I don't usually work on Mondays, and they have kind of become my "selfish day," when I can do whatever I want whenever I want and not have to run plans by anyone else. Well, yesterday (Monday) was Memorial Day so everyone else had the day off too, and it kind of messed with me. Summer vacation is just around the corner. We have a lot of competing interests and desires in our family, and I think we're going to have to figure some things out. That should be interesting. 

We didn't go on any big road trips or anything for the long weekend, but we did go camping at a new place that was absolutely gorgeous. We did some hikes, watched some sunsets, and did a lot of play around the campsite. It was nice. At home we got some things done around the yard- we finished our garden and I finally cleaned off the workbench in the garage. The kids' rooms are pretty much all done with new paint and furniture. We got our carpets cleaned and the lawn fertilized. We also went up to the Wallace house for an afternoon where we finally finished our basement project of installing a ceiling. Soon we will be starting the conversion of the attic into a bonus room which sounds super daunting, but with no deadlines or anything it's more manageable. 

It's funny how we get used to things. A few months ago we were skiing every weekend, often times going on long road trips and staying in hotels. It's not uncommon for us to do the same with climbing trips, backpacking trips, long bike rides, or just spending time in new cities or with extended family. But whatever we are doing, it often feels like we were living two parallel lives- the weekday life of school, work, programs, and schedules, which ends at roughly 5:00pm on Friday when the "weekday us" goes to sleep. The "weekend us" then wakes up and does all the things, is carefree and adventurous, and often doesn't go bed until the wee hours of the night before starting the cycle all over again. It is actually very nice- a situation where I personally feel like I can sort of have my cake and eat it too, lifestyle wise. 

But there is a downside, because if you read the second paragraph it actually talks about a lot of things we did this weekend. By most accounts it was a good, fun, productive weekend. But there was never really a day when the "weekday self" got to rest. We had a lot of home projects. We had kid and friend schedules to manage. And even though we had significant time to just relax, it wasn't all in a big block. As a result, it feels like something was missing about the week that I can't exactly put my finger on. But I think that as we come into summer, and especially as kids get older with increased focus on extracurriculars, friends, and summer jobs, that things might be changing for our family and we (I?) will have to adapt. I'm sure that whatever that time brings, it will be great, but a part of me just wants to hang on to what we have for as long as possible.

Anyway- here are some pictures of our week.

Have a good week!

We got together at the invitation of some friends to do a sushi night. I have never done anything like this and it was super fun. There was a pro chef guy showing us how to do it and besides the good company, the food was excellent. Great night.

We went to see "Beauty and the Beast." Though most of us went, this photo of Addy and her friend who was a part of the cast will have to represent the night.

Just a nice photo out of an upstairs window at Wallace. It was a pretty wet day.

This was kind of a cool little hike. It's not really a cave because it doesn't go back super far- maybe 100 feet- more of a big room with a little entrance. A cavern? I dunno. Pretty neat though.

Random old swingset down by the river. Nothing else. We decided it must have been put there just for esthetic value. It was a really pretty view.

Also, a nice random bench

This little sandbar was closer to our camp and we spent a long time playing there. I sure like these guys.

Jack was the only one brave enough to go all the way in. The water was still pretty cold. It was a beautiful night though.

I made Addy take this one just because there aren't a ton of pictures of Jack and me together

Camping season is fully a thing now. House projects continue. Addy and I spent about five hours putting a bunk bed together on Saturday. The yard is starting to look presentable and everything is good. Nothing too significant this week.

Except...

We lost a couple of members of the family.

*****

About a month ago we were skiing and Maren was super morose for most of the day. "Off" days happen to everyone, and we thought maybe she was just having a hard time keeping up with the rest of the family. But then she asked, almost gloomily, if maybe she could ride up a lift with just Rachel and me because she wanted to talk about something privately. Obviously something was going on.

That lift ride is when she told us she had been doing a lot of thinking over the last several months. She loves her bunnies so much. They have almost become a part of her identity. And she really wants them to be happy. And then, crying, she said that she just didn't feel like she was doing a very good job. She mentions that she had no idea how much upkeep was required to keep bunnies clean, healthy, fed and happy. We were away too much as a family. When we were at home there were a lot of competing interests, and the bunnies had started getting neglected. She had almost felt resentful of them at times at the fact that they required so much care, and that she was tired and just wanted to do something else. "It's not fair to the bunnies to have me as their mom."

We tried our best to be empathetic, because I think I get it. It's hard though. After all, how do you tell your own child that there have been moments in your own life when you have felt the same way...about them? You probably don't. But their have been times that I think every parent feels those things for at least a little bit. And what they do is get up the next day with an increased resolve and maybe make some changes so that they can feel invested again.

But Maren had been thinking for a while and she wasn't about to be consoled by quick answers. She said that she was more invested in the bunnies themselves than she was in her relationship with them. And then she said the words that I have been waiting for...hoping for...for the past several years. I just didn't think it would be so hard to hear them. "I think I want to give them to someone else, but not right away. I have to make sure they will go to a home that will love them more than I do."

Oh, my Maren. Those bunnies have been the greatest thing in her life. After numerous talks though (not just on a ski lift) she stuck to her decision that this would be the best thing. And so we started looking for a home. Personally, I feel like it was a very mature decision for her to make.

*****

After some looking, we found a new home and started making preparations. Yesterday, Marshmallow and S'mores went to their new home. I don't think things could have worked out any better. About a year ago a family moved in a few houses down from ours. They have five kids, but the oldest is Maren's age. Lindsey basically lives at their house, and their kids basically live at ours. Our teenagers have all been babysitters for them, and they pet-sit for us when we are out of town. We invite each other to cookouts and double dates. And Corrie, the mom, grew up raising bunnies. She knew just what to do. Her family would love to adopt our dear Marshmallow and S'mores, as long as Maren could come down every once-in-a-while to show them some love and maybe watch over them while the family was out of town.

Woah. This was huge. And perfect. Jackson went over and helped them to assemble the new enclosure that we had purchased for them. When all was set, Maren and Addy both carried the bunnies lovingly down the street to their new home. They placed them in the cage and spent a long time saying goodbye. It was tough. 

They came back with tears in their eyes. And though I could not imagine a better transition, it was felt by everyone that we had lost a part of the family. They will be loved so much by the younger kids, and is nice that Maren can go visit pretty much whenever she wants. It's still hard though.

This is when we first got the bunnies. They were so little! It was during Covid and we would take them to the park where nobody was outside and just let them run and run in the big fields.

Saying goodbye

All set in their new home

*****

Ok, here are a few other photos of the week. We are loving the spring weather! 

Have a good week!

Mid-week date at Arbor Crest

We have the best sunsets. Love this place.

Yesterday, we were sitting on the couch doing a crossword puzzle when the doorbell rang. I overheard the conversation when Rachel opened it to a very concerned, well-dressed, middle-aged woman.

Her: "Um...I was just driving by and I noticed that you have a bunch of kids on your roof. I just thought I should stop and let you know."

Rachel: "Yep. They're making a movie. It's okay. I told them not to fall off."

Her: slow blinks, trying to process "Okayyy. I was just concerned. I wouldn't want my kids on the roof."

Rachel: "That's very nice of you, and thank you for watching out for other kids in the neighborhood. I'm sure they'll be fine though."

Now, I'm not going to weigh in too much about the propriety of kids making rooftop movies. I do think it would be interesting to bring this well-meaning lady with us on a family skiing or climbing trip. The main reason I am sharing this story however, is because I think Rachel is an excellent mom, and I think this woman probably is as well. There are a lot of good moms out there. But I am just really happy that Rachel happens to be the mom in our family. We are all better because of her, if not safer, and I love the culture that she has helped foster in our home. Happy Mother's day to everyone...but especially to Rach. We love you!

And for the record, nobody fell off the roof.

*****

As for our week, it was pretty much business as usual for most of it. The weekend really stood out though. From my own perspective, it was pretty much perfect. Three days, each with a different focus. Saturday was all about Rachel and me. Sunday was a lovely day with the entire family. And Monday was a day I had mostly to myself. I feel like I crave all three of these things, and am often juggling my time between them. The balance this week has just been especially nice.

The plan on Saturday morning was to drive up and continue some projects we had started in Wallace. We would only stay until lunch, and then head back home. Everyone was invited, but it turns out that none of the kids wanted to go. They were tired. They wanted to watch a show. They had plans with friends. It was a Saturday morning after all. And so with a shrug and a wink, we headed out on our own for an unplanned "date" of sorts. 

It was really wonderful. We made some progress on our house, but what stands out to me is walking around the town, hand-in-hand, just enjoying the atmosphere. There was a classic car show going on, and though we aren't really car people, we appreciated the festive atmosphere. The weather was perfect, and we sat on the patio for lunch and just watched all the people walking by. We talked about plans, and about kids, and about us. We basked in the beauty of the location and wondered how we had gotten so lucky to find ourselves in this place. 

We spent the afternoon back at home to the sounds of kids playing with their friends. Our house is definitely a "hub" in the neighborhood, with people constantly coming and going, and we like it that way. Rachel left for a while to go on a long bike ride and I got some time in on my climbing wall. That evening, Rach and I went to the Broadway tour of "Chicago," which I was really excited about. I've never seen a live production of this classic, and it did not disappoint. Such a fun evening!

The next morning Lindsey acted super surprised when she came up the stairs and we were in the living room. "What are you doing here?" We responded that we live here, so it was a pretty normal place to find us. "Yes, but I thought you were going to Chicago." She seemed genuinely confused and we had a good laugh.

*****

Sunday, of course, was Mother's day. We started out pretty low-key, had a nice breakfast out, and then went to the store to buy new bikes for whoever needed them. From there, it was a short drive to a trailhead and a full afternoon of easy riding along the river. We brought a picnic lunch and spent a good portion of the time just playing in the water along the path. Like with the day before, the weather was perfectly cooperative, the prevailing mood was jovial, and the time spent together was priceless.

When we returned home we had a nice evening in the yard with grilled food and a nice sunset. What a day. What a weekend!

Good moms explore creepy old abandoned houses with their kids

Rachel and the bunny in the backyard, enjoying the ending of a beautiful day.

*****

I usually have Mondays mostly to myself. Rach and I will eat breakfast together, and then she is off to work and the kids are off to school. Sometimes I use the day to ski or climb with friends. Sometimes I'm very productive and get a bunch of projects done. Sometimes, though, it is nice to just relax. Yesterday I did some yardwork and set out our patio furniture, and then spent a long while in the shade of our lower deck just reading my book. Our little garden is coming in nicely and provided a nice setting to enjoy the day. Later I would climb on my wall, do a quick workout, and get the house all tidy for when Rach came home. Most of the day though, was just a quiet time of rest and contemplation. It's a good season for us right now. 

Have a good week!

About nineteen-ish years ago I met this girl in a college dance class and we partnered up to practice for an upcoming exam. As we danced in empty rooms (sometimes racquetball courts), trying to perfect our moves, we started talking, and eventually doing other things together. I started liking this girl quite a bit. She was a doer. There are a lot of talkers out there, but it's always been frustrating trying to move people from the "hey, it would be cool if..." to the "we are doing it!" stage. Not with Rachel though. We did lots of things, became best friends, and then decided that we wanted to just keep doing stuff together forever.

And here we are, on our eighteenth wedding anniversary, still doing things. And I still like her quite a bit. It's been even awesomer than I expected, and there is no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Happy anniversary, my love.

*****

We have kind of a conglomeration of things this week. We have still been working a lot on springtime projects. Nothing huge. Fresh coats of paint here and there, some tidying up of things that we let go over the winter. In Wallace we installed a simple ceiling and added lighting to the dungeon basement to make things a little more inviting. There are a lot of works-in-progress right now that will hopefully be finished soon.

Painting in the bedroom

Up until recently, this was the first impression of our house if you entered through the garage. It's a little scary. Not anymore though! We'll show some before/after photos after it's complete.

*****

On Sunday we took a day trip to Moscow where it wasn't raining, walked around town, explored the beautiful gardens, toured the campus, and spent a few hours at the college climbing gym. It was a great day!

*****

A few other things:

The school put on an event for students in the challenge program (GATE). Here's Lindsey and me playing laser chess.

Rachel has put in a ton of work organizing this year's "Care Affair" for CDAide. This is the only photo I could find of the actual event though with her in it. 

Well, that's about it. Have a good week!