Moments 08 23 :: Week 05

The ice cream truck drove by. All the neighborhood kids and Brian couldn't resist.

Warning: this week is all about Cole. On Monday, Brian and I drove to University of Chicago to watch North Central scrimmage. There were a bunch of NCC parents there so was nice meeting them.

Our guy. He played about 35 minutes and did really great. 

Reunited. 

Tuesday was Cole's 19th birthday! So of course I came to the game with a bunch of giant cookies for him to share. It was weird not hanging streamers and having ice cream birthday cake this year, that's for sure. 

His official photos. I kind of love them.

The moon was crazy this week too. A Blue Moon.

Moments 08 23 :: Week 04

And then there were two. It's so strange. The first week was rough, not going to lie. But it's kind of nice that the house isn't a mess all the time. Still need tackle Cole's room though. And, we are keeping super busy. Buckle up. It's another big week.

On Saturday, I joined Brian at Elkhart Lake for the races. 

He was there for work, so had all access, including the pits. This is the car we signed at the parade. Cole's friend Mario works for this team, so we got to see him in action too. (That's not him in the photo).

We took our bikes and rode all around. We were exhausted. It's such a great track to watch races on. We had a blast. 

On Sunday, my parents invited us for dinner. First, we hit the lake. Besides the boat on Father's Day, we didn't make it out at all this year. Glad to fit one day in.

Got a last first day of school photo from Hudson! It's the first one we've ever gotten -- I love that he did it. Cole started classes the same day. And Brian started his class on Tuesday. He's teaching a class at MIAD again this year. It's a lot of time, but something he's always wanted to do. I think he's really good at it too. There was a wait list for his class this year. 

Wednesday was 100 degrees everywhere (no exaggeration). Penny is on sabbatical for a couple more weeks, so had the ladies over for lunch. What a great afternoon. I totally spaced on taking a photo but Mel snapped this quick one thank goodness. Too bad she isn't in it. I adore these people. Zoe and I also had lunch the day before and I forgot to take one. I wanted to catch up and hear all about her trip to Edinburgh before she moved in to her dorm this week. So excited for this kids. 

We've driven by the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts too many times to count, and have never gone in. I caught wind of the Akiko Ike: Boro Chiku-Chiku exhibit, and I knew I had to see it. Fortunately, Brian was able to sneak away for a little inspirational field trip too. The museum itself is in a super cool barn. The exhibit itself was stunning. It was so hard not to touch the pieces. Took so many photos. Enjoy!

Moments 08 23 :: Week 03

What a fun, exhausting, emotional, exciting week. Hold tight because it's about to be photo overload. We started last Friday with a farewell dinner at Lupi & Iris.

None of us could pick our favorite dish. It was seriously so delicious, and a great way to kick off college goodbye week. 

After we ate, we walked around downtown Milwaukee for a little bit and stumbled upon the Bronze Fonz.

Cole looks so tiny here. LOL. 

We stopped at Saint Kate's to pick up artwork from the Art-O-Mat and checked out the gallery spaces. 

Saturday was German American Days. We couldn't miss that of course.

Uncle Richard was in town too. It's been a few years since he's been to this park that they grew up going to. It is only open to the public once a year, so does get busy. But it's still such a treat.

The weather was so great. Even I jumped into Moose Lake.

My uncle and his sisters spent many a summer day in this water. It's deep and fun to swim in. We love it. 

Obligatory family photo in front of the Live Glockenspiel. 

Sunday we had scheduled to go tubing down the Wolf River. Of course, the weather decided to be only mid-60s that day, but we were determined. 

We weren't the only ones, and actually, it wasn't too bad. We all had a really great time. I cannot wait to do it again.

We had to stop at the fish shop for Cole's dinner before college. Couldn't stop in without getting some oysters.

Brian had been wanting to make paella, and Cole's last night at home seemed like the perfect night. Note to self: what he really wanted was crab legs. Next year. :) 

Brian also made a crazy delicious Basque cheesecake. 

On Wednesday, we drove Cole to Naperville to drop him off at college. He got to meet his roommate Lorenzo, a goalie from Rome, Italy, and Lorenzo's parents before they had to say their good-byes. 

I cannot believe the time has come that Brian and I have two college kids. Seriously, it's flown by. Cole is so busy with soccer at the moment, which is a really good thing. He is very happy, and that makes me happy. The build up to actually leaving is the worst part. Although, I did start crying in the Trader Joe's aisle the day after we dropped him off.... I guess it's going to hit at strange moments. 

He got his locker and uniform. Wishing #14 a great season and school year. 

The Fanatec GT World Challenge is happening at Road America in Elkhart Lake this weekend. Brian is going to be there for work, but we decided to drive out to see the start to the weekend, when all the cars drive down the streets of Elkhart Lake.

How fabulous is this? So much fun watching them come by. 

Then they all park in the street. Most of them have brochures about the car and race team. 

Can you even believe this? So much fun. 

At night, we had Hudson's last dinner before heading back to St. Louis. Can you believe this guy is starting his Senior year? We had his traditional dinner -- steak, French fries and Greek salad.

As he was packing up his car to leave, the dogs got in. I think they tried to stowaway. 

Saying his good-byes to Van Duke. It's always so strange having him just drive away. He's crashing on a friend's sofa tonight before he can get into his apartment tomorrow. I know it's going to be a great year. And just like that, Brian and I are empty nesters. It seriously has flown by, and I'm going to miss seeing these faces every day. Have loved every minute having them around.