Day 814 | Blueberries + Blackberries

We've got to stop attempting to make a "quick trip" to visit my parents. Every time we try, my dad plans way too much. Today's agenda (after 11am and before nap) included a trip to a friends' house for blackberry picking and a paddle boat ride, blueberry picking, and sweet corn picking. Oh, and lunch in there somewhere. Well, we made it through the first two agenda items with naptime being delayed by *only* an hour. 

Hopefully my dad will realize that we live here and that maybe we can spread out the fun a bit more. Or maybe, just maybe, this type of jam-packed schedule is the reason Chase and Robbe are filled with pure joy every time we hop in the car to make a visit.

Day 813 | Family + Summer Fest Fun

Whoa. It was a busy [and lovely] day. I'm exhausted and, instead of look at patio furniture online for the next hour (my usual nightly routine as of late), I'm headed up to bed.

But before I do, here are some of today's highlights:

• Home-grown vegetables delivered to me right after breakfast (thanks, Jo + Randy!)
• Petting zoo + pony rides + tattoos + strolling along the river with my mom during Summer Fest
• Shopping + laughing with some of my favorite people in the whole world (nieces are the best!)
• Scoring big at a local consignment store (three dresses + a top for $35!)
• Dinner taken care of by someone else...including grocery pick up + cooking (you're the best, dad!)
• More quality family time spent walking downtown and then giving up on the movie on the lawn...who knew it was going to start at 9pm? Turns out I was the only one who didn't know that. Sorry, Chase, you'll get your first outdoor movie eventually!

The only obvious hole in an otherwise wonderful day was Chris. His obligation to his class reunion pulled him in another direction. I'm sure he had just as much fun, though. 

Day 812 | Chainsaw Sculpture Championship

I stayed home to clean this morning (turns out you have to do that even when you still have boxes to unpack), but the boys and Chris busted out to enjoy a new playground and a surprise Chainsaw Sculpture Championship. Apparently the boys were completely awestruck, although Chris wasn't sure if it was due to the talent of the artists or the noise-level (notice the ear plugs). Chase had a lot to report back to me upon their return. He was *a bit* excited.

Day 811 | Family Visits!

Chris's parents along with his brother + brother's family came to see our new digs today. It was a fast, and some would say chaotic, visit but so fun and so greatly appreciated.

As far as we could tell, everyone approved of the new house and neighborhood. What a relief!

Day 810 | Taking a Break

We opted for a different strategy today: a relaxing + non-productive start to the day. We've been running around like crazy for the past five days and it hasn't been super enjoyable (there are NO couches we like in this city or online!!) or effective (I think we've managed to check about two things off our list).

Today, we got up and headed out for a delicious, slow-paced breakfast (which we walked to...whoop whoop!). On the way home, we visited our closest playground (it's super fun, by the way) and right on the river. We even scaled down the little sandy bank to put our toes in the water until the littlest one was getting a *bit* too brave (a change of clothes was needed). And look! A friendly group of ducks joined the fun.

Somehow this type of morning hit the restart button for us. We were super productive the rest of the day. Dishwasher: purchased! Microwave: purchased! Paint estimate: complete (just waiting on the final quote)! New living room chair: picked up! New couch: definitely making progress!

I mean, let's be honest, the only way today could be so productive is because there's been a ton of reconnaissance work done during our "non-productive" days. Either way, I'll take it.

Day 809 | An Official Haircut

I know I've done a lot of haircut posts (Day 198, Day 247. Day 327, Day 469) but I've tried to cut back lately.

I have no choice but to restart the theme today, though, as Chase got his first professional haircut. That's a big deal, right? He sat perfectly still and was (no surprise) the perfect little client. Even though he didn't get to watch a movie during it (what we usually do doing haircuts at home), he still included it as one of his favorite parts of his day.

I *might* just be fired from my job as barber, at least with the older two (Chris and Chase). Robbe is looking shaggy as ever. He wasn't quite ready to jump into the salon chair. I'll give him a little more time, I guess.

Day 808 | Sweet Corn

We've enjoyed sweet corn several times this summer but tonight was the season's first fresh-picked corn experience. 

Robbe ate three ears himself. That's no joke. And Chase ate two. 

Grandpa promised to take the boys sweet corn picking next time he went so he better hold up his end of the deal. If/when it happens, there will be photos.