Moments 10 24 :: Week 04

Last weekend was Homecoming and Family Weekend at North Central College. Hudson was even able to make it. He drove in early from Dubuque, Iowa where he was volunteering with SLU's Flight Team.

The times we are all together are rare, so we definitely soak it up.

Starting lineup. 

The Cardinals played Carthage and won. One of Cole's teammate's father was in town and took these amazing photos.

After the game, we stayed and tailgate. It was so much fun. We weren't able to stay for the football game, but the Cardinals won 69-0. They dominate, that's for sure. 

The next day we went to Uncle Skip's funeral. We had to miss the Celebration of Life due to Family Weekend, but were thankful to be able to see our cousin's and their spouses. 

Uncle Richard and Aunt Nancy came into town too. It's always nice to see them. 

The gang. I honestly don't expect anyone to be reading this blog anymore, but Uncle Skip always did, and would let me know how much he enjoyed it whenever I saw him. Not a week hasn't gone by since his passing that I haven't thought of him when I hit the "publish" button. 

New haircut. Had to document it since it never looks as good again. 

It's been a beautiful fall. The leaves are insane. The weather has been mild. I wish it would never end.  

Brian and I visited our Village Hall and early voted. 

Moments 10 24 :: Week 03

We had our first guests over for dinner in our new kitchen. Need to make family dinners happen more often. It was so fun.

Speaking of our new kitchen....

We are beyond thrilled with the results, and absolutely love being in it. Such a happy space. 

Here are some before and after photos to put things in perspective. 

Our kitchen served it's purpose, but it was such a disaster. The new space is beautiful, organized, and something special. We love it. 

Van and I took a long walk to Doctor's Park beach. The sound of the waves could not be passed up. 

We walked along the beach hoping to get to the southern entrance but no luck. Our feet got wet, but it was worth it. 

The water just is so peaceful. Always in awe that this so close to our house. Lake Michigan is stunning.

Brian and I made to a week day game. The Cardinals hosted Milliken. It was also Team Chicago night, so the players walked out with kids, just like the professionals which was pretty cute. 

Cole's soccer friend plays for Milliken. Both of them played the entire 90, or close to it. Milliken did win, but it was fun watching these two in action. I also loved seeing Nico's mom, and Cole's roommates parents from Peru were visiting too. It was a great night. 

Love any chance I can get to see him.  

Funny team photo. These guys really do have a great time together. 

Moments 10 24 :: Week 02

We meet up with Leif + Mel at Room Service. Had been looking forward to this for awhile and it did not disappoint.

How gorgeous are these royal flower dumplings? The filling was sweet-salty radish and peanut. It was surprising and amazing.

This is the Samurai Signature hand rolls. 

Overview of our table. We also had a few other dishes. It was such a fun place. Delicious food. Amazing presentation. 

On Saturday, the Cardinals played Kalamazoo College, and Cole got to play against old soccer friend from Bavarian, Darius. 

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After the game, we celebrated Pam + Matt's birthdays at Third Street Market Hall along with Mackenzie, Patryk, Ian, Claudia, Leif and Mel. Such a fun and funny night. The place was packed! So great to see.

I have a million photos of this view, but I love it so much.

Little lady got to take her cone off on Wednesday. She's doing great and her eyes are looking really good. Pathology report came back benign (non-cancerous) too, which was expected but a relief of course. 

Moments 10 24 :: Week 01

Brian's sense of humor. I find it pretty funny too. Thanks for the catalog Evereve. 

We made it Oktoberfest again this year. My gosh, we used to spend every weekend here. Such fun memories.

Love the signage they have. 

Another good one. This is actually what I had to eat, and it was delicious.

We were there with my CrossFit friends. The Feigling shots were a hit too. I'm not sure anyone else knew what they were, but everyone who tried them thought they were delicious. Brings Brian and I back to our our Delmonhorst street festival days when we visited friends there. 

Saturday night the NCC Cardinals played at Carroll University in Waukesha. It's always fun for him when he has a little cheering section.

Cole and his roommate JP with the gang. The game ended in a draw, but Cole (and JP) played a great game. Unfortunately, Cole got taken out and landed on his back so had to come out in the 72nd minute. He was pretty laid up the next couple of days.

Cousins. 

Cole got to spend less than 24 hours at home afterwards before Brian and I drove him back to Naperville. We just hung out eating snacks late night after the game, watched some English Premiere League soccer the next morning, went to the Farmer's Market -- and did a lot of this. Fall is a busy time of year for him with soccer and school. The kid is exhausted. Loved having him home for a few hours. 

Van Duke soaking up some rays. He found the one little spot the sun was pouring in.