Day 813 | Family + Summer Fest Fun

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Whoa. It was a busy [and lovely] day. I'm exhausted and, instead of look at patio furniture online for the next hour (my usual nightly routine as of late), I'm headed up to bed.

But before I do, here are some of today's highlights:
  • Home-grown vegetables delivered to me right after breakfast (thanks, Jo + Randy!)
  • Petting zoo + pony rides + tattoos + strolling along the river with my mom during Summer Fest
  • Shopping + laughing with some of my favorite people in the whole world (nieces are the best!)
  • Scoring big at a local consignment store (three dresses + a top for $35!)
  • Dinner taken care of by someone else...including grocery pick up + cooking (you're the best, dad!)
  • More quality family time spent walking downtown and then giving up on the movie on the lawn...who knew it was going to start at 9pm? Turns out I was the only one who didn't know that. Sorry, Chase, you'll get your first outdoor movie eventually!
The only obvious hole in an otherwise wonderful day was Chris. His obligation to his class reunion pulled him in another direction. I'm sure he had just as much fun, though. 

Day 812 | Chainsaw Sculpture Championship

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I stayed home to clean this morning (turns out you have to do that even when you still have boxes to unpack), but the boys and Chris busted out to enjoy a new playground and a surprise Chainsaw Sculpture Championship. Apparently the boys were completely awestruck, although Chris wasn't sure if it was due to the talent of the artists or the noise-level (notice the ear plugs). Chase had a lot to report back to me upon their return. He was *a bit* excited.

Day 810 | Taking a Break

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We opted for a different strategy today: a relaxing + non-productive start to the day. We've been running around like crazy for the past five days and it hasn't been super enjoyable (there are NO couches we like in this city or online!!) or effective (I think we've managed to check about two things off our list).

Today, we got up and headed out for a delicious, slow-paced breakfast (which we walked to...whoop whoop!). On the way home, we visited our closest playground (it's super fun, by the way) and right on the river. We even scaled down the little sandy bank to put our toes in the water until the littlest one was getting a *bit* too brave (a change of clothes was needed). And look! A friendly group of ducks joined the fun.

Somehow this type of morning hit the restart button for us. We were super productive the rest of the day. Dishwasher: purchased! Microwave: purchased! Paint estimate: complete (just waiting on the final quote)! New living room chair: picked up! New couch: definitely making progress!

I mean, let's be honest, the only way today could be so productive is because there's been a ton of reconnaissance work done during our "non-productive" days. Either way, I'll take it.

Day 809 | An Official Haircut

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I know I've done a lot of haircut posts (Day 198, Day 247, Day 327, Day 469) but I've tried to cut back lately.

I have no choice but to restart the theme today, though, as Chase got his first professional haircut. That's a big deal, right? He sat perfectly still and was (no surprise) the perfect little client. Even though he didn't get to watch a movie during it (what we usually do doing haircuts at home), he still included it as one of his favorite parts of his day.

I *might* just be fired from my job as barber, at least with the older two (Chris and Chase). Robbe is looking shaggy as ever. He wasn't quite ready to jump into the salon chair. I'll give him a little more time, I guess.

Day 806 | Out and About

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After being cooped up for the last couple of days, we busted out for lots of excitement today.

We started out the morning with breakfast on the go and a community walk/run. Then we visited with a friend for a bit before heading to an antique car show (with delicious milkshakes). 

Best part of the day, by far, was reuniting with Chris after his week away. The boys were over the moon and so was I. 

We didn't let him rest and relax from his crazy week, however, there was a local Chalk Fest at the university down the road and we had heard great things about this annual event. It definitely didn't disappoint. The creativity and talent of these 100ish artists was beyond inspiring. And what a gorgeous afternoon to be out wandering. 

We wrapped up the day by hosting my grandma and aunt + uncle for some fun conversation on our new patio. 

Days like today are 100% the reason we felt compelled to move back. It doesn't get much better. 

Day 805 | Settling In

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I forgot to add one exciting detail to the day: the boys both picked out their own pjs.  Matching was obviously frowned upon.

I forgot to add one exciting detail to the day: the boys both picked out their own pjs.  Matching was obviously frowned upon.

It's been a lovely lazy day around here. We didn't see any family all day. What's that about? Luckily we already have plans to make sure the same thing doesn't happen tomorrow. :)

The boys and I had a leisurely morning with lots of outdoor time. We met a neighbor (who seems great, by the way, and even brought over dinner!). We invited a new friend (who lives within walking distance!) over for a tour and enjoyed the excitement of new friendships. And otherwise everything was totally boring, unproductive, and perfect. 

I think the to-do list items will start taking more of a priority once Chris returns tomorrow. A dishwasher is calling my name (beautiful kitchen renovations + no dishwasher = crazy, right?). 

Day 804 | "Normal"

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What mealtime looks like at new house! At least when we're trying to keep the mess off the light-colored carpet of the dining room. :)

What mealtime looks like at new house! At least when we're trying to keep the mess off the light-colored carpet of the dining room. :)

Today was the first day since July 7 that it's been just me and the boys for any extended period of time. That's insane.

I arrived back from my 19 hours in DC at noon today and we spent all afternoon and evening together. I did everything in my power not to do anything about all the boxes laying around and mess everywhere. I just wanted it to feel like our "normal" life...if only for a few hours. They needed that. And I needed that. 

The move seems to be taking the biggest toll on Robbe. Part of me thinks he held it together for so long (he's really showed no averse side effects of the move at all), that he finally just cracked. He's been grumpy, not eating as well, whining+crying more, wanting to be held (which hasn't been happening at all since my back drama), misbehaving in ways we haven't seen, etc. I can't blame the kid. I've been stressed to the max, too. And I'm an adult with the ability to communicate fully. 

Now that I'm home (and not trying to pull off the biggest surprise ever) and now that Chris will be home on Saturday and now that we're all focused on a bit more kid-centered attention, I'm confident he'll bounceback. Sweet boy. 

Day 803 | Surprise!

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Guess what I did today? I flew to DC to surprise Chris for his going away party at work!

It was the first time we've left the kids since Chase's birth (almost 4.5 years ago). [Full disclosure: we did leave Chase one other time...when Robbe was born. But that doesn't really count.] I say this to relay how hard it was to leave the kiddos behind to make this trip. But man, was it worth it.

I mean, there was never really any question about whether I would go. I knew I needed to. Chris has loved his job so much and it was really hard for him to decide to walk away. These are the people that he has spent hour-upon-hour with, folks that have supported him and befriended him for nearly four years.

I walked away from the party realizing that this group of people, in this massive organization, has seen in Chris what I saw in him at age 18: that he's one of a kind. That he's an amazing human being, but I also learned about his accomplishments as a manager and public employe. He has touched so many lives in his capacity at the SEC and been an inspiration to so many people. I've never been more proud.

**Special thanks to my parents, brother + sister-in law, and especially Isabelle for taking the best care of Chase and Robbe to make this happen. I appreciate it more than I/we can say.

Day 802 | Hard Day's Work

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Chase and Robbe went to work with grandpa for their first official shift today (so I could get a much needed massage). That's what being in a family business is all about...and you've got to teach them young!

The boys "helped" put out groceries on the shelf. One of them, the little one, decided it would be more fun to take them off the shelves, but still. 

They were happily compensated with new treasures from the quarter machines. Everyone was happy...except maybe my dad who lost an hour of his productive time in addition to needing to fix anything the boys helped with. He did it with a smile, though, and I am very appreciative. 

Day 800 | 800!

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Seems appropriate for our the 800 blog post to be a photo from DC, that's where we've spent most of these 800 days.
Can you believe I've been blogging for 800 days?!? Whoa. 

It's been a *smidge* hectic around here lately, so I'll apologize in advance for the slightly-briefer team update this time around. But here goes:

Name: Sara
Favorites: cool Wisconsin mornings, ice cream runs, naptime/bedtime snuggles with my sweet Chase (we do that more on vacation), coming up with new projects for the house to-do list, the plethora of cabinet space in the kitchen at new house 
Biggest Hurdle to Overcome: slowing down. There's so much to do everywhere I look (not to mention my mile-long to do list inside my head) that it's hard for me to take the necessary breaks and give my mind + body a break.
Dreams for the Future: Settling in to our new home and all that goes with it: exploring the neighborhood, buying new furniture, finding a second car, all the organizing, and, most of all, the family time.

Name: Chris
Favorites: all varieties of Wisconsin snack food + drinks, quality brother-time, open parking spots, our new house, no traffic, a new garage (I sense a theme), the screened porch at new house
Biggest Hurdle to Overcome: one more week of work before a much-deserved break until he starts his knew job in September.
Dreams for the Future: Scoring the best deal on his new grill. He already bought one but he's determined there might be a better price + model out there. Stay tuned.

 Name: Chase
Age: 4 years, 4 months
Favorites: Spending time with family (especially cousins), blueberries (he remains consistent), drinking tea, dreaming up performances for his new stage, discovering new books, the laundry shoot in new house
Biggest Hurdle to Overcome: determining whose rules to follow when mom + dad's rules conflict with grandma + grandpa's. That's a tough one.
Dreams for the Future: A bunk bed. Hopefully one we can remedy quickly.

 Name: Robbe
Age: 2 years, 5 months
Favorites: Papa (grandpa), picking + consuming blueberries, his brother's jokes (he's into mostly physical humor these days), stickers, anything truck related (also consistent), talking about cows, the jetted tub in new house
Biggest Hurdle to Overcome: eating delicious summer fruit without staining all his favorite truck shirts. Seriously, can you believe the hard times these boys have been going through?
Dreams for the Future: more words. Robbe is accumulating new words every day, but it's been a slow go. Maybe now that he has to communicate with more than just me (and I'm really good at translating), he'll get the extra motivation he needs. For now, I'll appreciate having only one little one that talks non-stop. ;)

Day 799 | Exploring EC

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It was a fun + productive day around here. We took some time to find a new breakfast spot (our choice was delicious) and explored the farmers market and park/concert venue that's walkable from our house. Woo hoo!

Oh, we also unpacked a million boxes and made some impressive progress, considering it's just day two. Special thanks to my mom and dad + a good family friend for spending the day crossing things off our list and entertaining the kiddos. Much much appreciated. 

Today reminded me so much of the day two years ago when we had just moved into red house (I'll link to the post I wrote when I have wifi internet again). Ahh, memories. 

Day 798 | Eau Claire Residents

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It's official, we are Wisconsin residents. Chris and I signed on the dotted line (several times) this morning. We couldn't be happier with the house (it's better then I remembered), we were pleasantly surprised to find out our moving truck could arrive this afternoon (instead of tomorrow morning...side note, we didn't fill up that whole truck), and we loved being surrounded by family tonight (we don't have to do all the unpacking, child-entertaining, and organizing by ourselves!). 

This is going to be the best. 

Day 795 | Cousin-love

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All the cousins showed up to support Elizabeth during her violin concert on the square this morning. It was quite impressive to see those little ones rocking the violin, I have to say.

It's been so wonderful to watch Chase and Robbe build the relationships with their cousins. I just love it. Tonight at dinner, Elizabeth asked Chase if he has any friends at his new house and he responded with a shrug and the statement, "my cousins." So sweet.