The Two-Wheelin' Chef

Good evening. What. A. Week. I know I post that often but so much went down this week with even more going down this week so I best get right to it. This week was Mia's Spring Break. The goal was to relax and have plenty of fun. The weather was absolutely amazing and we took full advantage of that from the beginning. Mia and I made a little trip to Target in pursuit of a new bike. The diva took a 2 1/2 year hiatus on having any interest in riding her bike. She would ride bike with the training wheels every once in a while, but it was super rare. she never had any interest in actually learning to ride it sans training wheels up till this week. She saw over the weekend prior this teal mountain bike that peaked her interest. There was no way I was going to get it if she didn't think she'd she could learn how to ride it. Bought the bike on sale and a brand new helmet. She brought it over to my Mom's when I had to go to work. She made a few laps attempting to get used to riding and balancing at the same time. A little wobbly at times but I definitely admire her first go at it. The next morning she said goodbye to Jill when she went to work and immediately wanted to go back outside and ride. Did a little more riding before my in-laws came over. I once again had to work, so my father in law took the next shift at helping Mia ride her bike. When I got home from work, Mia was awake waiting up for me just to tell me that she learned how to ride her bike! Two solid days of practice and patience and determination. She did it. She was out till dark riding laps around the house. The rest of the week, she wanted to ride her bike. I had told her from the very beginning that once she learned how to do it, she'll always want to be riding it. Boy was I right. I want to take this opportunity to thank my very patient Mom and in-laws for helping Mia. The next day, she had me running with her and she rode around for at least an hour and a half. So fun, yet exhausting running along with her.

Thursday, I was off so my Mom and I took Mia to the zoo. The weather was actually too nice out that some of the animals weren't out. Most importantly, the red pandas weren't out. Sadly, the otters area was drained and they were cleaning their compound. Bummer, my Mom really wanted to see it. We did get to see a seal/sea lion trainer train another zoo member on tricks for the creatures which was fun. The onlooking polar bear was super jealous of his neighbors getting tossed fish. A little lunch and a few other exhibits before calling it a day. All in all, really fun time. Friday, Mia and I did some fashion photo session at her school in the back on the playground. She picked out about a dozen outfits and sadly, we couldn't get to all of then. I've got plenty to edit this week, that's for sure.

Saturday the snow came in. I did some grocery shopping while Mia had a play date with BFF Cecilia for a few hours. It was nice the two could get together and hang before school started up again. Later, Mia planned a fun dinner for Jill and I. She made us Fettuccine, mashed potatoes with sparking strawberry drinks with a lime wedge. Mia prepared everything and did a great job. This was sort of an intro to her very exciting class she would have the next day with BFF Charlie.

Today, we got up early and I took Mia and her friend Charlie to Maggianos Little Italy for an authentic Italian cooking class. I had planned to just drop the kiddos off and pick them up later, but A-they really wanted parents/guardians to stick around and B-The class actually ended early. Oh well.  It ended up being fun snapping photos of the divas playing and creating meatballs. The girls were taught by a real chef which both thought it was really cool. They had a little breakfast/lunch while the chefs fired up the meatballs. After wards, they decorated cookies, learned how to flip food in a pan and colored. All in all, amazing time for the kids with a truly unique experience. The little bonus was that the proceeds from the ticket prices went to the Make a Wish foundation. I took Charlie back to her house before heading back to watch the rest of Chelsea vs Man hoping they'd get the win but it ended in a draw 1-1. Still in 4th place. 3rd is still a possibility. Mia shared a bit of her meatballs with Jill and I and they were pretty awesome. Totally proud of her and I'm so glad she had fun day with her bestie. Over the weekend, I found out one of my ALL-TIME favorite bands The Lawrence Arms is playing in some old arcade in of all places, Cudahy in June so I immediately picked up tickets before they sell out. More bands are to be announced for this show, so it'll be interesting to see who else is on the bill.

This week, I've got High Interest Day rock painting on Friday, Mia's got dance photos Saturday before a HAWS event she's receiving an award for. That's all for now, thanks for reading!!