about women nurses serving in Vietnam during the war, but what I didn’t realize (and also learned) was what it was like coming home for them after their tour was done. This novel follows Frankie, who signs up to be a nurse in the Army as a 20 year old and is shipped over to Vietnam. My heart ached for her and I did cry at the end of this novel. If you end up reading this, I’d love to chat about this with you!!!

I finished this book and am so encouraged about lengthening my health span. There are certain goals I want to make sure I can do once I get much older (like carrying groceries in the house, bending over and picking up my grandchildren, climbing stairs, getting up from sitting on the ground, etc) so I know training for those activities starts today. I’ve already been working on adding lots of protein to my diet, but I know I also need to work on adding strength training to my routine. And I was also encouraged to stay active throughout the day in any way I can (which right now isn’t hard with having 3 small children).

three

Our splash pad came in the mail and it has been something we’ve been playing with every day! This was a great purchase and I’ve told Dustin that I’m really proud of myself for buying it haha!

four

I will sometime watch YouTube while I’m feeding Merritt if Banks is napping and Harrison is having his quiet rest time. I came across this girl’s channel somehow and it’s been so fun to watch. She lives in the Cotswolds and I’ve loved seeing what life is like in the English countryside.

five

Speaking of English living, a blogger I love, Shay, blogged yesterday about European lifestyles that she wanted to adapt in her every day life. She blogged about afternoon tea, and I’ve started drinking hot tea at night before bed and it’s been the best thing! I didn’t think about it being an English tradition, but it’s been a really nice nightly routine that I look forward to.

six

Yesterday I needed to grab pajamas out of Merritt’s room and asked Harrison to hold her really quick while I ran into her room. It was the cutest sight so I had to take a picture! My oldest and my youngest 🙂