Day 2861 | Haunted Trail Fundraiser

I know, I know. It’s been forever. Instead of apologizing, I’ll just say that I have been thinking about the blog and all of you, it just hasn’t been fitting into my life like it used to—the time for posting and the daily photos at my disposal. I hope you understand.

It’s been a lovely start to the school year. The boys are both thriving (in the same school again!) and we’ve hit a rhythm with our weekdays and weekends.

I’m not sure what the future holds for this blog, but here’s a creepy photo of us while I figure it out. We volunteered to scare folks at the 4-H club’s haunted trail again. I don’t think I’ll ever understand why someone would want to be scared constantly for an hour but I’m glad they show up and support our local youth.

Day 2860 | Back to School 2025

These two are back in the same building for one year—and I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one! 6th grade for Robbe and 8th grade for Chase. The summer was pretty dreamy, but it’s time for some structure and extra friend time.

Day 2859 | Rubik’s Cube

He did it! He solved a Rubik’s Cube. I honestly thought my kids were going to make it all the way through their childhoods without solving this thing. Chase decided today was the day and he did it—about 9 times. Woohoo!

Day 2858 | Bird Museum

A free bird museum basically in our backyard that haven’t visited yet? Yes, please!

How has it taken us so long to make time for this?!?

Day 2857 | Chippewa Falls Fun Day

Chase and I had such a fun day together. We explored Chippewa Falls—a neighboring city to Eau Claire where we never spend any time. We went to a new food market, explored the riverfront bench swings, enjoyed root beer floats, supported a few local shops, learned a lot at the Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology, and more…if you can believe it!

Thank goodness for no plans and the space to explore. Today was a lovely day.

Day 2856 | Solo Time [Again]

Chase and I are maximizing our solo time while Robbe is at camp and—although we miss the youngest member of our family—we have had lots of fun. Today’s adventures included a bike ride, a movie with a friend, and video gaming with dad (while I happily read). This is what living your best life looks like as a 13 year old.

Day 2855 | Black & White

Two best friends.

Day 2854 | Camp Drop Off: Take 2

It’s Robbe’s turn for camp and this kid was beyond ready. Drop off could not come soon enough today. You can see the excitement in his eyes, can’t you?

My mom heart is not cut out for two weeks of separation and camp-related stress. Good thing Chase is here to distract me!

Day 2853 | Mini Golf

On his last day of solo-dom, Robbe requested mini golf. So we found mini golf. Check.

Day 2852 | Swimming Bug

Robbe has been in a swimming pool three out of the last four days. That’s an impressive stretch. He’s not always rocking these sweet diving moves, but he is always living his best life.

Day 2851 | Solo Time

What do you do when your brother is at camp? All your favorite things without any compromise, of course. This guy is living his best life. But also misses his brother. :)

Day 2850 | Camp Drop-Off: Take 1

The boys are having separate camp adventures this year because Chase has graduated to teen camp. It was tough to leave him this time around—for a number of reasons—but he was excited and ready for the week ahead.

Think happy thoughts for our solo camper.

Day 2849 | Fair Volunteering

Busy day at the 4-H fair. Robbe was on the grounds for 10 hours today! Granted, not all of that was volunteering but a lot of it was! Food stand, Lego activity, balloon twisting…fun AND helpful. A win-win!

Day 2848 | Solo Time

The roles have been reversed and now Robbe is home with me while Chase has a morning camp. He brings a different intensity to life but that’s what we all need.

Day 2847 | Fair Judging

Day two of the fair means judging time! The boys did multiple interviews about their projects and already earned a bunch of blue ribbons (and one red each). Stay tuned tomorrow for the official results.

I can’t wait to take in all the projects on display—theirs and everyone else’s. I just love seeing the talent and creativity of these kids.

Day 2846 | 4-H Fair Time

We did it! We made it to the fair project drop off. Between both boys, we delicately delivered 41 projects—from posters to candles, and photography to Legos. This was probably my favorite fair-prep season so far. I had so much fun passing on my crafting and design knowledge—and trying out new projects, too. The boys were very patient and motivated through it all.

Judging starts tomorrow so I’ll be sure to report back!

Day 2845 | Kitty Snuggles

The best.

Day 2844 | 4-H Mania

It’s 4-H project season around here and we’re getting things wrapped up. If all goes as planned, the boys will be entering 43 projects this time around (total, not each). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I do love 4-H fair season. It’s a lot of work with sometimes minimal motivation but it is very cool to see what they accomplish.

Day 2843 | Balloons Animals

Chase is basically a balloon artist now. He can twist dogs and swords. I’ll let you know if his portfolio expands.

Day 2842 | Trolley Ride

It’s been almost a month since I last posted. I’m not going to apologize because I don’t feel like I had much say in the matter. Summer is crazy and blogging just hasn’t made it to the top of my list, unfortunately.

I’ll chime in today, though, with this sweet photo of Chase and me on a trolley tour. I’ve been waiting 1.5 years to get on this thing and it finally happened today thanks to a dear friend’s birthday. It was every bit as fun as I had imagined. Take a trolley tour—you won’t regret it!