This past weekend was one for the memory books! While most families were soaking in a typical June weekend, ours was splitting up across North Dakota—each headed in a different direction! Willow and Noah joined the Aberdeen Aqua Addicts at the NDAD Escape to the Lake event in Bismarck. It’s one of the ski team’s…

And to think this all happened in one day! After taking a few weeks for mental health and tonsillectomy recovery (oof) Leo has been back in action, starting tennis lessons, summer horse riding lessons, and even venturing out to sky practice a few times! He’s been a little more fearless than normal and has been…

This past weekend, we hit the road for Bodhi’s soccer tournament in Brookings—and what a weekend it was. Blake and I loaded up the car with not only Bodhi, but three of his teammates as well. As I sat on the sidelines watching the games, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far Bodhi has…

Well, Noah is officially home from his big 7th-grade adventure—a class trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City! The excitement started early when the group was scheduled to head out… but thanks to a mix-up on the tour company’s end, they missed their first flight. What should have been a smooth departure turned into…

At age 8, an Australian Shepherd is typically past the teenager phase and is more settled and easier to manage. Quincy is definitely easier to manage and settled, and is extremely territorial, his job is to protect his family! He still thinks all the neighbor kids need herding, but in his older years his listening…

This has been our family’s year of surgeries, and this time it was Leo’s turn. He had his tonsils and adenoids removed, and was so brave at the hospital. It helps when your dad is CMO and can take you back to surgery. Recovery has been a slow dance of highs and lows. He’s been…

The first week of summer finallygave us sunshine—and we didn’t mind one bit. It was the kind of week that didn’t ask much from us except to slow down, soak it in, and enjoy time together. The kids were outside constantly, making the most of every minute. The older ones stayed up way later than…

Another school year in the books! This time we’re celebrating the end of 5th, 7th, and 9th grade—and with that, the close of our Mike Miller Elementary school chapter. Bodhi didn’t seem sad to leave elementary behind—he’s ready for what’s next. He’s got a full summer ahead of him too, with soccer tournaments, weightlifting, open…

Well, it happened. We blinked—and just like that, our little guy is officially a kindergarten graduate! Leo wrapped up his first year of school with the sweetest little graduation celebration at Roncalli Primary. There were songs and a mini play where Leo had a speaking part as the letter E (he nailed it!) While Leo…

There’s something magical—and a little chaotic—about the last few weeks of school. The days are packed with end-of-year activities, field trips, special events, and just enough routine to hold everything together. For kindergarteners, it feels like the grand finale of an already exciting year. And for Leo, it’s been a whirlwind! Leo’s school has early…