Day 1439 | Me and My Girl
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She was my first niece. I thought I loved her a lot back then. It turns out that love only grows with every year that she becomes more of her independent and inspiring self.
And the sushi was pretty great, too.
Day 1438 | Take Me Out to the Ballgame
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Chris’s office treated us to a baseball game outing on a perfect summer night. The boys even got to meet one of the mascots. I think it’s a railroad tie or something. I’ve never really seen the vision.
Day 1437 | Sibling Love
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One of my favorite parts of living in Wisconsin? Getting the chance to be a part of this hysterical group more often. ❤️
Day 1436 | Canoe Trip
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Our 1.5 hour canoe trip ended up lasting over four hours today but the weather was perfect, the kids were in good spirits (the whole time, can you believe it?!?), the adults survived the paddling (with only minor injury), and we had a really good time.
I’m not sure anyone is signing up for another canoeing adventure for tomorrow, but it was a perfect activity for this day.
Day 1435 | Birthday Festivies
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We’ve been spending our weekend celebrating Grandma Bibi’s birthday—there’s been some delicious desserts, a yummy family recipe, a gift-opening, and plenty of laughter.
In between all of that, the boys squeezed in some serious LEGO time. In fact, we had to leave the scene out because it was too important to put away already. That’s when you know things are intense.
Day 1434 | Haircut Day
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Three out of the four of us got haircuts today. I even scheduled out my next appointment (which I’ve maybe never done...in my life). Things are really looking up around here.
Day 1433 | Time with the Big Guy
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Robbe has a sweet little summer camp every morning for 45 minutes this week. It might not seem like much, but Chase and I are making the most of our solo time together—we don’t have the opportunity for that very often. We’ve been reading a lot and even had a playground session. I love this big guy. A lot. A lot a lot.
Day 1432 | Microfilm
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After reading about microfilm in one of our [many] Boxcar Children books, the boys and I checked out a microfilm machine at our local library. It was really interesting and the boys seemed genuinely intrigued. We were struck by how few photos there were in newspapers in the 1850s. Chase came up with a great explanation...they probably didn't have as many cameras. And now you know.
Day 1431 | A Busy Sunday
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Ashley and I took the kids on quite an adventure today. A zoo, a playground, a picnic lunch, a splash pad, and ice cream. All before nap. It was intense...and really fun.
Now we all need a lazy day to recover!
*Shout out to Ashley for the perfect splash pad photo!
Day 1430 | S’mores Deconstructed
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This is how Robbe takes his s’more.
Day 1429 | 4th of July
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Happy Independence Day! It was kind of a weird day around here. No plans with family and the heat + rain kept us indoors a lot, but is was still a good day with our little family.
Here's what did keep us busy today:
- A walk to the farmer's market for sugar snap peas
- A stop for ice cream
- A trip to the mall to try out the new Indian restaurant (at the food court, obviously). We also stopped at the mall play place and the toy store. As a side, the mall is super busy on the 4th of July. Who would have known?
- A movie date to watch Charlotte's Web (we just finished the book)
- Constant surveillance of our cup of caterpillars (they all turned into chrysalises today--all four of them!).
- A backyard fireworks display (when it was still light outside). Based on how loud the boys thought this display was, I think we've got another couple of years before we attempt the real deal.
There you go. Busy, but low key all at the same time.
**And a throwback to last year. At least the boys are consistent.
Day 1428 | Pool Time
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We’ve spent the last two afternoons at my aunt and uncle’s pool and it’s been pretty terrific. You might know that I’m not much of a “pool person” but with the boys getting older (and therefore more independent in the pool) combined with fun cousins for them to splash around with, I’m starting to understand the appeal.
Day 1427 | A Monarch
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We finally hatched a butterfly! I think it's reasonable to say that I was probably the most excited about the metamorphosis, but the boys liked it, too. I mean, the whole transformation is incredible, isn't it?
A special shout out to Grandma Bibi for finding a home for our little guy. Thank you!
Day 1426 | Camping
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It was hot. It was stormy. But it was super fun!
We had a great time camping this weekend at Coon Fork County Park. Full disclosure: we used my parent’s camper (which is why the heat was bearable). It was our first camper trip and I have to say, it was pretty sweet.
I could get used to this fancy camping thing. Also, camping with friends is about the best thing ever. Nothing bad about dividing up child rearing and food prep all weekend long.
Day 1425 | Reading Solo
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In the past two weeks, Chase has decided he’s a reader. It’s been pretty incredible to watch. I knew it was coming. I’ve been waiting patiently to make the decision on his own and it finally happened. And he’s oh so proud.
Day 1424 | Creek Walking
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You guys, Eau Claire is really beautiful.
Day 1423 | Succulents
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I’ve loved succulents for a long time. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to feel the same way. The boys planted their own succulents with thier 4-H club today. Fingers crossed they have better luck with their new friends!
Day 1422 | Strawberry Shortcake
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What has to happen shortly after picking strawberries? Strawberry shortcake, of course. With real whip cream. It was as delicious as I dreamed it would be.
Day 1421 | Strawberry Picking
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The boys and I were back at it today: berry picking! The temperature was cool, there was a lovely breeze, and there were no bugs (I know, I was surprised, too). The picking wasn’t quite as plentiful as I prefer but we got the berries we needed so no complaints. Ah, summertime in Wisconsin.
**Check back tomorrow and I’ll add a couple of links to past berry picking adventures. It’s too late for me to tackle that now. :)
Day 1420 | Posing Cousins: Take 2
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Almost two years have passed and we're still visiting the same rocks. But look how cute these kiddos are!
