College Move-In

After years of prepping and months of anticipating, we moved H to college this week. We woke up bright and early Thursday and made our way to Kalamazoo. First stop was a COVID test, then it was time to move in. His roommate had slot earlier that day, so was already set up and waiting for him. And his roommate was able to get in earlier that week to drop some things off so lofted their beds. We only had 90 minutes, so it was huge. We did all we could, then it was time to let them be. Since it was my first time on campus, we drove out to the airport, which is pretty incredible. I can see why H picked Western Michigan to pursue Aviation. That night Brian, C and I went to Hopcat for dinner. So many places are closed yet, but it was perfect. I was exhausted, and ending up falling asleep by 10pm, which is crazy earlier for me, especially since Michigan is an hour ahead! 

The next day we grabbed breakfast then went to Target and the hardware store for a few quick things. We had one more quick visit with H to drop everything off and got to peek in at their room. They finished most everything yesterday which was amazing, and were spending the day doing their virtual welcome. We said our goodbyes (again) then Brian, C and I walked around campus before heading back. We are home now, and it seems extra quiet here. This is going to take some getting used to. I already miss him like crazy. I know in my heart it was time for him to leave -- it's just hard. This is such a crazy time to be heading off to college. So much is still uncertain. I just hope they have a safe, healthy, and incredible semester. Only a few months until he'll be home again. Hopefully. 

Moments 08 20 :: Week 04

Lazy days of summer. 

It's been so hot! Nina invited us out to Chenequa. Only C and I could make it, but it sure felt great to be on the water.

Yes, that's C throwing sand. Some tings never change.

You would be surprised how non-adventurous this guy is.

Goofy girl. Had to move her crate updates while our lower level got drywalled this week. What a mess. 

Watching the sunset. 

Pretty amazing.

It was International Dog Day. Here's a photo on the way to the kennel with Gretel sitting on Storm. 

Last supper before college. Steak, corn, Greek salad and Kopps ice cream.

Moments 08 20 :: Week 03

Serious guard dogging going on in front of that tree. 

Sometimes I get a glimpse of our house and remember how magical it really is. Truthfully, it's in complete disarray right now. Our master bath is getting remodeled right now, and our first level ceiling is getting drywalled. There is drywall dust EVERYWHERE, as well dishes and glasses that are usually on shelves. Oh, and H's college dorm stuff. It's a mess. But the light is at the end of the tunnel, and it's going to be amazing. 

Brian and I took a little hike in a new spot the other day. 

It's not even a mile loop, but look how peaceful it is.

So lucky to have little gems like this minutes away.

We've tried a lot of different things in this planter. Tea gardens, multiple varieties, short plants, tall plants. Last year we bought a single tropical plant, and it worked out great. Wasn't sure what we were getting into when we purchased this one this year. It was teeny tiny at the beginning of summer. Needless to say, I found my new favorite. It's amazing. And I didn't even kill it yet. 

Moments 08 20 :: Week 02

We caved. After another sweltering weekend, we bought something we've wanted to for awhile but haven't. 

A giant rubbermaid animal feeding container. The purpose is to use it for an ice bath. I'm not totally into that concept (even though I know there are some incredible benefits). But I don't mind hopping in on a hot day to cool off and call it our new swimming pool. 

Crazy Midwestern storms the other night brought this view looking East....

And at the same time, this view looking West. 

Our week started out with another remodeling project -- demoing the some of our ceilings. We'll be putting up drywall. What a mess. The electrician was supposed to come Wednesday, drywallers back Thursday. By mid- next week, we'd be finished. At 4pm the day before they were supposed to come, the electricians cancelled and said they couldn't "fit us in" until the 27th. No way. Luckily, we found a new company to come next week, but can you believe it? We have stuff all over the house and patio area. I cannot wait to get our house back.

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The boys also got to visit Nina & Papa this week. Golf, dinner with the cousins, paddleboarding... They spent the night and had a great time. Glad they got to fit that in. 

Door County :: Day 4

Sadly, this was our final day. And we had to be out pretty early in the am. We stopped in Egg Harbor for some avocado toasts and vegan pancakes (which Brian and I have been craving since last year), then headed out to drop off the keys. We would have loved to have had another day, or visited Washington Island, but alas had to get back to reality. What a great trip. So glad we were able to get away for a few days and spend some really great time together. 

Door County :: Day 3

Another great day. We went kayaking in the morning on a 2-hour tour. So much fun. Afterwards, we stopped for lunch at Chives in Bailey's Harbor. Delicious. Afterwards, we drove around the peninsula again. Brian had been eying up Door Karma Farms for awhile, so we decided to stop in. He picked up a chicken and chanterelle mushrooms to make for dinner. I had been wanting to go to Door County Creamery, but it was closed Tuesday when we drove through. We picked up ramp chèvre and had goat milk gelato for dessert. So good. We spent the rest of the day at the house, swimming, making dinner (it was delicious) and watching the sunset. We even had a little duck family visit us. (By the way, did you know there are pelicans in Door County? I sure didn't. Brian said he saw one the first night and I thought he was nuts. But we saw one at least every night. There was also an eagle that would fly by once in awhile). What a great day. 

Door County :: Day 2

I had an amazing night of sleep thanks to the sound of waves crashing. It was incredible. After being so hot for so many weeks, our days in Door County were on the cooler. Of course, it's supposed to warm up again this weekend. But if you know me at all, you know I'm not complaining. Give me a day in the 60s or 70s day and I'm super happy. We had a lazy morning and a late breakfast made by Brian before visiting Peninsula State Park to do some hiking. You get a little bit of everything -- rock formations, forest, water -- even the boys said they liked it. Afterwards, we decided to drive around, stopping to look at the goats at Al Johnson's, pick up some smoked fish, grab and beer and pretzel (lunch) and coffee before heading back, and jumping in the lake. There is something absolutely incredible about Lake Michigan. It's mesmerizing. That night, we decided to venture out for dinner before rushing back to catch the end of another amazing sunset.