Weekend Getaway + Guess What?!

    Natasha, her husband and son smiling at the camera with a body of water behind them

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    We spent the weekend in Cascade Idaho with my husband’s family. The weather there was perfect; low to mid 70’s and cloudy. It was such a nice break from the summer heat we’ve had in the Boise area. It was also great to spend time with family that we don’t see often (they were visiting from Cali).

    The kids loved it (3 of the boys are about the same age). Here’s a peek into our trip and make sure to get to the bottom  of the post for some very exciting news!

    Cascade Vacation

    We spent the most time on the beach. it wasn’t warm enough to swim but we enjoyed the fresh air, let the kids explore and get dirty and even did some fishing (although we didn’t catch much).

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    …. 🙂

    Don’t worry, we didn’t travel this way. My son just loves holding babies. These were all of the kiddos on the trip. All boys.

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    Our vacation rental was right by the beach which was perfect. We walked there a couple times a day.

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    … 🙂

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    I was in charge of breakfast so here’s what was on the menu:

    Morning 1:

    Cantaloupe, cheese, english muffins, cucumbers, nalesniki with all the fixins (cheese crepes that I prepared before we left home), scrambled eggs, bacon, coffee and OJ.

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    Morning 2:

    Buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup, homegrown raspberries, fresh peaches, cantaloupe, sour cream & homemade jam, then hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, cheese, coffee, and orange juice. I love breakfast the most these days because I start feeling worse throughout the day (more on that below).

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    Here’s the crew at breakfast time.

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    My sis-in-law, Nadia was in charge of all the other meals and she did a fantastic job! Thank you so much Nadia for all the time, energy and love you put into our menu . Everyone helped which was so nice. I loved sharing elbow space with these gals.

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    My son insisted that one of his aunties read to him at bedtime. I loved this sweet scene 🙂

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    We also spent alot of cozy moments on the deck overlooking the lake, just chatting it up 🙂

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    Here’s our party of 12.

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    On our last day, we checked out and went to a nearby hot springs. It was nice. I sat in the large “kiddie” pool the whole time but it was so relaxing. The water was just right.

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    And this is what uncles are for:

    Cascade Vacation

    So, the great, exciting and super awesome news (for us anyways)…

    There’s a bun in the oven! That’s right, I’m pregnant! We’ve been working (I won’t elaborate) on this one for a long time :-O. I honestly think stress was a big contributor in making it hard to get pregnant; going from finishing up nursing school, to the big ‘ol nursing boards, then training and starting a new career on nights on a very stressful floor no less (Telemetry)…. When I finally decreased my hours; within a month, I was preggers!

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    I’m so happy and excited to share my joy with you. I’ll be keeping you posted here on occasion and more frequently on my my Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels (for those of you that like that sort of thing ;)). Anyway, God’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. I am 12 weeks and due March 7th. I’m also super curious to know if it will be a girl or boy.

    Our 5-yr old son is probably the most excited. He does the sweetest things for the baby already; like practicing swaddling his teddy and saving bites of food from his plate saying it’s “for the baby” as he scoots it my way. We are so blessed to be pregnant and I’m immensely thankful to God for this blessing.

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    It’s been a little bumpy so far with the food aversions. I couldn’t stand the onions and garlic being in the pantry so we moved them into the laundry room. Now I hate my laundry room. I feel great in the morning but sort of crumby in the evening.

    All of this makes it more challenging to blog, but I’m still plugging along because I don’t want any of you to be hungry in the mean time ;). Love you all and please keep our family in your prayers through this pregnancy. Thanks friends!

    -Natasha

    Leave a Comment

    Comments

    • Anca
      August 27, 2014

      You look wonderful! Congratulations!

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 27, 2014

        Thank you so much 🙂

        Reply

    • Alexandra
      August 27, 2014

      Congratulations!!

      Reply

    • Estera
      August 26, 2014

      First off… CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy. May God bless you and your family with a healthy baby that will bring you only joy & happiness Always & Forever. 🙂

      One question though (if you don’t mind me asking)…Where was this place you went to in Idaho ? It is beautiful and since we’re planning a trip to Idaho next year, I’d love to spend some time with the family in that beautiful area as well. 🙂

      Don’t worry about blogging and food until you’re feeling better, we’re here and not going anywhere 🙂 Take care of yourself and the baby !
      Blessings !

      Reply

    • Tatyana
      August 26, 2014

      Very happy for u sweetheart! I’m expecting too and I have a hard time looking or cooking food! Nothing sounds good specially meat!!! You should make a post about ur cravings and some food that are really easy to diagest for preggos!!!:) God bless u in ur pregnancy and wishing u all the blessings!!!

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        That would be a good post for me too! 🙂 Congrats on your pregnancy too! What trimester are you in? I hope it gets easier for you soon! 🙂

        Reply

    • Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking
      August 26, 2014

      Congratulations, Natasha! I couldn’t be more happy for you and your family! You are an absolutely stunning pregnant woman! Seriously…if I could just look half as adorable as you when I finally get pregnant, I would never ask for anything else! 🙂

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        Sheesh thanks dear 🙂 You’re so nice 🙂

        Reply

    • Pamela Heady
      August 26, 2014

      Congratulations on your pregnancy! Your pictures look like you had a wonderful time with gorgeous scenery and fabulous family! Isn’t that such a delightful way to recharge??

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        It sure is. I felt like a slug the whole time but at least I was a slug on vacation. lol

        Reply

    • Oksana
      August 26, 2014

      Congrats!!! Great timing, one will be in school and one will be brand new! Hope the rest of your pregnancy gets better!!!

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        I admit I am pretty happy about that. My son is going to make a fantastic big brother.

        Reply

    • Katya
      August 26, 2014

      CongratulTions Natasha!! I love all your recepies u make them seem so easy!! Thank u!! What a wonderful blessing! I’m excited for you!

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        I’m so glad you enjoy the recipes and thank you so much! 🙂

        Reply

    • JILL
      August 26, 2014

      Congratulations to the three of you. You make a wonderful family & your new baby girl will help to complete the picture of happiness

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        So you think it’s a girl eh? 🙂

        Reply

    • Agnieszka
      August 26, 2014

      Congratulation Natasha!!
      Very happy for you and your family!! 🙂

      Reply

    • Vika
      August 26, 2014

      Aw, congratulations to you guys! That’s so exciting! I knew something was up when you would write comments such as “our first child”. 🙂
      My first 2 children are 5 years apart, and our first has always been such great help with the baby. Wishing you all the best!!

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        You got me! 🙂 I’m so excited to see my son interact with his baby sibling. It’s going to be a beautiful thing I’m sure 🙂

        Reply

    • Vera@VerasCooking
      August 26, 2014

      Congratulations Natasha and Vadim! Wishing lots of blessings to your beautiful growing family.

      Reply

    • Inessa @ GrabandgoRecipes
      August 26, 2014

      Congratulations Natasha and Vadim!!! So happy for you:)

      Reply

    • Katya @ Little Broken
      August 26, 2014

      Awesome news and what a blessing 🙂 I can relate in so many ways. Congrats to you and your growing family!

      Reply

    • Sara
      August 26, 2014

      Congrats!!!! And I remember one of your posts you said ur son was praying for twins specifically lol and who knows- maybe so??? 😉

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        Ha ha yeah he did pray for that! The ultrasound only showed one, but I guess anything is possible! lol

        Reply

    • Shinee
      August 26, 2014

      How exciting! Congratulations. Natasha!

      Reply

    • Anastasia
      August 26, 2014

      Awww congratulations Natasha!!!! Such amazing news! God bless your little bundle of joy!

      Reply

    • Katie
      August 26, 2014

      great news! Congrats! May God bless your pregnancy !:)

      Reply

    • Mila L.
      August 26, 2014

      Congrats on your pregnancy. So exciting and can’t wait to find out if it’s a boy or girl. You look amazing.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        Thank you so much Mila 🙂

        Reply

    • Olena@iFOODreal
      August 26, 2014

      Congratulations, Natasha! It’s awesome! Kids are a blessing on their own, and it’s amazing to watch your kid grow. But it’s even more awesome to watch your kids grow together! You all will love it! Can’t wait to know who you are having! My bet is a girl.:)

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        August 26, 2014

        I am so looking forward to seeing them interact and love on each other 🙂 So far everyone thinks its a girl. We will see! 🙂 Thanks Olena 🙂

        Reply

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