If I had to sum up our July in only one photo…
It was a record-setting month of travel for Bobby and me. Five weekends in a row of flying! Minnesota. D.C. Chicago. Kansas City. And for our last trip, Milwaukee for a family reunion.
Mind you, this is only a fraction of the people in attendance! But we represented well – all 10 brothers and sisters flew in to visit Dzia Dzia (my grandpa), and nearly all the cousins were able to come, as well. At last year’s meeting of Papa Bender’s side of the family, my cousin Cecelia was just a baby. Now she is an adorable toddler who enjoyed my brother’s company very much (he is amazing with kids). Combine that with having the chance to see my second cousin Kelli, and you have the makings of an epic reunion, indeed.
We also had the chance to see the first house Papa Bender grew up in. As the oldest of the 10 kids, he lived here until he was nine. Once they reached five kids, they moved to a bigger house. Pretty impressive when you consider that there was only one bathroom here.
The black-and-white photo is for effect. You know, because it was a long, long time ago. 😉
It was another fun weekend away from home, but we were delighted when the first week of August rolled around and we had absolutely nothing planned besides relaxing in the great state of AZ.
I take that back. There were one or two things planned…including a trip inside a spaceship.
When I found out that the International Champions Cup would be coming to town for a soccer football game (thanks for the tip, Mama B), I decided to surprise Bobby with tickets as a very early birthday present. Technically he will be 27 in September, but when he realized where we were going, you would have thought he was a kid all over again.
My husband loves soccer. And even though this wasn’t a major game, the chance to see the LA Galaxy play Real Madrid (with their best player, Cristiano Ronaldo, in the starting lineup), was one I couldn’t let him pass up! Fortunately, there were a lot of great goals scored, too.
His excitement was my favorite part of the experience, though doing the wave across the entire stadium was a close second.
Another great thing about being home? Mama Bender Chocolate Martinis. Especially when consumed alongside a game of Ticket to Ride, which we had given Papa Bender for Father’s Day. It was a big hit! We all enjoyed figuring out the best route strategy for the most points.
We also enjoyed a round of family golf on Saturday. It was me and the boys – everyone played well but without Mama Bender there, I had a better chance of being victorious. 🙂
Last but not least, being home this past weekend gave me the chance to learn a new hobby: knitting! I met up with Sheena and Nicole on Sunday for a tutorial and am already loving how relaxing it is to do something with my hands besides typing on a keyboard. I am nowhere near their level of skill yet, but my hope is that the purple band you see below will soon turn into an ear warmer that I can wear at a Northwestern game this fall. So far, so good! I have a great teacher to thank for that.
I’m looking forward to a little less travel over the next few months, though there are still a couple of fun trips on the agenda – one of them being my bestie Sam’s bachelorette and bridal shower weekend, which I’m planning! It has been hard to keep secrets from her for this long so I look forward to the big reveal in a couple of weeks.
What has been happening for you in August so far?
Abrazos,
Yall have definitely been crazy busy- but such FUN trips! Love the family reunion action. You look SO cute in the picture from the soccer game- love your outfit. Knitting? I wish I had that kind of patience- can’t wait to see what you make. Kay’s birthday is August 1 and our anniversary is August 4, so our August has already been crazy packed. This week at work is totally nuts, I’m hoping next week is more peaceful!
Thank you so much for the sweet words, Erica! I hope you’ve been having a somewhat more peaceful week so far. 🙂
What a great July! All of your trips were amazing! And great job on surprising Bobby with those tickets!! makes me wonder what Whit is going to do for me for my birthday next month…hahahah!
Yeah, September birthdays!! I’m sure he will have something amazing planned. Hope the craziness of moving is going well lady!! 🙂
I think I may have to get out more! This looks like such fun. Love the golf course pic. Great post. I’m inspired now. awesome.
Thanks, Andy!
Busy, busy bees! Glad it was a fun month! And wow on the chocolate martinis — may have to request one in November…
Oh I am sure that can be arranged. Just say the word. 🙂
Wow, you really did have a busy month! Enjoy your down time – I picked up knitting a long, long time ago but never made anything more complicated than leg warmers. Because I’m super cool like that. 🙂
Haha, I actually really want to make leg warmers!! That and those little boot inserts – are those the same things? I have a lot to learn…
August has been a month of hikes and time spent with my little family of three. I’ve <3 everything about it! 🙂
Love that, Karen!! Glad you’ve been having such a great month so far. 🙂
Whew! What a busy, yet fun, time for you, Jenn! Your reunion looked like such a blast and you NAILED that birthday present. And can we talk about your adorable sea green shorts?!
I got Ticket to Ride for Christmas a couple years ago and now we must play it at least once each time I visit my parents (usually it’s several times). Such a fun game! Of course I’m not surprised we have similar tastes. Haha!
Wishing you plenty of time to kick your feet up, relax and fit in some knitting in the coming days! (By the way, can’t wait to see your efforts come together for Sam’s wedding. It will surely be epic!)
Aww, thank you, Karla! I’m slightly obsessed with those shorts. 🙂 And I am so not surprised that we see eye to eye on Ticket to Ride. Next time you come visit we’ll have to have a tournament, haha! I can’t wait to show the results of Sam’s big weekend…it’s almost here! Hope you’re having a wonderful week so far lady.
Wow what a crazy (but awesome) month! Looks like you have been having a ton of fun! 🙂
Thanks, Jess!! It definitely has been all of those things! Hope yours has been, too. 🙂
AH! I wish I would have known you were in Milwaukee, I just got home from there. I was working a booth at the State Fair. The more I read your posts, the more I think we are twins! I am working on a pair of felted clogs for my Mom’s Christmas gift (knitting). Good luck with your ear warmer!