A BIG weekend! 63 & VMI flag run

 

It was a big big weekend! Not only is it summer like weather with fall leaves (= gorgeous) but Tom turned 63 and Jimmy was the 1st non starting player to run in the flag. I have to admit. I tear up every time I watch it.

Tom had a great birthday. Kay made a killer cake,  Billy wrote a nice note, he entered his 1st BBQ smoking contest, Jimmy ran the flag in and VMI won, we had an amazing meal at BVLD, he got tons of birthday wishes and fun presents (scones, Hamms, gift card to Hackenmullers, a bottle of whiskey, new pillow - boring I know!)  He also went with Wendy to see Jen play french horn in  Who are They? 

Jimmy was also over the moon to run in the flag and beat Wofford. 

Billy redecorated his room and created a nest under his bed (weirdo).

Tracy got in 2 bike rides. (Grandma and Grandpa had tickets to Lambeau and they won!) 

All in all a great weekend.

Tom, we love you beyond measure. You are a sure a true friend, amazing teacher, good neighbor, loving & proud dad and the only person I would want to be on this crazy adventure with.  xoxoxo Tracy 

Do you remember… the 21st of September…

 How can so much happen in just 14 days?!

Jimmy got to travel with the team for the 1st time ever and was in heaven

I had my company picnic and Tom was grill master plus they did a Traveling Tracy contest

We tried a few new recipes including reimagining SOS and copying a curry from Nongs- both were amazing

Forgot to post the dog sitters note😂

Served dinner and breakfast at the Bellis Stronger Together retreat in Deerwood 

Went back to Deerwood for a work conference and got to go on 2 bike rides and my only pontoon ride of the year

Billy’s having a great time at college and Kay’s has a great work start to her school year

Tom and Wendy went to see Jen play in Who are They? Again and now she’s playing 5 songs!!

We are so blessed 

T

Last hurrah in the north shore

 As always (or at least the last 3 year tradition) we had a BLAST with Allison and Larrie at their "cabin" on the north shore. Its so gorgeous up there and we managed to escape the heat of MPLS for 5 days (poor Billy's 1st week in the dorms and it was 97+ each day...)

I'll try to remember all the highlights...

~ Super/Blood/Blue moon over Lake Superior was stunning!

~ The Hungry Hippie Hostel is a super chill place to hostel or glamp as we did, they even have a Pippy Longstocking horse and a amazing view the stars, their Hungry Hippie Tacos in Grand Marais is not disappoint - plus they sold Hamms for $2!

~ We took the ferry to Isle Royale, 1st time for all of us! We didn't get sea sick but poor Larrie and Allison got soaked on the way back. We hiked and picnicked and "fished" 

~ Tom bought his Golden Eagle senior lifetime national park membership. It includes who ever is in the car with him or up to 3 other people when walking in to a park. Membership has its privileges!

~ Since we were almost to Canada anyway, we swung by Pigeon Falls, right on the border.

~ Our "down" day consisted of books by the shore, amazing burgers at Trestle Inn, and - I must say - I made some killer bloody marys. Plus a heated game of Dutch Blitz

~ We also hiked Shovel Point, Onion River, Cascade Falls and Caribou Falls.

~ Tom made a few amazing dinners - Kimchi Carbonara and Reuben Casserole

~ I discovered there is a bug called the hummingbird moth, super cool to watch!

~ We stopped by Split Rock Cabins, my mom and aunt Lynn would vacation there each year as kids. Walter passed away at 94 on 3/29 however, wrote a book last year. Got myself a copy that I'll send to mom when I'm done with it. Should be interesting! 

We are so grateful for the generosity, hospitality and friendship of Allison and Larrie. It was the perfect post college drop off pre start of school vacation.

Love to ALL!

xoxoxo

T&T