A Little Fun

Last weekend was one of much needed rest. It started Thursday afternoon when my HERS faculty sent flowers to my new office:

We have a group text thread where we post good news and questions for each other, and I had posted my move. It was completely surprised, and I'm so very grateful for this community.

Friday, Issa and I had a whole girls' day complete with facials, pedis, and scalp facials. I didn't realize how much I needed a refuel day, and I'm so grateful we were able to have one together.

I spent the rest of the weekend helping Issa unpack and repack and building my Mother's Day gift:

It was the most difficult set I've ever built, but it is so cute. It has a place on my office windowsill now!

I also spent a lot of time reading. Book 17 was another winner:

This is the sequel to our last book club book. It takes place in a different section of the world, and we learn a lot more about Ana and Din. I love it, and I can't wait for the next book to come out in August!
 

A Very Big Step

Since Issa will graduate next December, it is time to look at off campus living. She technically could have lived on campus in the fall, but no one wants to move in December, so we decided this summer just made sense. 

She has spent the last month researching options and creating spreadsheets, and she made list in order of her preference. We decided that as soon as she fell in love, our search was over and we would start the process. 

Yesterday, she and I toured her first choice:

And by last night her application was accepted for that third floor unit:

It is a great first apartment--very cozy. We are giving her some of our furniture, and she is starting to thrift other things she might need. We will unpack and repack for this apartment this weekend, and she will move in July 15! We wanted her to have some time to settle and get used to adulting before classes started, and this is perfect.

This unit just became available yesterday, and it really did feel meant to be. The community has come great common spaces, including a pool, and the leasing manager just moved here from doing campus housing. The community is a mix of undergrads, grad students, and young professionals, and she has some lovely supports and a ton of freedom. 

I'm so excited for her to start this next chapter, but it's also really off to have a child with a different permanent address. 
 

A Very Big Weekend

This was another weekend where I didn't take nearly enough pictures. We had commencement on Saturday, which went really well. I got to read the names, which was incredibly fun. It was also fun to be sitting on the platform and get to watch the graduates throughout the ceremony.

As soon as that was finished, we had an education department reception, and my department completely surprised me. I knew I would be added to the plaque:

But they also surprised me by giving each of our grads a tote bag filled with school supplies in my honor. The tag asked them to serve their students the way I had served them and the department. I absolutely cried; it was such a perfect send off.

Sunday, we moved Issa out of her dorm! She was mostly packed by the time we got there, so it only took us a couple of hours to get that finished. Then the crew helped me move fully into my new office!

This is the only action shot I got:

Brad was not pleased by the status of my tech, but he got me up and running!

I absolutely love my new office. This is the view from the door:

My desk is super functional and cozy:

And Issa laid out my new bulletin board beautifully:

Evan did more hauling of things than anyone should have to, but I'm so grateful!

Book 16 is the intro to my new office:

It's our theme for next year, and I'm anxious to get started in the new space!

It wasn't exactly a restful Mother's Day, but I did feel very loved, and I can't wait to build my new otter Lego set!


 

Happy Birthday, Evan!

We have had a very fun week celebrating Evan!

We started on Saturday with a trip to Drive Shack. Issa met us, and her gift wrapping was 100% dorm approved:

Aunt Shannon and Nana were able to join, and we had great fun even if we aren't great golfers:

Afterwards, Nana and Aunt Shannon also gave him his gift, which is the biggest Lego set I've ever seen.

Last night, we went to City BBQ and then came home for his gift from us:

He now has new VR toys:

He chose Oreo trifle for dessert, and the look is because Bella was pretty sure she should blow out his candles:

I have a feeling 17 is going to be his best year yet!