Moments 07 20 :: Week 05

Last weekend was graduation weekend finally! Pretty much all the schools around us were figuring out a way to do an in-person ceremony. 

I get it, but we were a little disappointed to find out last week that Nicolet's was going to be a drive-through ceremony. 

H was not excited, but we decorated the car and showed up. And you know what? It was a lot better than he though it would be. 

He got to see some of his friends, the cars from the highway were honking, the cars were decorated.... It doesn't replace seeing your friends one last time, but it was kind of fun. 

We are so proud of this guy. As scary as it all is, it's definitely time to get this part past him and move on. (But I'm sure going to miss him. He's one of my favorite people ever, and it's not going to be the same without him around).

After graduation, we had a small family gathering. We would have loved a big party, of course, but it was great getting to see family. Christie & Jacob. 

Ian (who graduated from college), Pam & Matt. Mackenzie stopped by for a bit too.

Nina & Papa.

And Grandma. H had a great day.

This was slightly terrifying! H took his brother up in the airplane the other day.

I was nominated by Emma to post a black & white photo of myself showing support and strength among women. 

C got to spend the day on Elkhart Lake with his friend. So much fun. 

When you neighbors are the music director of the Milwaukee Symphony (and head conductor at the Chicago Symphony) and a pianist and Artistic Director for Chelsea Music Festival, you get an amazing evening of mask wearing, socially distanced music from the porch. What a special night. 

Moments 07 20 :: Week 04

Unfortunately, we aren't able to do the big graduation party H deserves. However, we've been lucky to have a couple smaller gatherings in the works. Our Oak Park tribe has formed a social bubble, and said they would be comfortable bringing it north for an afternoon, which was last weekend. Mel made to-die-for cheesesteak sandwiches, and Amy & Penny brought delicious salads. It was fantastic. Miss these guys all so much. 

Our clematis are going nuts. So pretty. 

My view when I do any sort of on the ground workout movement. She also likes taking over my mat when I'm out for a run. 

Most exciting event had to be this. H had a flight slot booked on Tuesday, and very last minute, I decided to invite myself with! I don't know what came over me, but it was very exciting. 

He is SO pro, and certainly knows his stuff. I still can't believe my kid knows how to do this. 

It was a perfect day. Low 70s and just look at Lake Michigan! It looked like a tropical ocean. Gorgeous.

A beautiful summer evening. 

I wish she could just get comfortable once in awhile. 

Moments 07 20 :: Week 03

Brian and I took the paddleboards out on Lake Michigan again Sunday. It was perfect! I mean, just look at that smooth water. Plus it was nice to swim in. The next day the waves were huge and the surfers were out. You just never know.

A cucumber might have been involved in the taking of this photo. They are his favorite food. Such a good boy. 

Proof I used to play soccer. Never was very good, but it was fun to do. We were even Conference Champs. 

Papa & Nina took us out on the club pontoon boat on a perfect summer day.

We jumped in the lake twice. It felt so great.

How lucky are we? Wish we could do this everyday. Ha, wouldn't that be nice? It was actually a pretty stressful week, so this was an extra special treat. We were all just a little on edge all week. H picked his room in college and got into the dorm he wanted, but it's very nerve wrecking sending him off in all of this, and he's nervous too, so any excitement is always followed by that gross feeling. Also found out he will be having a drive through graduation next week. I get it, but what a bummer. It's just hard. But this was a great way to spend the afternoon today. Couldn't have asked for anything better. 

Moments 07 20 :: Week 02

Friday night we met my parents, sisters and kids at the club for a fish fry. We sat outside, which was great. 

The lake also hosted their annual fireworks. 

With all the large, traditional firework displays being canceled, we felt extremely lucky. This is my favorite place to watch them too. 

Brian and I took a walk along Beach Drive, and since he was with, Gretel got to dip more than her feet in the water. She didn't want to leave. Unfortunately, they are building wave walls, and it's getting really hard to find a spot to put her in for a few minutes. She loves it,.

Our friends invited us out to their house for a socially distanced graduation party for their son (college). We brought our own lawn chairs and coolers of food and drink. Their next door neighbor is also a professional firework guy, so lucky us! We had our own, crazy fireworks literally above our heads.

It ended with a giant fire ball. (I'm pretty sure that one wasn't approved by the village).

Brian and I took our paddle boards out on Lake Michigan. It wasn't even too wavy, but my balance sure stinks. Didn't fall in, but definitely had to concentrate. 

So glad we have these things. 

Lake Michigan is oddly warm this year. Not that I'm complaining. It felt great! 

Found delphinium at the grocery store and had to get them. They remind me of our wedding (they were in our bouquets).

Our area is doing COVID testing. You didn't need symptoms to get tested, so the family signed up. I know so many areas are struggling to get enough testing, so it felt weird to doing it. 

Found this little bird in the parking lot at C's soccer. I found a blanket and moved it to the woods. Before we left, I wanted to make sure it didn't get under my car again. Sure enough, it was in the curb right behind it. I think it was a fledgling mourning dove. I moved it back to the woods, but don't doubt it hopped back down to the danger zone. 

My driveway gym workout buddy.

Moments 07 20 :: Week 01

This guy got a new bike and couldn't be happier. It's his first bike that hasn't been a hand-me-down. Only took almost 16 years. 

Our gym did a workout to honor Pride month. I'm still working out at home so joined them in spirit. 

I was trimming our vines and spied these cuties! 

A lazy Sunday morning.

Brian and I decided to take a walk. Wanted to go to the nature center, but they only take reservations now and we couldn't get it. Ended up walking along Doctors Park. Love the little installations people make with the driftwood.

Love looking for rocks. I even found my very first of teeny tiny beach glass.

The water was beautiful. Tons of people were at the beach actually. It was a little too much. But many were swimming, so it couldn't be too bad. 

The teepees are always a favorite. 

Long way up. We were huffing and puffing for sure.

My favorite tradition from the last few months has to be Sunday dinners cooked by Brian. 

Perfect end to the weekend.

Got my boys out strawberry picking! They are such dorks.

Made it right in time for the end of the season. This year almost escaped me! It's like I'm stuck in March or something. 

They were smaller and tasted amazing. 

Love this tradition.

I've been doing https://www.christinatosi.com/recipes. So fun. Not good for my nutrition goals. That's for sure. These were Cereal Marshmallow Cookies. Clearly the dogs were trying to block me from baking.

The babies are getting big!

Saw these ducklings on our walk with Gretel. I don't even love birds, actually, but can't think of much that is more adorable than a scene like this.