Moments 01 22 :: Week 04

Gretel looking very pretty.

This was sent to me when I was in Florida and I think it's hilarious. Busted, stealing a toy that looks just like him.

Take off. On the way home. What a great week.

Florida 22 :: Day 4

Yay! A beach day. Today was supposed to be warm and sunny. Turned out to be perfect for me. Cloudy and comfortable with my denim shirt. We had lunch, then my mom and I walked the beach for miles. My favorite thing. That afternoon we hot tubbed, then had dinner at the club before calling it early for the night. It's amazing how tired you get being outside all day. 

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Right now I'm sitting in the airport waiting to go home. It's been such a great trip. I can't believe I've never come by myself before. I guess it's one of the good things about older kids. It was quick, easy and sweet. One more day would have been nice, but to me, that's the sign of a good vacation. 

Florida 22 :: Day 3

Another day filled with Florida fun. Today was supposed to be cool and cloudy. We went for a bike ride and the weather was absolutely beautiful, so decided to go for a kayak trip. We were even treated with a dolphin who really liked swimming next to the kayaks, especially my dad's. So neat. That night we headed into Naples. A friend of mine has a place near my parents, and she spends a lot of time in Naples. I had never been to the pier. The surfers were out, and the pelicans and other birds were out catching fish. It was really nice. Afterwards, we drove by some of the stunning homes in the area, then parked near 3rd Avenue, another place I had never been. We strolled a bit, then had dinner at Sea Salt, which we all really enjoyed. So glad we have been able to fit as much as we have in. It's been so great.

Florida 22 :: Day 1 + 2

What a fabulous week to get away! Decided during the holidays to book a trip to visit my parents for a few days. I've never come to Florida, just me. The weather was supposed to be rainy and cold here, but it's nothing compared to Wisconsin. Yikes. It's been brutal. Flew in Monday night, and was surprised with an amazing care package from Brian. So sweet. That guy! Tuesday my mom was in a golf championship (she won), so my dad and I took the dogs on a walk at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. What a cool place. In the afternoon, my mom and I headed over to Bonita Beach for a walk. Cloudy and misty, but so pretty. That evening, we met up with my parent's friends from the UK for dinner. We used to see them in Florida every year, but have also met up with them in Italy and England. It's been a few years, and was so great seeing them. A fun, full day.

Moments 01 22 :: Week 03

Great first book to start the year. Food, family, friends, and travel. Can't beat it. I actually think (and have heard) that the audio version is even better. 

Traditions. Last night before going back to school dinner - steak, greek salad and french fries. 

We took Hudson back to college on Saturday. It's been a great month having him home, but we are super excited for him. We moved him out of his dorm and into a new on-campus apartment! It's a pretty sweet setup in a highly sought after complex with some friends who's original roommates are in Madrid this semester. 

After a busy, long day, we really enjoyed our dinner at Olio. We even got to dine in a greenhouse, which was surprisingly comfortable and kind of fun. 

Me and my guy outside The Foundry. The area near his college is really building up. It's very cool. 

Just a cute shot of Van Duke, taken by Brian. Not sure we've ever had a dog as snuggly as he is. 

Moments 01 22 :: Week 02

After Las Vegas last week, Brian and Hudson drove to Pioneertown and Palm Springs for a couple days. Fun little adventure after Brian's crazy few weeks.

The tree is down, but I always cut off a little branch to keep around as long as possible. 

One of my gym friends is having a baby any day now, so we had a little surprise baby shower for her. Our other friend tested positive for COVID, but came to say hi through the window. Crazy times. 

The CrossFit gang. We all brought books for new baby's library. I also made Italian Layer Cookies but colored the layers baby colors (they don't know what sex the baby will be).

Van Duke turned 1 on 1/11! He has a few bad habits -- he’s a barker, a wandering pooper, eats everything he sees, is white fur shedder, and wakes up way too early - for example -- but we are crazy about him. He’s funny, and snuggly, and simply the cutest (those freckles). 

Brian and Hudson made it home that night in time to celebrate. I made him a peanut butter doggie cake with banana peanut butter and whipped cream topping. He loved it. 

This happened. It's only my second time going in many years since Brian's been pheasant hunting. It's just not my thing. I have to say though, I love being outside and mostly, watching the dogs do what they love so much is absolutely amazing. 

It's beautiful seeing them in action. 

Moments 01 22 :: Week 01

Our New Year's Day good luck recipe. We've been lucky enough to have Greg & Yvonne stay with us over New Year's a couple times, and they always make this recipe. Their tradition has turned into our tradition. I asked Yvonne for the recipe a few years back, and she sent me this. I could barely decipher it, hence the notes. I love it so much. 

The final product. Not very pretty, but we love it.

It snowed for real finally. At first Van wouldn't even go outside, but it's safe to say, once he figured it out, he loved it again. 

Our crazy little tree. I love the random little branches popping out. I'm finally taking it down this weekend. 

How in the world has this happened? We had a greyhound years ago that slept in our bed, and it was such a nightmare. The last two dogs haven't been allowed (although, Gretel does sleep with Hudson when he's home). Somehow, this guy has finagled his way in. And not only that, he buries himself UNDER the covers. This is how I woke up the other day. Not ok. 

Hudson made us dinner! Chicken coconut soup and chili glazed green beans. It was delicious. 

How we roll this this time of year. It reached a whopping 15 degrees out today.

 

In other news, Brian had to leave on the 1st of the year for Las Vegas. His company did the keynote for Abbott Labs at CES. It's been a long haul, and he's been M.I.A. most of the past 1.5 months. This morning, Hudson flew out to join him and they are going to go on a little road trip for a few days to unwind. Hudson was supposed to take a 10:20 am flight, but woke me up last night at midnight to let me know it was cancelled. I'm not sure how, but he managed to get the very last seat on the 7am. It just meant a very early wake-up call, but I'm happy they are getting to have these few days together.