Moments 01 23 :: Week 04

Time for our annual post-holiday dinner with Ali+Scott, Shelly+Andrew. This time we headed into Hartland. Such a fun night. We've been doing this since 2008.

Had to jump on board and get Poorly Drawn Pets for the annual Wisconsin Humane Society fundraiser. Always love seeing what we'll get. 

Van's even captured his invisible fence collar.

A breathtaking winter sunrise. 

First book of the new year finished. I really wish I were one of those people who could read 40 a year. If I got one a month, I'd be super happy.

Such a sad week. I've been walking through these gym doors for almost 9 years. Today was the last day before we moving. We won't have a space for a little while, so are currently orphans. That wasn't how it was supposed to go. Fortunately one of the local gyms is opening their doors for us, but of course, some people are going separate ways. It won't be the same -- and that's good and bad. It's the end of an era, but I'm mostly excited for things to come. 

Moments 01 23 :: Week 03

Our guy is going to college! We are so proud of him and his journey to get this place. He applied to many schools, (11 I think?) and was accepted to most of them. In the end, he picked North Central College in Naperville, IL. We are so excited for him.

He'll be playing soccer for North Central College as well. They are ranked 20th in the country for D3. It seems like it's going to be a great program for him to continue his athletic and educational journey. 

Another announcement that his soccer club made. Yay, Cole! 

On Saturday the team placed under the dome at UW Oshkosh. Cole had sprained his ankle during the week, and decided to sit it out. He looked like one of the coaches. 

Just a man and his dogs. 

Brian and I took the dogs for a walk at Lion's Den Gorge. I'm loving these mild winter days. Tried to get a family photo, but this is the best I got. At least one of us looks ok. 

I am always blown away that this is basically in our back yard. 

Van Duke is a grabber. His paw is always touching, swatting or grabbing. Guess he needed a little attention while I was working. 

Moments 01 23 :: Week 02

Saturday morning sunshine.

Trying to blend in.

For Christmas, the boys got a tropical fruit box from Miami Fruit. A cocoa pod was one of the pieces in it. First time trying fresh cocoa. Fun!

Proof that these two still do snuggle.

Hudson is back at school. He's there a week early, working (training to be a server) and flying. This is a view from his cross-country trip to Bloomington, Indiana. 

Van Duke turned two!

We baked a peanut butter banana dog cake and made him wear a crown. He loved it. 

Brian and I had to drop off the van for some service we've been trying to get since summer. While there, we roamed the warehouse and checked out some of the inventory. Some of these RVs are insane. This was one of the smaller ones and a tow-behind, but probably my favorite. It even has a fireplace and butler pantry. Absolutely insane. 

Moments 01 23 :: Week 01

Me, saving the starfish on Folly Beach. Every low tide I would walk out and place the starfish washed ashore back in a pool of water. I'm sure they would be fine on their own, but a little help never hurt.

On our way out, bright and early in the morning. 

Had to stop at Buc-ee's. I've never heard of it before, but Hudson's roommate likes to wear a Buc-ee's t-shirt, so he had. Have you ever been to one? I've never seen anything like it. The place was massive.

The books I read this year. I have friends who read 40. I always wish I could fit more in. The good news is, these were all winners. 

Last time we were in Charleston, we picked up a candle at Candlefish. I had forgotten what scent it was, but I loved it. Somehow the salespeople there could figure it out based on a really bad image I had showing only part of the number, and my description of it. It's definitely the same one. (Plus, I later found it in my Pinterest). Pine, Sandalwood and Leather.

So many treasures from the beach.

Folly Beach, SC 22 :: Day 7

 

New Year's Day 2023 was a blast. We headed down for the official polar bear plunge and were shocked by how many people where there. It was a blast. The costumes were fantastic. My favorite was the family of circus performers. We snacked on liege waffles Penny treated us with while the boys went back out surfing. We eventually had our own polar bear plunge -- but right outside our house so a hot shower was waiting. I know it's not as bad as Lake Michigan, but it's still only about 53 degrees. We eventually walked around on the search for coffee and food, ending up at Chico Feo again. Cole, Hudson and Brian spent most of the afternoon back on the water. That night we had our traditional pork and sauerkraut to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year while watching a movie. We didn't want the evening to end but had to make it an early one. Unfortunately, the P4 had to leave a day earlier than originally planned so Cole wouldn't miss too much school. He starts up again this week. No big deal, but of course we would have loved more time. That's always the sign of a great vacation. We are making our way back now, doing the 1,028 miles in one day. Feeling rejuvenated and full of gratitude for a week of family time with wonderful friends. Lucky us. Here's to a great 2023!

Folly Beach, SC 22 :: Day 6

New Year's Eve! Chris, Penny and I went to Crosby's for fish and the grocery store. When we got back, everyone but Penny and me went surfing. They had a blast and there are always surfers out there, but you all, that water is cold. I had no interest in even trying. Before dinner, Brian and I walked the beach and saved the starfish that wash up with the tide, which became my nightly thing. Actually, I didn't have to put many back that evening. But Brian and I counted 24 in one little pool. They are amazing. For dinner, we had steak, scallops and shrimp with roasted vegetables. We actually made it to midnight. In fact, we ventured out for the annual Flip Flop drop which was a total blast. The streets were flooded with people as a fire truck crane lowered a pair of flip flops for the countdown to midnight. Of course we had to get a group photo outside Bert's. 

Folly Beach, SC 22 :: Day 5

Woke up and walked the beach a little before heading into Charleston. Each family went our own way and did our shopping and neighborhood walking. It was super busy so hard to find food. The Frigs stopped at a brewery -- Edmonds Oast -- with some good snacks and local beer that was super delicious. We all ended up meeting for an early dinner at Bar George. Oysters and chicken again, but this time, raw oysters and Peruvian chicken. Good stuff.