downtown where all the lights are bright

Here’s a recap of life lately!

When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go…. downtown!

One of my favorite songs from my childhood! But ’tis true of the Charlottesville Downtown Mall, which is celebrating 50 years this year! I’m a few weeks late posting, but in late April we have the Tom Tom Founders Festival where the Downtown Mall gets packed with people, music, and arts. There are talks and speakers throughout the weekend, and a porch-themed music event on Sunday.

This year we had a gorgeous Friday, but sadly Saturday was quite rainy. I got stuck in a downpour that left my shoes soaked for the better part of the evening! (Thanks to Ivy for taking the socks off her feet and warming mine up!)

We still had a fun night out on the town! Many of the restaurants have pop-up bars set up outside, and it’s the only time of the year you can have an open container on the mall.

Birch’s Art

The schools decorated the mall with art, and my artist was one of the few first graders in his school to have a piece on display!

Here is his cubist face (he said it was a self portrait!)

At home we are working on a Mandalorian paint-by-number that Grammie brought.

and reading ALL the Goosebumps books!

Fridays After Five

In a full circle of the arts, B also loves to dance too. We had fun jamming out to Brisk at Fridays After Five, our other favorite downtown mall activity all summer long!

Kid Activities

Mazen has been crushing all things wheels lately with a new mountain bike, a wheelie bike, and his scooter. We’ve been going on lots of evening scooter walks (briefly ditching the scooters to go on this little trail we found).

I also did some walking while watching B kick some goals! He’s gotten so much more into soccer this season.

Bloody Summer Camp 2

Sean’s movie came to Cville for a showing and his fans came to watch! He does a great job playing a camp counselor, and everyone laughed their way between the gruesome scenes. I’ll share when it’s out on streaming.

Kath Eats Real Food

Here are some real meals!

Yogurt bowl with Nespresso

Half bagel / Orange / Yogurt Drink

Daily Harvest Protein Oatmeal + French Press

Hot Oatmeal with Raspberries and PB

(This reminds me of Polly’s simple oatmeal bowls – remember those!?)

More Daily Harvest Oats – love the texture!

Smoked Salmon Salad

Found this at Wegmans and it was great!

Quick Pasta

I also found these at Wegmans – SO GREAT when your pasta-loving kid announces he’s STARVING and can’t wait 20 minutes for pasta to be cooked in a pot! Or when your hungry teenagers wants a hearty snack at 9pm.

Not-Mixed Food

Speaking of that hungry teen, he said he’s tired of “mixed food” and wants more classic meals with meat + starch + veggie. He requested meatloaf and asparagus, so this is what I made! He gave it a thumbs up.

Sausage Gnocchi

Here is an example of a “mixed meal” he rejected despite liking the ingredients. I loved it! A Blue Apron classic.

Honey Mustard Grain Bowls

A Blue Apron lighter meal I loved. I tend to choose their 15 minute meals or assemble and bake recipes for quick and easy options.

Teriyaki Steak + Potatoes

Mazen wanted to try these scalloped potatoes from the frozen section of Wegmans that were quite good! We had them with True Nature teriyaki steak and broccoli.

Christian’s

Quick veggie slice before the movie night!

Happy Hour

I hosted happy hour and made a quinoa and veggie stir fry before people arrived.

Jamaica!

If all goes according to pla (knock on wood), I should be in Jamaica right now with my new AWAY suitcase!! I have wanted a true Away suitcase for years and am obsessed with it. It comes with a compression section, two zippered pockets, a laundry bag, and a beautiful colorful shell. Paired with the slide-over featherweight backpack, I feel like the most organized traveler ever.

Have a great weekend!