After five nights away at camp, the boys came home yesterday! We got to hear all about their adventures and loved that they loved it. Unfortunately, Robbe had a bit too much fun and ended up sick today, but hopefully it’s just the exhaustion reminding him to take it easy.
It’s really nice to have all of us under one roof again.
The boys have been at camp and I’ve been spending all day, every day working. Working. Working.
Except for the time I’ve been politicing, obviously. You *might* have heard about a small rally that happened in EC this week. I was there! And then you might have seen some details about a GOTV rally for my good friend Nick. I was there, too (same night). And today, I voted!
I’d like to go into great detail about my experience at the Harris rally. Maybe I will at some point. For now, I’ll just say I’m glad I went. I’m glad Wisconsin showed up for Harris (12,000 people!). I’m glad there’s enthusiasm and life back in the democratic party. One of the most poignant moments was during a [rare] unscripted moment from Tim Walz. My friend B.J. Hollars clearly felt the same way and wrote a really lovely [and much more articulate] narative of the scene.
I hope you’re all feeling as inspired and motivated as I am about the political outlook right now. I’m going to seek out ways that I can help Harris (and Nick!) get elected and I challenge you to do the same—in whatever way makes sense for you!
It was a rainy (very rainy) camp drop off but the boys are settled into their five night camp while Chris and I try to figure out to do without kids filling every silence. Don’t worry about us, we’ll be just fine.
I used to love photography. And I think I was pretty good at it, actually. Life got in the way and now I mostly take photos of kids and pets. That’s fine, too. Maybe someday I’ll get back into it. For the first time in a long time, though, I stopped to take a photo because I was just inspired. A blue sky would have helped, but I Iove the tracks and the way it draws your eye.
What do you do when it’s too hot to be outside? Go to an indoor waterpark, of course! The boys had a blast and I got some work done. A win-win for everyone.
Another day, another bike ride with my #1 athlete. This time we lengthened the route a bit to make it past the 10-mile mark. It was hot, but the company made it all worth it.
Motivated by the Olympics and the need to fill our time with Chase in a morning camp this week, Robbe and I crushed a 9.25 mile bike ride today. It was a bit toasty, but we managed just fine.
Robbe had a change of swimming scenery today and he loved every second. A slide AND a diving board? Yes, please! A handful of cousins (once removed…or something like that) only sweetened the deal!
I was so incredibly proud of all the work and effort and time that went into this year’s 4-H fair projects. Between the two of them, they entered 39 projects! Chase brought 17 and Robbe brought 22–crazy, right? From photography to posters, from sand candles to art, from flower arranging to vegetable characters…these boys did it all. There was lots of excitement (Robbe received a champion ribbon and trophy and Chase received a reserved champion ribbon!) and some disappointment (there’s always some disappointment), but all in all everyone walked away feeling a great sense of accomplishment.
I just love fair time.
Yep. That’s a high five WHILE biking. We’re pretty advanced over here.
Look at us looking all fancy for a night on the town! I took the boys to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and we had a great time. Musicals are just my favorite.
I know I’m behind on a million blog posts but for now I’ll drop this gem from today’s boardwalk trail. Pretty dreamy, right?
These two had an expert (my mom!) teach them the art of alcohol ink painting for 4-H projects. Both paintings turned out really great and everyone was smiling at the end—the sign of a successful crafting experience. Thanks for organizing the project, mom!
This time of year gets a bit crazy with all of the projects. I’m not going to lie, though, I really like the excuse to lean into crafting!
Another productive day over here. We cranked out some 4-H projects. There was a lunch date with the boys and grandma. We went on two walks to the university (including a visit to Little Niagara). And I even managed a bit of work—always an accomplishment.
Oh, and also, how is it July?!?
With our lovely Sunday recovery day, we ran some errands, put the house back together, went for a bike ride, did some prep work for the week ahead, watched a movie (well, the boys did), and even found time to swim. Feels like our recovery day got pretty busy, I guess!
We’ve been having so much fun with family that I haven’t had time to post—or really even take any photos. I snagged this gem to commemorate our ice cream stop today, though, so that counts for something. Gotta love Belt’s!
We’ve been busy around here. Enjoying summer…but busy. We have managed to sneak in a new hobby, though. Robbe and I are officially crocheters. Yes, he dabbled in the craft last year but we’re really onto something now. I’ll share a photo when our latest creations are complete. Stay tuned.
The Humane Association hosted an event with 25 kittens up for adoption. By the time we arrived about 1.25 hours into it, I’d say about six remained. We weren’t in the market so that was just fine with us. We were happy to see so many friends find their forever homes, and, almost as importantly, we did get a couple of kitten snuggles in, too.
The first weekend of summer is in the books. And it was a good one. I wouldn’t have hated a bit warmer weather, but it sure was nice to connect with family again. It’s been too long, that’s for sure!
When it’s National Donut Day what other option do you have, really?
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