As an impromptu birthday trip, we went up north to my family’s hunting cabin for a little getaway. There was four-wheel riding, bb gun shooting, and campfire sitting. We all enjoyed the escape and the fresh air—the boys especially.
Same boys. Same brick wall. One year later. They clean up pretty well, right?
One of Robbe’s friends drew him this picture. It depicts Robbe, this friend, and two other boys in his class playing gaga ball. My boys have never been particularly interested in drawing so when I see art like this I can’t help but be impressed. There’s so much detail!
We’re waist-deep in the planning stages of a pretty sizeable home renovation project around here. We’ve decided to take on a master bathroom renovation and add another guest bathroom in one rip-the-bandaid-off type of moment.
It turns out that renovation projects are kind of a time-suck. And super expensive. Who knew, right?
I’ll have a lot more to say about this project as the days and weeks (and months!) drag on, but for now enjoy this colorful snapshot of the boys helping me pick out paint swatches.
In case you’re wondering, this is what ten mums shoved into a Volkswagen Tiguan looks like. And I promise they’re not all mine. I like fall but I’m not crazy.
I made it home to see my crazy cats before bedtime. Woohoo! It was such a good trip, but man, is it nice to be home. I missed my boys (all three of them)—probably more than I should have!
I love that I could be there for my sweet friend (and boss!) as she navigates life as a mom of two. We had a lovely time catching up on a million things with no real agenda all weekend. And, truly, nothing makes me happier than to lighten the loads of new moms. I remember so clearly how hard that time can be and how much of a difference having another set of hands can make.
And now I’m staying home for a bit. I realized that I’ve been gone for a weekend+ trip every month since June. That’s really crazy for me. My jet-setting days are behind me for now. And I’m not complaining about that one bit.
I’m on Cape Cod visiting my bestest friend (and her new baby brother) this weekend. Can you handle how cute she is?!?
We even managed an extended walk and some beach time on this beautiful day. Visiting friends is the best.
We actually made it out of the house with a couple of minutes to spare this morning (shocking, I know). I forced the boys to stop on the bridge for this bike-ride commute selfie. I’m not sure how many more mornings we’ll have with this beautiful weather. I wanted to make sure to capture it.
We finally got the warm snap we were hoping for. I was worried that we were going to miss this last jolt of summer—fall seemed to be knocking at the door way too early.
But the temps are warm this week and that means one last trip to the pool. Now I’m ok welcoming fall with open arms (and my favorite scarves).
Just a lazy Sunday morning around here. Comics in one had a mug in the other. Pretty standard.
Grandma Bibi is here this weekend so we had to show her a good time. Enter the exotic animal petting zoo at a local garden store. There weren’t a ton of animals but the boys were happy. They’re favorites? The kangaroo, baby alligators, and turtles. Also, Robbe painted a pumpkin.
It was a good day.
About one year ago, I took the photo on the left because Chase had the beginnings of a wiggly tooth and I knew I needed a really good picture of his perfect little kid smile. Today, he lost the last of his eight front teeth and boys does he look different. I love the age he’s at—he’s so smart and witty and fun to be around—but I do miss that sweet innocent smile. It’s not just his smile, he’s much different than he was a year ago, too. That’s good in so many ways, but also a little sad.
It’s a good thing I took the picture. :)
Robbe had the choice of any comforter and this was the perfect one. It’s an ombré teal design with two teal ribbons running the length of it. His unpredictability is one of my favorite things about him.
Both of these kiddos are in school full time. That’s seven hours a day without children. This type of schedule hasn’t existed for me in seven and a half years. That’s a lot of years.
I was hoping I’d have time for a thorough and thoughtful post about how all of this is sinking in—and it’ll come eventually—but for now I’m playing catch up. On everything, it feels like.
Someday (hopefully soon) I’ll process what this new chapter means for me. I’ll feel caught up on life for the first time in a long long time (again, hopefully). I’ll be able to put away my computer at night and do things like craft, and puzzle, and read.
I’m not quite there yet—but I can see it on the horizon and it’s close enough to touch.
I realized that I never showcased my final pottery products after my mom and I finished up our five-week course.
I made a smattering of bowls, a sweet little thumbprint mug, and some bird feeders (not pictured). My collection isn’t perfect but it does make me smile. If only I had access to a pottery wheel and kiln a little closer to home, I’d say this could be a real hobby for me! Maybe someday.
How did you spend your Saturday night? I bet it wasn’t nearly as fun as playing electrician and replacing all of the almond and brown outlets with white ones in our basement. Sixteen in total. We’re pretty much experts.
Not too bad if you like rivers and what not.
We’re two for two with biking to school so far. Fingers crossed the weather cooperates tomorrow morning to make it three for three.
Look at these two adorable back-to-school. They happily disappeared into a sea of their friends without looking back. I actually had to stop both of them to request a goodbye hug. I’m not complaining. I’m in credibly proud of our boys.
Back to School 2018
Back to School 2017: Robbe
Back to School 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017: Chase
School officially starts for these two tomorrow but we had “signing day” today where we stopped by school, dropped off classroom supplies, and hung out with the teachers a bit. It was good to be back.
It’s been a great summer. I worked more than I expected so the balancing act was a bit trickier than I had hoped for, but it all worked out ok and the boys didn’t seem to mind/notice my preoccupation. I’m thankful that we had our Summer Bucket List to keep us on track. Unfortunately, we didn’t cross everything off the list, but I’d say we did pretty good! Plus there were a couple of add-ons (Madison weekend + _______) that we didn’t even plan for.
Summer is the best, isn’t it? And it feels more special because it’s so fleeting. But the boys are ready…and after the last couple of days, I’m ready, too. I’m ready for routine. I’m ready for [slightly] cooler temps. I’m ready to see my boys grow and blossom in ways I can’t imagine (and could never bring out in them). I’m ready to have some kid-free time to find myself again—it’s been seven and a half years, after all (more on that to come).
Happy school year, everyone!
Catch frogs — done!
Playdate with Malcolm — done!
Go bowling — done!
Make a movie
Lots of playdates with Edwin — done!
Go camping
Attend Chalkfest — done!
Sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa’s — done!
Attend Harry Potter’s Birthday at the public library — done!
Go tubing down the river by our house
Practice stand up paddle boarding — done!
Visit the Upper Peninsula
Chris and I met in Madison. I’m sure you know that. This city will always hold a special place in my heart. It was so fun to take a quick trip to introduce the boys to the fun that is Madison. They were great sports. They let us reminisce and schlep them all around campus. They had enjoyed experiencing the farmers market and the State Capital. We met up with old friends and met their new baby. Also we saw penguins and polar bears. It was really great. See below for the far-too-many photos that I took.
small city | BIG DAYS
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