Distractions

Our first week at home as "bird launchers" has been a busy one. Matthew and his Spanish friend arrived on Sunday night (two busses after I did) so the house has been "full" which has been great. Marshall got home late Tuesday night after moving Drake in on Monday and working remotely on Tuesday. On Tuesday night, I had my fantasy football draft in Denver which is always fun. 

On Wednesday, I did clay magnets with the "Women at Snapdocs" group which was actually pretty relaxing. I also finished the lego set that I started with Tanner. Later, the men in the house headed to trivia and I joined some friends for appetizers, stories, laughs and some tears. I'm so thankful for us having these great friends to support us through this next phase of life. 

On Thursday, we grilled nice steaks for Matthew and Nabil and enjoyed dinner on the back patio. Friday night, we went to the "last splash" at the pool and caught up with friends. We wrapped up the week with a date night dinner at Parma. Here's to embracing the new phase of life with positivity. 

 

Leaving a Piece of our Hearts in Iowa City

After a long day of driving on Saturday (with a quick drive through campus to show Marshall the University), we moved Tanner into his home for the next 9 months. We had an early time slot, parked right in front of the dorm and moved in, in just three loads with the help of an On Iowa volunteer and her cart. The move in process was very smooth and we were able to get all unpacked before Tanner's roommates arrived. We grabbed some lunch as well at the dining hall which is a short walk across the street from Tanner's dorm. 

The dorm set up turned out pretty well and they actually have a great deal of room even for three people. The dorm floor is mostly girls so that will be something that Tanner will have to navigate as there aren't as many boys to make friends with on the floor unfortunately. 

Marshall and I walked to Target for a couple of last minute things, dropped them off at Tanner's dorm and then Tanner walked us to the minivan. It was certainly hard to leave, but I think Iowa is a great school for him. We're so proud of him for what he has accomplished and excited for what lies ahead. I didn't do a great job with the pictures, but here are a few. Go Hawks! 

saying goodbye

palindrome at over 232k miles on the minivan 

minivan was packed! 

closet space 

final configuration - Tanner has bottom bunk and desk along the wall with the windows

decorating

"his space" 

Lucky charm from Matt

view from their room

at a coffee shop in downtown Iowa City waiting for the Uber - all the feels 

The Final Countdown

It's been a relatively calm week before the boys both depart. They played some disc golf on Monday and both hung out with friends in the evening. Tuesday was the the final day we were all home and we were able to squeeze in one last family dinner before Tanner headed out again this time to hang with his Ultimate frisbee friends. 

Drake took off early for his friend's family ranch in Southern Colorado on Wednesday morning. As we had all of Tanner's dorm room necessities already purchased, the activities for the rest of the week has been more about getting everything in order. Tanner and I squeezed in some lego time on Tuesday and Wednesday during the day and went out for dinner at Murphy's together on Wednesday evening. 

We did get Friday lunch together - Tanner chose Snarfs as he won't be getting that in Iowa. Tanner also finished up some last minute tasks this week and said his goodbyes to folks. 

Both Marshall and I have been soaking up what time we can with Tanner home these past couple of days. I'm sure he is sick of us, but he's been a great sport. We will miss him. 

playing 2-person euchre before dinner 

Alaskan salmon for dinner - not the type of the food the boys will get anytime soon 

al fresco dining

brothers 

our creations 

Snarf's lunch together on Friday 

gonna miss my coworker. :( 

saying goodbye to the Wrights 

Cabin Part Two

The LeBeavys arrived around noon on Friday and the cousins biked from Plummer to Harrison. Marshall, Jim and I picked them up in Harrison (and also enjoyed a beer, picked up cinnamon rolls and celebrated with ice cream). It was much less busy than in the past - not sure if that was weather or it being later in the season. 

The rest of the weekend, was much warmer and we spent more time on the dock and in the water. Although it was still chilly on Friday, and I don't think the hot tub has ever been that full! 

The boys both got up behind the boat for the first time together and even did a trick! 

The boys rode to the airport with the LeBeavys around 4:00 on Sunday, while Marshall and I flew out Monday evening after working for the day. How wonderful we could all be together for the weekend - we. definitely fortunate. Wrapping up the summer at the cabin was a perfect way to close one chapter and start the next. 

looking for fish 

the fish he captured with his calluses - and making $150 for it! 

morning boat ride on the lake 

the boys both up behind the boat! 

annual boat pic

one of the prettiest sunsets we have seen at the lake 

quite the view for my office