one. We are headed to Taiwan TODAY. We might already be en route or there when you’re reading this. The flight is direct (thank goodness) but 13 hours long. 13. Hours. For a mama, that reads as 13 hours where I need to get my night sleep, get my kids to have their night sleep, and entertain a curious toddler and a 9 month old who’s current favorite activity is walking by holding my fingers. All, on a plane. Thank goodness for my sister-in-law and brother-in-law that are flying with us. They are the best. 

two. I’m generally very excited about our trip. One of the things I’m most looking forward to in Taiwan is the night market shopping! The last trip, I picked up a native print sweater and ankle boots which have become my favorite pieces that I’ve worn over and over again. The pressure is on to make great purchases this time too!

three. As part of our trip, we’re also stopping over in South Korea for a few days. I probably don’t need to tell you that I’m really, really, really looking forward to THE FOOD. My mouth is watering just thinking about all the yummy goodness. On another note, it’s only my 2nd time visiting the country and I’m looking forward to exploring my cultural roots more, and experiencing it with my husband and children who are going for the first time. I think the trip will be really meaningful for us.

four. In preparation for our time away, we have been cleaning out our fridge for the last week. We had half a block of gruyere cheese leftover, and Pat requested that we make gruyere and apple grilled cheese sandwiches. It sounded good to me! I used this recipe, and this one for inspiration.

five. Our friend Maria recently gave us a HUGE bag of lemons and oranges from trees in her yard. We were so excited! While we were visiting, she also made us fresh-squeezed orange juice. It was insanely delicious. It’s been so hot here lately and earlier this week, I brought the kids outside, filled our veggie harvest bin with water, gave the citrus a wash, and squeezed orange juice on our deck. Gianna downed it and asked for more.

six. I just returned the Smitten Kitchen cookbook to the library. I’ve been following the blog for awhile and was not disappointed by the book. It’s awesome.

seven. I mentioned earlier that Caleb is holding my fingers and walking! He’s been doing this for the last few weeks, and I’m pretty sure he just want to skip this whole crawling nonsense and go straight to the more exciting stuff. It’s really cute seeing such a tiny human bumbling around, but I’m mourning the fact that I continue to not have free hands by him skipping the crawling stage! Gianna’s first steps on her own were actually in Taiwan back in December when she was 15 months old. Pat has been joking that Caleb’s first steps are also destined to happen while we’re there. We shall see.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!