AUBREY KINCH

stroller- Quinny x Rachel Zoe | leggings- Lululemon 7/8 | hoodie- PinkBlush | carryall tote- Logan & Lenora (code AUBREYLL15 for a discount)

I'm going to be as open and transparent with you right now as I can be without being too vulnerable and sharing too much. How vague is that?! ;)

Since Hollyn was born, I've had a hard recovery. Like HARD. Physically, it took a toll on my body that I never endured after having Emery and it's something just in the last 2 months, I've finally started to feel better. I've been to my OB, my primary doctor, a specialist, and they all were leaning towards pushing me having a hysterectomy. Vague enough? Again, sorry!

Because it's been a huge adjustment and learning curve just functioning on a regular basis, I've been trying to find ways to keep my mood lifted and on top of everyday life and going on a walk helps tremendously!

People told me that from the beginning and although we were out walking a lot when Hollyn was first born, it fizzled out because of the temps increasing in AZ so now that's it's cooled again, it's such a mood booster! I grab the kiddos, fill our big bag of goodies, blankets, and snacks for the park and hit to road in our Quinny x Rachel Zoe Moodd. We blare some music, laugh and chase each other the whole way and by the time we're home an hour or so later, we have happy hearts, tired feet and ready to get some down time.

But that fresh air just makes the day so much better!

SHOP THE POST

jeans- American Eagle | top- Love Winnie James | sandals- Target | crossbody bag- Logan and Lenora | stroller- Quinny | emery dress and shoes- Old Navy

It's Friday! I can't tell you how much we needed something to look forward to after our week. Monday, Hollyn came down the a stomach bug, Tuesday it was Drake, Wednesday Emery and Thursday myself and Andrew. It was rough and I felt like at one point we all wanted to die. The kids and I feel a whole lot better but it's lingering for daddy and we are so looking forward to Sunday when he's off to get some much needed refreshing time together as a family... not puking.

one | two | three | four | five (clip) | six | seven

Hospital bag chat! I had a few requests for what I was packing for Hollyn on instagram so I thought I'd pull a little post together to share. It's not necessary to really bring a lot for baby but it makes your stay more comfortable whether it's one night or a few nights. Comparatively to our first time around, I checked off some boxes of what it was nice to have then and what I wish I had brought (burp cloths!) so this is it.

top- Pink Blush Maternity | leggings- BLANQI (code aubrey25 for 25% off until midnight!)

We got the most exciting package in the mail about a week ago and it's one Emery is all sorts of happy about! A new stroller and car seat! It was time to make the jump and get something for her so we have her current convertible for Hollyn and we went with the new Quinny x Rachel Zoe collection that just recently launched. Best decision ever. We've always had great reviews with Quinny and Maxi Cosi so it was brainless knowing we wanting to jump on board but the detailing on this collection is so beautiful and luxe! It really brings a whole element of chic to gear with babies and toddlers.

Happy Monday! How was your Mother's Day weekend? We spent it low key on Sunday but I went to Junk in the Trunk on Friday night with my mom and sister in law and we had a really great time! I scored this tee from one of my favorite AZ shops and it just says it all... you know? I also got some new chalk paint from another shop I love, Audrey's and I'm thinking I'm going to tackle painting the bathroom cabinets. Would anyone be interested in that before/after?

Summer has officially kicked off in all states as school is out and I'm getting all sorts of creative getting the kids out for days to enjoy the weather before it's too brutally hot and with activities that don't cost a fortune! We don't have many fun places around our home in Surprise but Scottsdale has so much to offer so we recently went over there for an afternoon and it was a blast! 

I thought it would be nice to outline what we did because they're super kid friendly for both school age and stroller babies- so here is a little city guide for those who need a tip for outings!

S C O T T S D A L E   Q U A R  T E R

This area is so great for spending some time cooling off in the splash pad with the kids, shopping around at some cute places (my favorite to hit down there is Gap, H&M, Lululemon and Pottery Barn) and perfect for grabbing a bite to eat. Whether that means froyo or a full meal at Zen Burger, you are golden for an entire afternoon of entertainment. It's located right off Scottsdale Road and Butherus (north of Acoma) so it's easily accessible from Loop 101.

S P R I N K L E S   C U P C A K E S

We all know an outing is an excuse for a little treat with the kids to either keep them happy or to reward them for good behavior (the latter in our case) and there's no better place to stop in Scottsdale than Sprinkles Cupcakes. They recently added the Cupcake ATM and it was Drake's first time seeing it so he was in hog heaven. I also let Emery have her first bite of anything sweet when we grabbed this and she literally screamed when I took her hands off the cupcakes after man-handling it. It was priceless!

You can find this adorable bakery off 74th Street and Camelback right by Scottsdale Fashion Square. If you're not into the outdoor shopping at Scottsdale Quarter, Fashion Square is a great option that's air conditioned to stroll around in with the kids.

S C O T T S D A L E   C I V I C   C E N T E R

The perfect spot for a little laying on a blanket in the shade while the kids play! Grab a blanket, your favorite snack and some water to stay hydrated and you're set, my friend. The kiddos love being here to lounge around and watch the water fountains all throughout the park and it's the famous place of the LOVE sign. Naturally, you'll see a picture of that included! ;)

This little ticket can be located and entered at so many locations! It's lovely and large so you can search it on your GPS and you could be given a few ways to arrive. Make sure to take advantage of The Saguaro Hotel right next door for some fun, bright backgrounds for pictures too!

AUBREY: dress (similar)- American Eagle | hat- Target | sandals- Marshall's | sunnies- RayBan | watch- Kate Spade | bracelets- Loren Hope & Alex & Ani // DRAKE: tee- Indie Nook | shorts- Target | swimsuit- Old Navy // EMERY: top (on sale!)- Gap | head wrap- GuguBerry | sandals (on sale!)- Gap | diaper bag- JujuBe | stroller (Yezz- Blue Loop)- Quinny

This is the first week we have Drake for his summer vacation since we picked him up last night so we kicked it off with a bang and spent the morning at Butterfly Wonderland with our sweet friend, Courtney and her daughter Mia. Drake and I went a couple years ago and he cried the whole time so this time was definitely better. Although he still didn't love it... he just stayed pretty close to me and holding my hand. Poor kid!

It did happen to be one of those days though I was so frazzled and stressed from the get go and it only progressed as the day went on. The cherry on top was Emery spitting her food across Paradise Bakery's floor at lunch and then her spitting up literally across my whole shoulder and back. I mean, it was pretty cute.... ;)! But really, I was happy to come home and both the kids to nap for a couple hours because it was just what I needed to regroup and recharge.

AUBREY: dress- Shop Fancy Free | jean jacket- Old Navy | sandals (similar)- Marshalls | watch- Kate Spade EMERY: chambray top- Gap | bloomers- Elle Belle Bliss | headband- Little Hip Squeaks  | stroller (Zapp Xtra)- Quinny DRAKE: tee- Gap | shorts- Gap | sneaks- Old Navy | "friday" socks- H&M | hat- Amazon

Have a lovely weekend!

Friday was amazing weather in PHX at 75 degrees as it's been in the low 100's so Courtney and I got the girls together for the day and went to the PHX Zoo. I haven't been in almost 5 years so it was fun to walk around again and it was a lot fun to experience it with Emery. I know she's so young that it was just a little outing where her and mama snuggled in her Solly but I got a few pictures to cherish the first time she went to the zoo. 

dress- Nobella Grace | baby carrier- Solly Baby Wrap | sandals- Marshalls | stroller (Buzz Xtra)- Quinny