Day 818 | I'm Back

Robbe's first trip to the dentist!

I was hoping that if I took a blogging break I would miraculously have all this extra time on my hands, but alas, that didn't happen. I do have to say that I did love not having *another thing* on my to do list, but I'll also say that blogging is so engrained in my daily life that I had several thoughts every day about how great [fill in the blank] would be for the blog!

What have we been up to, you might ask? Well let me break it down for you:

• We bought + received + assembled our new couch and patio furniture...overstock.com really came through.
• We took a miniature train ride in Carson Park. Don't worry, we have to go back to ride the steamie (Sunday's trip was on the diesel train), so you'll get to see photos.
• I painted Chase's room with my mom's help. It's blue, of course, and amazing. 
• Chris and I enjoyed evenings full of Olympic action. It's so addicting!
• A family friend weeded a flower bed of ours (it took hours + hours!) and we discovered a water fountain. And my uncles hooked up the pump today so it's actually working. Who knew we'd ever be classy enough to have a water feature in our yard?
• Chase and Robbe painted some rocks to complete the summer reading program we signed up for a week and a half ago. These two are reading all stars.
• We procured a new [used] car. A sweet Honda Accord joined our little Honda family. 
• I found the perfect train table! I've been scouring craigslist and one popped up really close by. Chase just kept saying, "I'm so excited, I'm so excited!" I think Robbe felt similarly. One of Chase's best comments, "Mom, now we don't have to pick up our tracks when you vacuum." Ha! 
• I went to a girls-only movie with some of my favorite cousins. I seriously (no exaggeration) can't remember when I've been to a movie without Chris. Is that sweet or sad? I'll go with sweet. By the way, we saw Bad Moms and it was hysterical. 
• I've been working hard with Mary Catherine to check client work off the list before her wee one arrives. 
• Stopped into our local Children's Museum for an olympic-themed visit.
• We checked off another round of dentist appointments off the list...it was Robbe's first! See photo above. 

Unfortunately, because of all this action, I didn't get to work on my new blog at all. I know, I'm disappointed, too. My plan is to keep the same photo-a-day format under a new name (I'm not in the District anymore, after all) and new look. Exciting, right? I finally settled on the perfect name (just today!), but I've got some work to do on my site. Until that happens, I'll continue with this as my blogging home. 

Day 817 | Taking a [Second] Break

It's been an exhausting couple of months. Really amazing, but really exhausting.

I hope you all don't mind me taking a bit of a blog break to check out as I try to put some finishing touches on the new house and enjoy a little more free time and space in my days.

I'll be back with more photos on Wednesday, August 17th. And maybe I'll have a blog announcement for you all (I have to move on from the "District Day Dreams" name at some point, right?).

Day 816 | Blueberry-Lemon Crumb Bars

Sorry to tease you yesterday, but here you go: a super yummy blueberry-lemon crumb bar recipe. A great way to use some of the surplus of berries we have around the house.

BLUEBERRY-LEMON CRUMB BARS

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• 1 pinch salt

• 1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries

Crumb Topping:

• 5 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1/2 cup packed brown

• all-purpose flour 3/4 cup

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan

2. Start by making the crust. In a medium bowl, stir together the 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons white sugar, lemon zest and salt. Cut in the 1/2 cup butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat egg and vanilla together; stir into the crumb mixture until a dough forms. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

4. Sprinkle blueberries over the crust.

5. Make the topping: In a medium bowl, cream together the 5 tablespoons butter and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in the flour, so that the mixture is crumbly like streusel. Sprinkle over the blueberry layer.

6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until browned. Cool before cutting into bars.

Modified from this recipe.

Enjoy!

Day 815 | Sweet Corn

We had to make good on our promise to "help" grandpa pick sweet corn so that's what we did after nap today. I was too busy making a delicious blueberry dessert (more details tomorrow) but I received a glowing report when all the boys returned. 

Remember when we moved to Wisconsin and just picked fresh produce all the time? Yeah, it's pretty amazing. 

Special thanks to my amazing uncle for installing our dishwasher today! It wasn't an easy install (why would it be?) but he was kind enough to give up the majority of his day to help us out. We are greatly appreciative and indebted. Now I just need to figure out how to spend all my newfound free time. 

Day 814 | Blueberries + Blackberries

We've got to stop attempting to make a "quick trip" to visit my parents. Every time we try, my dad plans way too much. Today's agenda (after 11am and before nap) included a trip to a friends' house for blackberry picking and a paddle boat ride, blueberry picking, and sweet corn picking. Oh, and lunch in there somewhere. Well, we made it through the first two agenda items with naptime being delayed by *only* an hour. 

Hopefully my dad will realize that we live here and that maybe we can spread out the fun a bit more. Or maybe, just maybe, this type of jam-packed schedule is the reason Chase and Robbe are filled with pure joy every time we hop in the car to make a visit.

Day 813 | Family + Summer Fest Fun

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

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 811 | Family Visits!

Chris's parents along with his brother + brother's family came to see our new digs today. It was a fast, and some would say chaotic, visit but so fun and so greatly appreciated.

As far as we could tell, everyone approved of the new house and neighborhood. What a relief!

Day 810 | Taking a Break

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

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 808 | Sweet Corn

We've enjoyed sweet corn several times this summer but tonight was the season's first fresh-picked corn experience. 

Robbe ate three ears himself. That's no joke. And Chase ate two. 

Grandpa promised to take the boys sweet corn picking next time he went so he better hold up his end of the deal. If/when it happens, there will be photos. 

Day 807 | Sprinklers!

After a fairly productive day where we checked nothing off the list (how is that possible?), we hosted Brian, Tera and the girls for our first grill out.

As part of the festivities, we tried out the sprinkler system after dinner. I'm fairly certain we'll use the system more for entertainment than lawn maintenance but it's still fun!

Day 806 | Out and About

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

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"

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!

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

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 801 | Officially a Wisconsinite

It's official. As of today, I'm a Wisconsin resident and I have a new drivers license to prove it. The mini seems to be enjoying her new plates as well. DMV: check!

Day 800 | 800!

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

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.