Moments 11 24 :: Week 01

We left our house bright and early for Detroit, Michigan last Friday. The address we put in our GPS was this. Bon Bon Bon chocolates. We've been enjoying these chocolates for years, and were excited to actually get to visit one of their stores.

It's just such a fun place, and the chocolates are delicious. 

It happened to be in a pretty cool area with some amazing stores. 

Of course we had to go to Third Man Records. Wish we could have fit a factory tour of the record pressing in. So cool.

We had a later lunch at a pizza at Motor City Brewing Works, which was right across the street from the chocolate shop and record store. I don't want to forget about this one. It's the Mary Did Have, which is olive oil, fresh ground lamb roasted with garlic, mint, pine nuts; feta cheese, tomatoes and Zatar spice. Topped with labne kiefer cheese and fresh cucumber. So good.

The reason for our quick visit -- Brian's cousin Kristen got married in April and had a big wedding celebration. 

The venue was cool. The flowers were beautiful.

Back to the party. They had a fun photo booth. Of course we had to utilize it. These were also the photos they used in a book for the bride and groom.

The bride and groom giving a little speech. 

This weekend was also the Michigan vs. Michigan State football game. Kristen is a doctor on staff at University of Michigan. Her husband Andrew went to Michigan State. As a gift to him, she got the mascot from Michigan State come. So funny.

Very blurry photo, but here we are. Kristen is also expecting their first baby. Such an exciting time for them. I've known her since she was 9 years old. Crazy. 

View from our hotel room.  We were supposed to leave on Thursday, but Brian had to travel this week and miss a class so couldn't miss any others. (He's teaching at MIAD). We had to leave early on Saturday too. Bummer. I was really looking forward to exploring Detroit. We'll have to go back some day. 

On our way back, we stopped in Ann Arbor to check out the stadium. We also got coffee in this cute little corridor. It was early so still very quiet. I'm sure just a few hours later this town was insane.

The reason we left early was to catch this guy's soccer game. Love the graphic his friend Joris put together to announce the game.

His cousin Jacob even came! Thankfully Cole started and played quite a bit of the game. He had to be taken out due to his knee giving him trouble. Too bad because he was playing amazing. The team ended up losing 0-1, but it was a gorgeous day for some soccer. 

We were able to take Cole and Zoe out for dinner before we left too. It was a busy, but very fun couple of days.

Look what I found on one of my walks with Van this week. You would think we'd see more deer than we do. They are so cute. 

Also coming across a bunch of turkeys too. This yard had 15 of them in it. 

We also made it down to the lake one of the days. The weather has been so warm. In fact, it was in the 70s on this day. I even got to wear my new tshirt. :)

I made up a little challenge for the gym last month. Plank every day for 30 seconds. Each week I added 15 seconds on. There were plenty of weeks I didn't think I'd be able to do it. But by the end, the 1 minute 30 seconds was completely fine. I only missed one day because it was the weekend and I completely forgot. Yay me!

Moments 10 24 :: Week 04

Last weekend was Homecoming and Family Weekend at North Central College. Hudson was even able to make it. He drove in early from Dubuque, Iowa where he was volunteering with SLU's Flight Team.

The times we are all together are rare, so we definitely soak it up.

Starting lineup. 

The Cardinals played Carthage and won. One of Cole's teammate's father was in town and took these amazing photos.

After the game, we stayed and tailgate. It was so much fun. We weren't able to stay for the football game, but the Cardinals won 69-0. They dominate, that's for sure. 

The next day we went to Uncle Skip's funeral. We had to miss the Celebration of Life due to Family Weekend, but were thankful to be able to see our cousin's and their spouses. 

Uncle Richard and Aunt Nancy came into town too. It's always nice to see them. 

The gang. I honestly don't expect anyone to be reading this blog anymore, but Uncle Skip always did, and would let me know how much he enjoyed it whenever I saw him. Not a week hasn't gone by since his passing that I haven't thought of him when I hit the "publish" button. 

New haircut. Had to document it since it never looks as good again. 

It's been a beautiful fall. The leaves are insane. The weather has been mild. I wish it would never end.  

Brian and I visited our Village Hall and early voted. 

Moments 10 24 :: Week 03

We had our first guests over for dinner in our new kitchen. Need to make family dinners happen more often. It was so fun.

Speaking of our new kitchen....

We are beyond thrilled with the results, and absolutely love being in it. Such a happy space. 

Here are some before and after photos to put things in perspective. 

Our kitchen served it's purpose, but it was such a disaster. The new space is beautiful, organized, and something special. We love it. 

Van and I took a long walk to Doctor's Park beach. The sound of the waves could not be passed up. 

We walked along the beach hoping to get to the southern entrance but no luck. Our feet got wet, but it was worth it. 

The water just is so peaceful. Always in awe that this so close to our house. Lake Michigan is stunning.

Brian and I made to a week day game. The Cardinals hosted Milliken. It was also Team Chicago night, so the players walked out with kids, just like the professionals which was pretty cute. 

Cole's soccer friend plays for Milliken. Both of them played the entire 90, or close to it. Milliken did win, but it was fun watching these two in action. I also loved seeing Nico's mom, and Cole's roommates parents from Peru were visiting too. It was a great night. 

Love any chance I can get to see him.  

Funny team photo. These guys really do have a great time together. 

Moments 10 24 :: Week 02

We meet up with Leif + Mel at Room Service. Had been looking forward to this for awhile and it did not disappoint.

How gorgeous are these royal flower dumplings? The filling was sweet-salty radish and peanut. It was surprising and amazing.

This is the Samurai Signature hand rolls. 

Overview of our table. We also had a few other dishes. It was such a fun place. Delicious food. Amazing presentation. 

On Saturday, the Cardinals played Kalamazoo College, and Cole got to play against old soccer friend from Bavarian, Darius. 

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After the game, we celebrated Pam + Matt's birthdays at Third Street Market Hall along with Mackenzie, Patryk, Ian, Claudia, Leif and Mel. Such a fun and funny night. The place was packed! So great to see.

I have a million photos of this view, but I love it so much.

Little lady got to take her cone off on Wednesday. She's doing great and her eyes are looking really good. Pathology report came back benign (non-cancerous) too, which was expected but a relief of course.