Moments 05 23 :: Week 01

Funny photo of Cole from soccer last weekend.  One of the parents is a photographer and has been capturing some great images.

I'm going to miss this place. Can't believe our 8th season here is almost over. 

One of my favorites. 

Finished another good book. 

Van wondering why Gretel is hogging the sofa.

Checked in on the baby geese. 

Moments 04 23 :: Week 04

Cole played a soccer game! First one in weeks. First it was hernia surgery. Then two days after he was cleared, he sprained his ankle playing basketball at school. He still wasn't 100% but it was so great seeing him out on the field. 

Last that night, Zoe and Cole went to Nicolet's prom. Last year Cole didn't go. Well, that's not totally true. He and friend decided to scale the building and sneak in. Needless to say, that didn't go well and they were escorted out pretty quickly.  

He looked so handsome.

These kids always have so much fun together. Zoe and her friend go to another school, but this is the crew that always hangs out together. 

The group again. 

The parents decided to surprise them and get a prom photo too. 

Cole's teacher posted this on her Instagram. Cole and his two friends have Art Metal together and made cast rings. 

Oh my gosh I love this guy and his speckles. He's just such a love bug. 

Drove through the park to see if I could find any springtime animals. Success! Baby geese. They were adorable. 

Moments 04 23 :: Week 03

First commissioned cake. A carrot cake as favor for someone who doesn't bake. 

Not much new to report this week. Lots of storms and rain. This one did not like it and took refuge in our bed a lot. Not usually her thing. 

Moments 04 23 :: Week 02

Friday night went to a quirky little restaurant - Don's TV & Repair. I was looking for somewhere with fun drinks (to celebrate Hudson turning 21) that we could all go to. 

The three of us split a crock-pot Old Fashioned, and then Hudson ended up getting a boozy milkshake to go. Perfect.

A close-up. So funny, right?

Made the boys (and Zoe) dye Easter again. I only boiled a dozen this time since I'm the only one who really appreciates it. 

The finished product. Not my favorites (these had gold paint), but still pretty.

Easter morning. Hudson went out with a friend on Saturday night. Along the way, he talked Cole and his friend to pick them up, so they had a late night. Which meant, I fit in a dog walk and had breakfast totally prepped by the time they woke up. 

It was a low key Easter. We were happy my sister was able to join us for dinner. Zoe was there too, but was the photographer for our family portrait. Such a nice day. 

Happy, happy girl enjoying the absolutely amazing weather we've been having. 

Moments 04 23 :: Week 01

Brian was out of town for work last weekend. He's usually up earlier than me on Saturdays and Sundays. This was the view when I woke up. Van thought it was time to wake up. 

Hudson was at The Ohio State for College Club Swim Nationals. He hit some PRs and had a blast. Love that we got to watch his events live via streaming.

Brian was in Texas for the March Madness Final Four games. He wasn't sure he'd be making it to any of the games, but ended up at all of them. 

April 4th was Hudson's 21st birthday! Borrowed this photo from his IG from his recent spring break trip to Florida (Nina & Papa's) with his roommates.

A photo Hudson sent me on his birthday. St. Louis is in full on Spring mode.

Rolled out of bed and found this. I mean, seriously. This guy is too much. 

Yay, Hudson is home! We stopped for coffee after picking him up at the airport. He hasn't been home since the holidays. We were all looking forward to his visit. 

Made a Pasta Cake for dinner. Yum.

Moments 03 23 :: Week 05

The scene the day we left for St. Louis. It was actually pretty treacherous. Personally, I'm done with winter. 

A pretty corner of the house.

Cole had to take a placement test at North Central College. Zoë came along and we walked to get coffee. We also got to meet Cole's coach, see where he will be living, and walk around campus. 

Met up with Melissa at Mitsuwa Marketplace for ramen. It was a quick visit, but so fun seeing her. Hope to get to do that more soon. 

We had a blast grocery shopping afterwards and getting matcha/black sesame ice cream.

We picked up stuff to make sushi. It might not have been the prettiest, but it was fun and delicious.

Miss Gretel turned 9! She does struggle a bit more, but is still spunky.

I made pupcakes. It's safe to say they both loved them.

Hudson is at The Ohio State this weekend for club swim Nationals. He'll be swimming in four events. So exciting. What a cool venue.

St. Louis Spring 23 :: The Food

Couldn't not post about some of the amazing meals we had when we were in St. Louis. Didn't take photos of it, but we had delicious sandwiches at The Gramophone, and yummy coffee at Coffeestamp as well. These were some of the delicious things we at at Corner 17 and iNDO. 

Corner 17 - Handmade Wonton with Homemade Chili Sauce, Handmade Sticky Rice Chicken Shumai, Handpulled Dan Dan Noodle

iNDO - Cocktails, Shrimp Toast, Palm Sugar Ribs, Isaan Hamachi, Toro Scallion Handroll, Sake Sashimi, Chocolate Chocolate Chip Ice Cream [Cocktails were Million Dollar Kikuchi, NA Ang Ka Stroll, NA Let That Man-Go, Whisky Cha Boran]