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The New Normal

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A few weekends ago, G and I explored another area of the south metro, looking for a creek to walk by. We didn't have much luck, but we ended up at my parents' house, so we stopped in for an unexpected visit. I consider that a win for the day! Later that night, Arya requested a bonfire for her last Saturday night at home. We hadn't set up the fire table or the back deck yet this year, so we scrambled to get everything put together and ended up enjoying the beautiful weather that night.



Lots of ducks on our walk!


Bonfire!


She tolerated being by the fire, but didn't love it


Last Saturday, Scott and I moved Arya to her new home at UWRF. It was pouring rain during her move-in time slot, but I came prepared with towels, so it didn't impact us too much. We had it all set up within a few hours, then took her out to lunch, got her some groceries, and said our goodbyes. Scott and I then walked through campus, made a quick visit to the school store, and then left our girl in Wisconsin. Emotionally, I was okay on Saturday but a wreck on Sunday. Lots of tears for me. Scott shed his one tear on Saturday, and then he was fine. By Monday, I was okay, too. Logically, I know she's only 45 minutes away, but it was hard not knowing what she had going on each day, who she was hanging out with, etc. But she's been great about texting, so we don't feel completely cut out. AND, she's at home right now, at least for Saturday evening, so she can have dinner with us and do laundry. She's been at the MoA all afternoon with a friend, so I'm excited to see her when she gets back home.

We told her she needed to finish this 2000-piece puzzle before she moved to college - she wrapped it up the night before leaving!


Last night at home


All moved in!




The Kinni River that runs through campus...so pretty (this is the type of river that I'm looking for in the south metro!)


Sad that one of her humans has moved out


Arya had a great orientation experience and an equally good first week of classes. G also had a good first week of classes - 7th grade seems to fit him well, and he was so happy to see his friends again. He was invited to watch his friend play in a football game, so I get the sense that we're starting to see him getting more into activity plans, which is great... it just means that his time as a teen is coming up soon. He's been really good at spending time with me over the last week since he knows I've been a little sad with Arya gone.

First day of 7th grade


G's choice for dinner on the first night of school: Texas Roadhouse!


Arya's first day of freshman year!


A few random pics from the week:

G's been really into setting up battles lately...all over the house. In the family room...


In our bedroom (Pria came running through a few minutes later and took out half the soldiers)


Creepy pose from his bedroom door at bedtime


Raining while the sun was shining...weird!


My pretty Pria



This morning I went out for breakfast, and then flower-picking with some friends. It was such a neat experience, and close to home. We decided that we need to do a fun activity like this once a month, so we've got ideas (and the planners) lined up for the next two months!



Looking forward to a long weekend; it's been a stressful time lately, so we all need some downtime for rest and relaxation!


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