"These ARE the days..."

I read a post not too long ago, about an experience a momma of littles had while vacationing at the beach with her family. I haven't been with my two, but I can imagine what prepping, planning, and packing that must be done, since just going to the library or park takes an extra half-hour (at least) for me. As they were struggling to leave the beach with all their stuff, with a two-year-old and 4-month-old in tow, she overhears an older man commented to his wife, "Those were the days, weren't they?" She explains, that since that moment, her views on parenting has changed, and reading her words, they've changed me too.

Since I became a mom, it's all a lot more difficult - but also more beautiful - than I ever thought. I've written before that somehow I thought I'd suddenly have it "all together" with a daily schedule and homemade meals. And if you're a parent and reading this, you know that that is just simply laughable. Each and everyday I struggle to find the balance of juggling chores that need to be done, fun time with my beautiful babies, time for myself, and moments to have a few conversations with my sweet husband.

These are the days that are filled with diaper changes, laundry, crumbs in crazy places, and dishes that never seem to all be done. They are full of bargaining with a threenager, comforting a fussy baby, and less sleep than we ever thought we could survive on. These are the days of to do lists that never get done, groceries that always need to be bought, and errands that stack up quicker than we can get to them. These are the days of something always needing to be cleaned, less money and time for ourselves, and a "fuller" midsection. These are the days that can bring out the worst in us, and are all-humbling. But these are also the days of morning snuggles, hugs and kisses from the purest of hearts, and us being our children's heroes. These are the days when the babies will just stare at us in wonder, and our toddlers are experiencing things for the first time with so much incredible joy. Our days will be filled with backyard bubbles, sidewalk chalk, ice cream cones, bath time fun, reading and rereading books, and tea party picnics. These are the days that seem long and short at the same time, and both amazing and frustrating. We will wonder if we're doing anything right, and then our children will say they want to be just like us when they grow up or doing something kind for someone else without being asked. Our hearts will fill with pride and happiness, as well as exhaustion and worry. These are the days friends.

So while most days seem monotonous, and like we're never actually accomplishing anything, they're also days we'll look back on and long for again someday. The same way we wish we could have one more kid free day to savor the moments of simplicity, someday our hearts will ache for the sweet sounds of a baby's voice, the feeling of a squishy toddler in our laps, the smell of sunshine on little sweaty bodies, and seeing a sweet smile just because. A line from Andy, in the last episode of "The Office", is one that will always stick with me: "I wish there was a way to know that you're in the 'good ol' days', before you've left them." We are lucky enough to get that chance, if we can just pause a little each day to remember that THESE ARE THE DAYS!

Ventures with the Valenti: The Wheeler Ferris Wheel

It was a tough week for humans, and a tough week for us with Daddy traveling, so we just needed to get outside and enjoy some time together with our family on a new adventure. The weather was perfect, so we decided to visit the new and upcoming area of OKC, the Wheeler District and their recently opened Wheeler Ferris Wheel! It is even infamous for it's appearances in Forrest Gump, Titanic, and Iron Man. Here is an article from NewsOK about more of what the developers are planning, and it sounds like it is going to be another great addition to our beautiful city!

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What & Where: 
The Wheeler Ferris Wheel is located at 1701 S. Western, just off I-40 and the Oklahoma River. The Oklahoma City skyline is on display as the backdrop, and it is just amazing! Though we didn't get many pictures of the grounds, they are family friend and fun: picnic tables, friendly music, yard games, clean restrooms (with a changing table), shade from the stacked packing containers, and grassy areas to spread out picnic blankets. They have a snack bar with chips, granola bars, and drinks, but also plan to have food trucks regularly! We had a little of each...ordered our main course from one of my favorite food trucks, Buttermilk Southern Sliders, brought a few snacks of our own, and grabbed a cold soda from their snack bar.

Here's a great picture from their Facebook page, that accurately displays the great views!

After we ate, we got our tickets and didn't have to wait but about 5 minutes. The cost is just $6 per person, and ages 0-3 are free. You can also get a day pass for $10 or a season pass for $30. We then took some pictures with the extra large "OKC", that I am sure will become an icon of our city. And finally, we got in line for the Ferris Wheel and waited with much excitement from Ellie, our 3-year-old! The wait was longer than what should usually be expected for us, because they needed to make a quick fix while we were in line. The staff greatly apologized, but we didn't mind with such a beautiful night to enjoy! We shared our gondola with another family of three, but there was still plenty of room to enjoy our ride. Walt, who is 4-months, hung with friends while we rode. Though it is still up to the rider, they do not recommend infants, pregnant women, or individuals with other serious health conditions to ride, just like an other ride at a theme park.

 

 So pretty from every angle!

The ride around last about 10 minutes, and we were able to see far and wide at the top. It was not even a little scary for Ellie, and she really enjoyed it!

When:
Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Friday & Saturday, 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Our favorite part: 
The ride on the Ferris Wheel, of course! But really the whole evening was so much fun, and a perfect place to meet up with friends too. And I love seeing people of all ages there, even our city's own mayor, Mick Cornett!

Things we would do differently next time:
Honestly, nothing that I can think of! We arrived about 7:00, as it was cooling off, ate our dinner, got our tickets, took a few pictures by the OKC, and got in line for the Ferris Wheel!

We hope to go again soon with more friends and family, so maybe we'll see you there! Until then, you can keep up with their events by following their Facebook page!