It feels so strange to finally be sitting down and writing a blog post. I made it a personal goal for myself that I would try and get two posts out a week and I've been pretty successful. That is, until the boys and I went back home to Little Rock. I sat down one night to work on my blog at my Dad's house and low and behold, a man who owns his own business doesn't have WiFi at his own home!! As much as I was annoyed that first night it made for lots of jokes and jabs during the week at him. It actually worked out for the best, as it felt like a true vacation, and I was able to have some great quality time with my Dad after the boys went down. Well, not the first night, as Whitt, my super independent, I'll do what I want to do son got out of the bed and pack n play 9 times that first night!!

Normally I don't get excited about trips until I've actually landed in my destination. However, before I even left for this trip I was excited. I was excited to see two of my best friends and their kids. But also get some "Tucker" time. I spend most of every day devoted to the boys, that I knew this trip I was going to do the things that I love to do. And the best part is my Mother loves to do the same things, shop and go to design stores. As much as I love Denver I've yet to find anyone who loves to go to design stores and appreciate every item in a shop as I do. It's just way more fun when you can talk about things with friends, or your Mother.

Every Friday in the Donnelly household we have Pizza Friday. Because who wants to cook after a long week when you can order and 3 out of 4 will eat pizza. I'll give you one guess who doesn't like pizza. (hint: Mr. Independent) Then we skip baths and have movie night with popcorn and M&M's. I didn't have these traditions growing up because my parents divorced when I was 2.5 years old so it's important to me that the boys have a few to remember when they grow up. So we had two of my best friends with their families come over and had pizza and a movie and all 7 kids "watched" Finding Nemo.

The Heights

There was a LOT of scootering on Kavanaugh Boulevard in the Heights. It's the neighborhood I grew up in and I LOVE it. I've always said you can get everything you need in the Heights without leaving except buy a car. There's a grocery store, a neighborhood grocery store, hardware store, post office, banks, shops, and restaurants. While scootering around we painted pottery at The Painted Pig, had wine at By The Glass wine bar, went jewelry shopping where I found a simple, yet beautiful rose gold wedding band. (Ask for Kelly or Jackie) Who says three bands is too much right?!! We ate at Heights Taco and Tamale, had gourmet popsicles at Le Pops and cupcakes at Cupcakes on Kavanaugh

There aren't many places where you get praised for letting your children play in the mud fully dressed. Of course my boys were the only children to find the mud at the Little Rock rugby match . So boys will be boys, and you let them play then strip them down to play half naked. You see my Mother and Dad are polar opposites. They were destined for divorce. But as my Dad likes to say as a Dad would, " we got married so we could have you". Sure, nine years later, but that's another story. I got several comments about how people couldn't believe I was Sonya Hamilton's daughter. Because there would be no way Sonya would let her children play in the mud fully dressed in nice clothes! But, the boys had a blast and couldn't believe their "Baba" was able to touch judge at 67 years old!

Ever since I was little during Spring Break my dad would take me to Oaklawn and he would place my $2.00 bet on a horse each race. You see, it's always been a win win for me. He pays for the bets and whatever I win, I keep. Whatever I loose, well, it's his money, so I guess I never technically lost. Of course he's passed this tradition on whenever we come back. But this year, now that Asher is older, he was WAY into it!!! He had a slow slow start but he won back to back races and by golly, that kid walked out with $66.00 that day!!! And Whitt won $6.40 but Baba gave him a $20.00 to feel better. And me, well I didn't win a damn thing!!!! And he didn't give me a $20.00!!! Side note, if you ever go to Oaklawn you have to order a reuben sandwich (it's what they're known for) and a Bloody Mary.

My dad took the boys to The Wonder Place so my Mother and I could go "grown up" shopping. It's only taken almost 5 years and I think he can finally buckle my kids in their carseats! Side note: my younger cousin (who doesn't have kids) who used to live with my Dad told me that once he took the boys to dinner, got them out of their carseats but couldn't figure out how to put them back in their 5 point harness. (anyone with kids knows this is completely fool proof, rather, anyone could probably figure this out) so he called him to help him figure out how to put them back in their car seats. Gotta love it.

So while the boys were playing my Mother and I were shopping!!! I've included list of my Little Rock finds!

This is my dorky stance apparently, but what I'm attempting to "model" are these glasses!!!  I so want a new pair of glasses and I think my big eyebrows want some thick framed glasses — This is my dorky stance apparently, but what I'm attempting to "model" are these glasses!!! I so want a new pair of glasses and I think my big eyebrows want some thick framed glasses

this vest looks way better than how it's shown here.  I plan on pairing it with the blouse below.  By wearing it with a shirt shorter than the vest, the vest is able to take center stage.  As it should, it's tailored to perfection and… — this vest looks way better than how it's shown here. I plan on pairing it with the blouse below. By wearing it with a shirt shorter than the vest, the vest is able to take center stage. As it should, it's tailored to perfection and is very unique

Enough already right?! Here are some shots of some stores my Mother and I visited. If you ever visit Little Rock and need suggestions of where to go or what to do, don't hesitate to ask!

emporium home by ashley childers.  The furniture that they produce is bar none top of the line.  Many of the pieces would look great in any setting and if you stop by and Ashley's father in law is there, he can give you a tid bi… — emporium home by ashley childers. The furniture that they produce is bar none top of the line. Many of the pieces would look great in any setting and if you stop by and Ashley's father in law is there, he can give you a tid bit on practically any piece. My mother and I spent way way too much time in this store with him but it's just so difficult to leave all the beauty. PS: they have a lucite tray for half off that I have my eye on, only $137.00

i love this mirror.  they also have a chandelier version available — i love this mirror. they also have a chandelier version available

Cobblestone and vine  The front room of the Height's Cobblestone and vine is always my favorite.  How could it not with that chandelier?!! — Cobblestone and vine The front room of the Height's Cobblestone and vine is always my favorite. How could it not with that chandelier?!!

i'm thinking something like this for my mother's dining room chandelier

Not photographed but worth the trip is Trianon Antiques and Phoenix Interiors if you're ever in Little Rock.

Thanks so much for reading!

Tucker

Things To Do in Little Rock with Kids

The Heights