Camp David 2015

Our annual trip north this year required the purchase of a trailer attachment for the Yukon.  As I lined the hallway surveying the little duffle bags, I imagined what it will be like to pack up our crew years from now, when feet are no longer little and clothing compact. 

 

For three days we enjoyed the fellowship of extended family, adventures on the water as our little ones tested out new skills and made bold choices, warm temperatures and orange sunsets, comfort food at its finest, and the inevitable chaos that comes with lodging a family of six, modifying schedules and embracing unpredictability. 

 

 While Everett's nights were less than ideal, we enjoyed introducing him to the pontoon boat and his first boat rides. 

 

 

June spent her days exhibiting her wide range of emotions which are equally captivating and exhausting to witness.  She enjoyed testing new boundaries, exploring, snacking, and walking on and off the pontoon boat demonstrating that while she may be petite, she is very capable. 

We all agreed that Joey and Charlotte are the perfect ages to explore and appreciate all the north woods have to offer.  No longer requiring constant supervision, we enjoyed watching them spend hours in the lake, splashing about.  They appreciated fishing lessons with Doc off the pier, boat rides with Uncle Bob, and their first tube rides.  In particular, I have loved watching their relationship grow this summer as they have spent the majority of the summer by each other's sides, exploring, being creative, sharing ideas and becoming best friends. 

 

Moments like these are meant to be treasured.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to slip away into the beauty of God's creation spending time with loved ones, making memories.  

 

 





Viva Las Vegas

Sometime during the long months of winter, it was determined that the doc and I would kick off spring with a trip to Vegas.  He needed to blow off some steam, and I needed a few lazy afternoons in the hot desert sun. More than anything, I anticipated a few days of fun with my favorite person, who always promises a good time.  We propositioned our closest pals, and it did not take long before the trip was planned, and weekly Vegas-themed text messages were exchanged as we counted down the days until we lovingly divided each of our children among three different households, a first and most likely necessary game plan for all future trips. 

 

While flying is not particularly pleasant for me, I'd board any plane with this man (armed with a prescription for anti-nausea medication).  In the years that I have known him (going on twenty), and had the privilege of calling him "mine" (approaching eighteen), we have shared many a sweet adventure.  And, after this, our latest trip, I am more enamored with him than ever.  One early Vegas morning over a romantic game of Blackjack at the picturesque Paris Las Vegas, we were taken for newlyweds as cards were turned and bets were placed.  Truth be told, many days I still feel like that young bride of 24, as I reach for his hand, look up into his eyes and laugh at his jokes.  However, at 34, as I reach confidently for his hand and look into his eyes I do so knowing intimately the ways our love has matured, becoming one of His most sacred gifts. 

 

 

Highlights of our trip included staying at the fabulous Aria Hotel, poolside conversations with our dear friends, the many delicious and fruity drinks that were delivered as we lay soaking in every minute of the sun, an unforgettable meal at SW Steakhouse, the butter at SW Steakhouse, early morning walks down the strip with my love and a hot Americano, eating fries by the pool and marveling over their taste, honest conversations with trusted friends, cocktails at Rao's, people watching, spontaneous raps, a comfortable and inviting king-sized bed, the razzle dazzle of the Strip at night, rocking out to Elton John at Cesar's Palace, listening to my man belt out each lyric in my ear, laughing with friends who share our past and anticipate our future, seeing my love relax and let his guard down, seeing my best friend smile, waking next to my love, putting on a little bit of extra makeup and getting "fancy," and not worrying over a single detail of the day knowing our children were being watched over and tenderly loved in our absence. 

Until we meet again, Vegas...

Cheers to Tradition, and a New Year

The year was 2007.  It was then, just he and I, a couple of love birds with a baby on the way.  The city was Chicago.  And, we rang in the New Year with dear friends.  We indulged on fine food prepared in a small city kitchen, a meal so rich and memorable we still talk about it today.  We lounged lazily waiting for the ball to drop, friends sardined on an oversized couch, watching local news coverage.  It was fantastic.

 

We said good-bye to 2013 in a similar fashion.  Friends gathered, a fine piece of meat was prepared, wine for some, virgin cocktails for others, and plenty of milk for the babes.  Four children and counting.  Inevitably, we will be outnumbered (in the not too distant future).  And, the time may come to consider a destination gathering, trading champagne for margaritas on the sandy beaches of Mexico. 

 

But, until that day we will continue to gather as growing families, ringing in the New Year with horns, good food, laughter, local new coverage, red wine and sippy cups.

 



"Insta" Christmas

 

With the hustle and bustle of Christmas programs, last minute shopping, baking, and various other "to-do" lists behind us, we spent the majority of Christmas break together as a family enjoying the sights and sounds of the season, fellowship with loved ones, and the mostly slow and steady pace of a vacation spent in a state that is consistently cold, often with the chance of snow.  We were reminiscent of a year ago and the chaos of leaving Cleveland just before Christmas, fresh babe in tow, U-Haul boxes lining the halls of our rental property.  We were caught up in the wonder of watching our little lady and man, one year older, fully embracing the magic of the season, appreciating each strand of light, carol played and present beautifully wrapped under tree. We were amused by the littlest, a marvel to behold as she toddled to and fro, no longer an infant but curious bundle of pure joy.  But, mostly we were grateful, celebrating the birth of a Savior born to redeem His people, love coming down. 

 

 

Tickets please... a fantastic evening with friends recreating the Polar Express.

 

Enjoying a matinee performance of The Nutcracker at Madison's Overture Center.

 

 Bundling up for errands around town.

 

Christmas Eve snow forts with Papa.

 

My favorite present. Every. Year.

 

Waking to the wonder of Christmas morning. 

 

Matching jams and Christmas cuddles.

 

 

 Savoring time with Daddy.

 

Sharing with the ones we love.

 



 Getting dolled up for dinner.

 



Capturing Christmas sass.

 





 

Creating secret places to play.

Enjoying a second viewing of The Nutcracker at Milwaukee's Performing Arts Center.

 



 

Sharing a love of ballet.

Quiet days spent in pj's.

 



Making good use of Christmas boxes.

 





T-gives 2013

Decades of tradition,

 favorite dishes prepared in love and presented in pretty bowls,

laughter and listening,

 tiny plump hands held by those wrinkled and aging,

 beautiful moments one after the other,

family gathered in celebration,

hearts full of gratitude.

 



Bucket List - Milwaukee Zoo