shug's mama date (ETC)

I really need to work on getting out my real camera for some ETC action. But, the iPhone is just right there. Being all small and portable. Being all easy to hold up in front of me. Making embracing so easy! Still, it's the quality. I want some crisp, clear, high-resolution shots with my kiddos, too. But, iPhone... you pull me in.

Especially on days like last Saturday. When there's no way I was gonna lug that biggie camera around all day.

On half birthdays, I take my girls out for an all day Mama Date. On Dude's half birthday, Sam takes him hiking, just the two of them. The girls pretty much get to pick what we do... but, I may throw a request in here or there. And, of course, I have full veto power. It has to be something we can easily do in just one Saturday.

Shug wanted to visit the replica of the Santa Maria.

She's really into this kind of thing.

If only there had been pirates, but no. Only gold-hungry, history-making explorers.

Thankfully the rain held off for most of the morning. The ship was fun! And I really liked letting her take her time, just focusing on her interests.

Then lunch at a nearby restaurant. One of my favorites.

Because these pancakes are the best stinkin' pancakes known to man. They're made with ricotta. Sounds weird, but they're fantastic.

The some shopping. But, not before I took a little nap in World Market's parking lot.

Not kidding.

Disappointing World Market day. All I found was the two mugs I originally went for and a hook for my bags in the entryway. The stuff at World Market is just too global-looking for me. Go figure.

A little more putzing around and then... Jeni's. Too expensive to take all the kids at once. Perfect for a mama date :)

Have you heard of Jeni's? It's one of the top 5 ice creams in the U.S. It may even be #1... not really up on my ice cream stats. But, at any rate, it's seriously good. Bizarre flavor combos or more traditional ones with just a little flare added in.

I almost always get the same thing. Because I'm boring. And too safe. Salty Caramel. But, I know I won't go away wishing I had chosen a different flavor.

Can I show you the inside of this little shop? It has nothing to do with ETC or our Mama Date, but it's just too cute.

Those are cupcake liners. And how great is that tile?

So fun.

I branched out and got crazy. I got two half scoops and tried a new flavor. One half scoop Salty Caramel and one half scoop Honey Pistachio. YUM. But, I still liked the Salty Caramel best :)

We had a terrific day. I so look forward to taking my girlies out one on one. Sometimes we get closer to the true half birthday mark than others (this one was 4 months late!), but it's always fun to just hang out and do some special things together.

Word.

(That was for you, Emily.)

Happy Embracing, y'all!