Friday Faves

Whew! This was a wild, semi-stressful week, and I am glad it is Friday! This week has been a futile attempt to transition the kiddos back to their home routine after spending 10 days at their grandparents' house while we were in Italy. We spent a good bit of time in the pool trying to re-train Bobby on his swimming lessons from last year and trying to teach Vivi the art of floating (and by "we," I mean Alex, because I have to be far, far away from all the shrieking). I always want to jump in and rescue them from drowning, but I know that's just part of it. Alex did a great job teaching Bobby last year, so I'm sure that Vivi will pick it up very soon. We also did quite a bit of watermelon eating. In the pool. Because it's just easier that way.

Why is Vivi sitting in a high chair outside, you ask? Well, that would be because the precocious little beastie girl tried to climb into the pool off the side. In the deep end. Because brother did. My girlfriend and I almost died a little when she did that. She's fearless just like her big brother.

 Some of this week has not been pretty. Both babes came down with a mysterious, week-long bout of diarrhea, which caused insane diaper rash. Bobby's was the worst, of course (why couldn't the more docile child have had the more inconvenient case of it, I ask? Did it really have to be the one who roundhouse kicks me to the face every time I try to wipe him? I digress..) Neither one has ever had much diaper rash problems before, but when it rains it pours.

Speaking of pouring, you can definitely tell it's summertime because it rains for about an hour every afternoon here in Florida. I actually like it because it usually coincides with nap time, and I think it sets the mood for a lazy siesta. Bobby wanted to play in the rain the other day after his nap, and instead of wringing my hands about the inevitable soppy mess it would produce, I said, "Go for it, dude." He had a great time getting soaked. And can we talk about that bed head for a minute? I don't know what to do with his crazy hair. There's never a time where it doesn't look like this in the back.

We had to turn the rental car in, so Alex and I are headed to buy two new cars tomorrow (hopefully!). Those are our big weekend plans. I'm sad to part with the money, but excited to have a new ride!

Some favorites this week include:

• Desitin MAX Strength- We tried almost every butt paste and diaper rash cream at the drug store and nothing was working. I went back to the store and started looking at the ingredients, and literally 12 out of 15 had the exact same active ingredient (zinc oxide) in the exact same amount. Then I looked at the Desitin MAX Strength and noticed that it has nearly triple the amount of zinc oxide than the rest, plus it is very thick and pastey. The rash is still there, but it is finally beginning to clear up after a week+.
• I have absolutely no need for these shoes, but man, they are the most adorable and versatile flats I've ever seen. I would wear them (the tan..I rarely wear black shoes) with almost everything this summer. Please, somebody buy them and let me live vicariously through you.
• Alex is always complaining about Vivi's skimpy bikinis (this doesn't bode well for her teenage years), so I got her this adorable swimsuit to wear at the pool this summer. I think this adult suit would be perfect for the sweetest mama + mini beach day! 
• Speaking of flamingos, aren't these ice cube trays the CUTEST?! They also have pineapple ones. 
• I'm swooning over these malachite studs. I love that color green for Summer!
•  And finally, I made these turkey burgers this week, and they were AMAZING. The only change was that I used panko bread crumbs instead of traditional bread crumbs. The flavor is oh-so-good with the sauce, and we didn't even miss the bread because they didn't need buns at all! These are a must-try for sure!

Happy Friday, friends!

Have a great weekend!