Moments 10 26 :: Week 02

Oktoberfest with the gym! Can't believe it's the final weekend. It's always a good time, and always brings back so many great memories when the kid's played soccer there. 

Part of the gang. There were more people, but we forgot to take photos, of course. 

A weekend at home meant a weekend in the yard. Weeding and trimming bushes is not my favorite thing, but it felt good to take a step back an notice some of the beautiful bits of our yard. 

The moss is everywhere and I love it. 

The best helpers. 

Even Van needed and list resting after a busy day. 

Brian painting the porch railings reminds me of Vincent Van Gogh. 

On Monday, I took Baja out for a field trip. He's such a unique looking guy! Fortunately, my foster friend met us out at the park and took photos and made a video for him, because Baja is a big strong guy. 95# of love, this guy is. 

I think it's safe to say, he didn't want me to drop him off again. I sat down to wait for someone to bring him to the back and before I knew it, he was climbing on my lap! Such an affectionate guy. He also constantly rolled over for belly rubs. He just wants some love. Baja has been at the shelter for awhile, but is a staff and volunteer favorite because he's just such a sweet guy. 

Cole's bedroom has a ton of prisms he collected when he was young. Love it when the light catches them. 

Moments 10 26 :: Week 01

Loved having Hudson home and getting to spend time with him last weekend. Plus, he got to join Van and me on a couple of walks. 

A terrible photo of a good book I finished. 

This week's field trip was with Sada. She's a petite little hippo who loves frolicking in the water. 

Look how good Van is doing hanging out with his urban adventure friends! It started with one dog, then two and three. He still prefers to keep to himself, but I love seeing him all social. 

Maia + Caleb Wedding

We just got to be part of the most amazing wedding weekend—Maia + Caleb got married! They are such a great couple, and we are just so excited for them and the life they are starting together.

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner, with pizza and popsicles at the community space where my sister lives. It was such a fun and relaxed way to kick off the weekend and get everyone together before the big day.

Then came 9-26-26—the wedding! And honestly, it was pretty much perfect in every single way. The weather was incredible, the wedding venue was charming and gorgeous, and Jacob did an excellent job officiating the ceremony. Everything felt so special.

The reception was at the country club, and they did such a great job. It was a fun evening filled with lots of celebrating, good food, and, of course, plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful couple. Maia looked absolutely stunning, and Caleb looked very handsome. They were both so happy, and it was a really special day.

We were especially thrilled that Hudson was able to make his schedule work and be there to celebrate with us. The one bummer was that Cole wasn't able to attend. The timing couldn't have been worse for him, and he was really crushed to miss it. Unfortunately, sometimes those things happen. 

After the wedding, we spent the night at my parents' house, which was fun in itself. And the next morning, they hosted a post-wedding brunch to wrap up the weekend before we all parted ways and the bride and groom got to take off for their honeymoon. 

It was such a wonderful weekend celebrating Maia and Caleb, and we couldn't be happier to welcome Caleb to the family. We are so excited for these two and everything ahead of them!

Moments 09 26 :: Week 04

Last Friday, Brian and I finally made it out to Pizza on the Farm. It's end of season, and was threatening some rain, but it was the perfect time to visit. From what I hear, it's usually really crowded. 

There was music. 

And cows.

The setting is absolutely gorgeous. 

It only runs until the end of September, but we'll be back next year for sure. It was a really fun night. 

We had some friends over for dinner. We've been meaning to have them over for so long, and it was really great. This is the only photo I got! Brian made pitas in the pizza oven. We also had hummus, baba ganoush, chicken kebabs, beef kebabs and vegetable kebabs. It was delicious -- and so much fun. 

On Monday I took this cutie out. Cadeau is another new favorite. I have no idea what mix he is, but it was super interesting. He is such a good boy and was a breeze to hang out with. 

We also had a huge house project completed this week. Bye bye boiler from 1957! This beast was still going, but it was time for an upgrade before it gave out on us. Almost 70 years old. Pretty impressive.  

Love this photo of Cole from the game the other night. They won 7-0! It was so much fun, and Cole scored a goal! Pretty awesome. 

This guy always needs to have his paws wrapped around you.

We finally got to try a newer restaurant in Milwaukee, Cassis. 

I had the ravioli -- yum. Brian and Leif had steak frites. Mel had the scallops. All were ridiculously delicious. 

The best part was, we got to celebrate Mel's birthday! Yay!

Afterwards, the boys went to the PIL concert, and some of Mel's friends from her building took her out for a cocktail and I tagged along. We got dropped off at their building after, and I got a glimpse of the Commission House mural in progress. It looks fantastic!

Moments 09 26 :: Week 03

Last Friday Brian and I had a belated anniversary celebration at Nakama. 

Since it was a Friday, and we usually are dead to the world nowadays, we opted for the low key Listening Room. Since it was our anniversary, they even let Brian select one of the albums to play. It was a cool environment, but I am looking forward to trying to Omakasa bar at some point. The cocktails and food were absolutely delicious. Not pictured, their incredible roasted cabbage, nori butter clams and satsumaino (Japanese sweet potato) creme brulee. 

 

The Bravissimo -- toasted sesame fat-washed Roku Japanese gin, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, sumac infused Mazzura Apertivo, orange bitters

Japanese Breakfast -- Henry McKenna 10yr 100 proof bourbon, Lazzaroni amaretto, ceremonial grade match, peach kuromitsu, fresh squeezed kiwi, fresh squeezed lemon, aquafaba, marigold and ginger and allspice bitters

 

Hamachi Temaki - ikura, crispy garlic, negi

Hotate Temaki -- clam miso nori butter, ikura, yuzu salt

On Saturday, the Auggies played in Madison. Several of the team families came which was fun, and Cole had his own little cheering section! 

They ended up with their first win of the season. It was a good night. 

The fans with our guy!

On Monday I took Cinnamon out on a field trip. She's labeled as fearful, but the minute we hit the park, she happily walked along wagging her tail. She's seriously almost perfect. I cannot believe she's still at the shelter. 

Van and his Urban Adventure buddies. It's so adorable, and he's really feeling comfortable with his little pack which is nice. 

On the days Van get picked up for his walk, Gretel and I go out for a walk together. She's a little slower and can't go as far as she used to, but she loves it. She can still do a couple miles. Of course, naps are always part of it too.