Last year, after a few plane trips with an infant in tow, I felt like an expert. This past weekend launched us into flight count double digits and also a new phase of travel, flying-with-a-toddler-that-wants-to-feed-themselves-solid-foods-and-trying-not-to-make-a-mess. While I cannot make any promises on the mess front, I can share with you a few of my new favorite airport food stops. This past weekend we flew at dinner time on both ends of our flight - a great test run for out cross-country flights next month. I quickly learned a few things. Once we get through security, I now make a bee-line for the following eateries to stock up for the flight:

Starbucks - if you have a Starbucks post-security, get excited. These are also a great kid-friendly stop when you are on the road. Our two top picks are peeled dried apple rings and Horizon organic, shelf-stable milk. This is a must have when flying.

Sandwich Shop - typically you can find a fruit cup. This is a big win for my little family. I also hunt for veggie cups, and anywhere that sells soup and is typically willing to fork over a few packs of saltines. I also try to buy at least two water bottles for all of us to stay hydrated on the flight.

Third choice are the souvenir shops - chex mix, gold fish, water bottles, these are a great stop for pre-packaged goods if the fresher options aren't available.

Finally, I learned that bringing an extra small tupperware and or ziplock bag is extremely helpful to make these over priced purchases last, without spilling all over my carryon.

How about the other traveling mommas out there? I would love to know what you do for meals on the road. I am linking up with MiniMeals on with two cats. Join us!

We woke up Sunday morning, said goodbye to our old neighborhood, and headed into the city for church, the aquarium, and a blogger date. Behr loved clapping along with the fur seals, and standing with his nose against the glass of the fish tank, and trying to touch the rays. Before we left the aquarium, Mark took Behr to the harbor seals to tell him the story of our engagement, about how Chuck the seal fetched the ring from the bottom of the tank, and mommy said yes! It was so cute. Behr looked with wide eyes, as if he understood every word.


And there she is, the lovely Alex, in person, woot! She was the ultimate, juggled her schedule, came down to the waterfront, scrapped our plans to get sticky buns at Flour, and accomodated our need for a full meal. We dined at The Living Room, and struck up fabulous conversation for a rainy day. Behr was completely tuckered out and fell asleep in Mark's arms. But one thing is clear, we are definitely getting together next time I am in Boston or she is in DC, over sticky buns and coffee for sure!

About this time last year, RueLaLa was featuring a fine selection of Jack Rogers. I was almost enticed to give up my shoe fast. But I stuck to my promise and did not slip. And then, RueLaLa did me right. They recently had another sale. And today, I am the proud owner of a pair of Navajo Brown Society Jack Rogers. Bring on Summer!

p.s. To those of you who are worried about my budget and my closet space, no need to worry. I am not going to purchase every pair of shoes featured during 2011. The point of the shoes fast was not to defer my spending, but rather to deter. The shoe collection was assessed. Some pairs were tossed, while others were consigned. I am purchasing new shoes, sparingly.

Today, I am linking up with {av} from Long Distance Loving for Friday's Fancies. However, I must confess. As much as I love to follow sports, since having a kid, this is an area of my life that has fallen by the wayside. For the first time since I can remember, not only did I not fill out a bracket, but I don't even have a clue what's going on in March Madness. I miss the thrill of watching games all day and rooting for the underdogs. My sports watching days have been trimmed to football and lacrosse. I have to warn you, I am a diehard Philadelphia Eagles Fan. Seriously. I scream at the television and truly consider myself part of the team. When refering to how the Eagles are doing, I frequently say "we." Behr carries around a Eagles football already, making a momma proud!

So, if Alison, my team, and my Dad will forgive me, I am taking a bit of liberty with cheering for my favorite team today...and even putting a twist on traditional Eagles green. {basically my excuse to share my minty love!} But hey, it's my birthday and mint chocolate chip is my absolute favorite flavor for ice cream and cupcakes! So mint it is.