Weekend Getaway

A couple of weeks ago (I can't believe it's already been that long!) we decided to take a mini trip to Albuquerque, NM to visit their zoo, botanic gardens and aquarium. It's four hours away from here and it just seemed like a quick little getaway for the weekend.

We really enjoyed the road trip, we packed snacks galore for Elliot, a couple of sandwiches for Jack and I and headed out. I also packed a couple of books and toys for Elliot to be entertained along the way and we decided to forward face his seat so that he could see us! I completely believe in the two-year rule but I knew he would be okay and that he was ready. I didn't like seeing his legs being squished in the rear facing position and so we made the conscious decision to switch him.

It was the very first time the day of the trip and he wasn't so sure at first. He kept telling us "no, no" when we put him in but once we were all packed in the car and started heading out, he saw that his view was different and so much better! He loved it. He was such a good sport and was really good on this trip. He had his moments where he wanted a different snack other than the hundred other ones I packed but other than that, we stopped a couple of times to walk with him for a while and to stretch our legs.

We sang the ABC's, said our numbers, sang and listened to music (we were joking about me being like the girl in The Heartbreak Kid), talked and it was so much fun! It was good to have some quiet time when Elliot napped to talk and play games with Jack. Nothing like a long stretch of road with nothing ahead to gather our thoughts and regain our strength. (Clueless fans!)



Note: I must say that we bought this car seat (I think it's Evenflo) to put in my car and Jack kept the Britax and it is so much more comfier than the Britax and we paid half the price! I love how easy it is to tighten or loosen the harness without doing back flips trying to figure it out. We love it!



I think we picked the perfect time to go since the weather was really nice and gosh we went right in the middle of the trees changing color. It was such a beautiful sight I wish I would've taken more pics!

Fiiiiiish! (And drool) :)

It was so dark in there but these creatures amaze me! I couldn't stop looking at them. They were so peaceful.

I think it's safe to say he loved the zebras. He did not want to leave! I think he could have stayed there all day if we let him.

Actually, feeding the ducks was his absolute favorite. I had to hold him back from jumping in the water with them!

We ordered room service every night at the hotel and the food was so freaking good. The hotel was hosting a group and conference from Amnesty International and it was so cool to see so many people coming together! We got in the pool, walked around, went to happy hour with Elliot (other parents had their kids there, don't judge! ha!) and of course he was walking around saying hi to everyone and even stopped to talk to two young guys who said "he was the bomb" ha!

It was such a nice little getaway that we are already planning our next one after the holidays! It's nice to be able to take off for a weekend when we have so many places that are close enough to take a toddler without regretting it halfway there. We were really impressed with Elliot! ;) 

Have a great rest of the week!

Recipe.

As promised, here's the recipe for the delicious fish dish I posted on my Instagram (@shadiabrown).

This is very simple yet so so good and so healthy!

You're going to need:

Any fish that you like (I used Tilapia)
A can of tomato sauce (no salt added)
2 cloves of garlic
Cilantro (Yum)
2 small tomatoes
Parsley Flakes
Paprika
Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper

Cover a container in foil, make sure it's not too shallow otherwise it can spill and cause you a whole lot of mess and trouble in your oven. Add a little Olive Oil to the bottom. Add the Tilapia. Dice the tomatoes with some of the cilantro, the garlic, and a little more Olive Oil. Mix in a container and add to the fish. Add some of the tomato sauce to the fish as well with a little bit of water so it doesn't dry up. Sprinkle a little salt & pepper, parsley flakes & paprika. Put in the oven at 400 degrees. I know it's hot but when you need to cook things fast to get all your other shit done, trust me, you'll do the same. Besides, fish cooks pretty quickly! Check on it after about 15-20 mins. It should be juicy but cooked. I also added a couple of chilies for a little kick but this is completely up to you depending on your tolerance for heat.

For the salad all you need is baby spinach and yellow, red and orange peppers. The ones that are meant to go on a veggie tray. Slice the peppers and add lime and olive oil to the salad. Simple and quick.

I sauteed brussel sprouts and mushrooms in a little Olive Oil and some lemon pepper. We love lemon pepper around here. This is the perfect veggie side dish.

Update: Forgot to add the watermelon water! Jack took care of this one. Cube watermelon in the blender and add some water. Blend and enjoy! We never add sugar because it's naturally sweet and granted,  watermelon is not always as sweet as it should be, but it's so refreshing when it's lightly sweet.

The best part about this whole thing? Eating it!

Did you really think I would write a new post without sharing a picture of my Button? :)

Happy Wednesday!