Happy and satisfied. That’s how I would sum up this week.
I’ve been thinking about how these weekly summaries are my attempt to follow Mary Oliver’s advice:
Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.
That’s what I’m trying to do here. Notice the good, take pictures, pause and appreciate the moment, and then come back and write about it. Mission accomplished?
After some time at the lake, we moved right into another exciting summer milestone: sleepaway camp. There are no words to express how wonderful it is to have both kids away and happy…while John and I get to stay home. I love my kids, but having them both gone is delightful. They’re having fun, I’m having fun. Everybody wins!!!
THE WEDDING
Saturday was a big day! Belle was a bridesmaid for a friend who used to babysit her regularly (and was actually at the hospital to hold her the day she was born!). A full-circle moment if ever there was one.
Belle looked so grown up — the hair, the dress straps, the heels, the press-on nails. She loved every part of it. At least once a week I think: The days are long but the years are short. High school is the next and final stop before adulthood. Goodness time flies (in retrospect at least).
Weddings are funny. Years of planning, thousands of dollars, and the actual ceremony was over in less than 20 minutes. Most things went off without a hitch.
Indy had a minor-turned-major meltdown over his outfit — and I won’t lie, it soured the day for me a bit. But life goes on, and we were all very happy to get home late that night and reset.
A WEEK OF WEDDED BLISS
What a special, perfect week. I didn’t think last year (the first time both kids were away simultaneously) could be topped, but somehow we managed to do just that.
We took evening walks hand in hand, savoured our coffee on the deck every morning, lounged in bed. It was just the best! And perfectly timed since TODAY is our 16th wedding anniversary.
We both had some work, but were able to be very flexible with hours. So, how did we fill the week?
On Monday we spent the day in Halifax and visited seven thrift stores. We were hunting for a few specific things and — for the most part — found what we needed. In a tiny act of blogger rebellion, I took almost no photos.
That night we had dinner at our go-to anniversary spot: The Keg. We’ve gone for years, but this time was magical. The service was incredible, the food even better. One of the happiest meals of my life. And because we were celebrating our anniversary, we got a GIANT slab of mocha ice cream cake to share on the house. (It’s been a few years since they’ve done that. I think it depends on the server?) Every bite was perfect.
We saw the F1 movie on cheap night. Not only were the tickets discounted, but we got an extra deal thanks to our Scene+ card. We’re kind of like a surrogate aunt/uncle to several kids in our neighbourhood who don’t have any extended family around, so we took one of the boys with us which was fun.
John BBQ’d hamburgers Tuesday and Wednesday night and I’m still thinking about how delicious they were; paper plates for the win! The snap peas were 50% off, and delicious pan fried on the BBQ.
Wednesday we sipped our morning coffee together on the deck. (I also caught up on my One Line a Day entries.)
Puttering. Oh, how I love to putter. Tidying, doing little jobs, crossing things off my list — and no kids around to UNDO my efforts immediately afterward. I didn’t downsize much, but reorganized some problem spaces in the house which always feels good.
Wednesday night we went out for ice cream. We went to our new favourite ice cream spot (The Falmouth Scoop for any locals). I always get a small, but in a moment of indecision upgraded to the medium (it’s $3.07 for a medium), and I swear it was like a whole tub of ice cream in there. They also have amazing waffle cones.
On our way home from ice cream, we stopped at the Grand Pre View Park and had the place to ourselves to watch the sunset.
Thursday we picked up some free e-bikes from the new Recreation Hub in Wolfville and biked for almost 40 km on the Harvest Moon trail. It was so lovely and the furthest I’ve biked in years in a single day.
That afternoon we went to the Tangled Garden. We really wanted to stay close to home this week and try new things. I cannot believe we’ve lived less than 10 minutes from this hidden gem for over a decade. I went in with low expectations for the garden (we’ve loved their savoury jellies for many years), and was absolutely gobsmacked. It was a photographer’s dream. I will be back with a full rundown and lots more pictures. But, Birchie, Kae, and Sarah — WE NEED TO GO TO THE TANGLED GARDEN!!
We ended the evening with one last thrift store, where I found a new-to-me pair of pumps that are a near-perfect match for my new-to-me pleated dress.
Two things that make me extremely happy are receiving snail mail from friends and visiting thrift stores. Equally amazing? When friends get snail mail from me or go thrifting in my honour. Rachel knocked it out of the park this week on both counts.
But wait…there was snail mail for me, too! Two postcards were waiting when we got home from the lake (thanks so much Maria and Lisa), and later in the week, a handmade anniversary card from a friend.
We had some time to fill while the bridal party got ready, so John, Indy, and I took a mini adventure. Years ago I read that a few sections of the Berlin Wall had been installed in a pollinator garden on a university campus — turns out they were 20 minutes from the wedding venue. We visited and wandered the exhibit. Sobering and beautiful.
En route to camp drop-off, we made a grocery stop to grab some supper for the kids. (Drop-off runs over the dinner hour, but they’re expected to show up fed.) There was a surprise pop-up promo in the store that made the moment feel unexpectedly festive. Free hotdogs for all!
And that’s a wrap. We’re headed off to Halifax this morning for a work event, and late afternoon we go pick up the kids at camp and life will go back to a more chaotic normal.
Happy Weekending!
Your turn.
What’s something you had low expectations about recently that ended up being unexpectedly great?
Best meal this week?
Overall highlight of the week?
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You were all looking gorgeous for the wedding. Belle looks so beautiful, and Indi looks so handsome. This sounds like a fabulous week. You certainly made the most of the time alone and what looks like stunning weather. We only ever managed to get two kids off to camp at once, and I think that was for a junior kids’ church camp that took grades 4-6 away over the weekend.
Our daughter has been staying with us in Noosa this week for a holiday which has been great (we are opposite to you, having kids around is the exception rather than the norm). Today we took her and my parents out to lunch at one of our favourite restaurants in Noosa and it was great again.
I am not rushing through this stage, but I think each new phase of parenting brings unique perks. I know I will LOVE having the kids come home to visit. Enjoy the time with your daughter. Sounds like a wonderful time of family fun.
Belle looks gorgeous in that dress- what a hood color for her. And you and indy also look great.!
You had such a relaxed, happy week- your good vibes just shine through your writing.
Only lowlights this week. We are looking at school starting in 3 weeks, so we’re on the last gasps of summer vacation, with nothing special on tap. Band camp already started!
All the bridesmaids wore different styles of dresses in the same colour; the men wore grey and green and peach. The colour combinations were lovely.
I’m so sorry to hear about the lowlights. It’s been a tough year, my friend. I hope there are some little pockets of joy and summer magic that manage to find their way into this final summer hurrah.
Happy Wedding Anniversary, Elisabeth! A week of wedded bliss, indeed!
Such a dreamy mix of calm, celebration, and small delights. You absolutely nailed the mission of paying attention, being astonished and – lucky us – telling us about it. Plus beautiful photos to go with it. 🤩
I agree with Melissa, you all look gorgeous for the wedding. And please tell Indy that he looked amazing in his outfit!
Thanks for including me in the Gratitude series – it was such a privilege and joy to participate and the “comments afterparty” really was something special. It made my week! 🙌😃
My week’s best dinner is yet to come: tonight we’re invited to our friends’ place and she is a great cook – really looking forward to it!
It really was a picture-perfect week. I am typing this response on the deck, having just finished coffee, in a comfy outfit. It’s about time to head in and get ready for the meeting, but what a wonderful way to start the day. Living in Canada, I don’t take it for granted the time I can go outside in bare feet and sip coffee. Winter is a lonnng season. And having the quiet headspace this week with the kids away has made it so open to just enjoy our couple time.
Indy LOOKED great, but he got it in his head the golf shirt (not even a formal button-up shirt) and his shoes (slip ons, not even that dressy) were literally the most horrible, uncomfortable clothing ever designed. SIGH.
The only thing better than a delicious meal, is a delicious meal prepared by someone else. Enjoy the culinary and social delights of you evening plans <3
Wow, this DOES seem like a perfect week!! I’m sitting here thinking, my week was very, very….boring, in comparison!! 😆 lol! Even though you didn’t do any “big far away adventures”, you really seized life’s smaller adventures- and maybe those are even better than the big ones, sometimes. I love the idea of you having coffee on the deck every day, the dinner/ice cream dates sound so fun, and the biking sounds amazing too! And yes, I’d love to go to the Tangled Garden! Looks so pretty!
A highlight of my week was finally watching the 3rd Harry Potter movie, as a family. I finally finished the 3rd book this week, which meant then it was movie time! Now on to book 4. 🙂 I’ve been loving this 2025 quest to finally read/watch Harry Potter for the first time. It’s been such a fun little “project”!
Next week will be a lot lower key. Belle is at camp, but I’m volunteering at our church VBS (and Indy’s attending), so my mornings will all be focussed on corralling kiddos 😉
The coffee on the deck was divine. Why do I never think to do this when the kids are home.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the HP series. I’ll admit that the movies aren’t my fav (#5 is the best IMO), but I adore the books and Belle just loves all of it. One of her goals this summer is to rewatch the whole movie series again (she’s done this many times). They are such a classic!
A week together with no kids? BOW CHICKA WOW WOW.
That sounds so lovely and wowza, Belle is so grown up! I love weddings and wish I could go to more of them. I guess I’m at the stage where I am waiting for my friends’ kids to get married. Or my own! But that feels like it could be a while away.
Both of those dresses are great but do I ever love that pleated dress! It’s perfect on you in every way!
Highlight of the week: yesterday Jake finished his plumbing and pipefitting program, with a 93% average!
Nicole. It was amazing. For allllllll the reasons (PG and not-PG rated).
I feel like we’re in a weird limbo. Most of our friends are not getting married at this point AND most of them have already had their kids. So now we’re just waiting for the next generation. And eventually, like for my parents, it becomes *sad gulp* funerals, I suppose? I was talking to someone last week and she talked about how her elderly father, when he travels to Europe to visit her, insists on reading the local newspaper from back home so he can stay on top of the obituaries.
Wow, this comment response took a dark turn fast. Moving on.
I wore the pleated dress today and it is SO comfy.
Congrats to Jake. John and I were just talking yesterday about how desperately we need tradespeople. Sounds like Jake will make an excellent one, and I suspect he will never lack for work!
The photos of y’all at the wedding are beautiful. I’ve often thought like you have that there’s so much planning in a wedding then bing-bang-boom the ceremony is over. Lovely memories happen of course.
“In a tiny act of blogger rebellion, I took almost no photos.” I’m laughing at that line. I rarely take photos to share on my blog because I’m a cool kid and that means a rebel at heart. Cool kids don’t follow the *rules* we don’t join in!
Free hot dogs! I’d instantly turn into a kid who HAD to have one.
I can see why people opt for simple elopements. I suppose the big party atmosphere is part of the point for some people, but yikes…it’s a lot of work, money, and effort for one day.
I love photos and they’re part of my blogger MO, but I didn’t feel like/think about taking many. The world has continued to turn on its axis.
This sounds like the most perfect anniversary week – and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! <3 We also love doing things close to home, sprinkled with amazing food adventures, during our anniversary week, so this speaks to me 🙂
I am so jealous of that garden – it looks like an amazing place to wander!
It was the PERFECT way to celebrate in my mind. I love to travel beyond our region, but there’s something so comforting and wonderful about being a tourist in your own area. It doesn’t cost much money, we get to sleep in our own bed at night.
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to visit the Tangled Garden, but I will for sure be back.
Elisabeth, I know this feeling exactly. We love our kids, but there’s nothing better than time to ourselves, while they’re off doing something they love. That last part is very important- we need to know they’re happy, and then we can fully enjoy ourselves. I had a mini version of that this week. my daughter had band camp every day from 9-5, which she loved, and I got some lovely time to myself and some time with my son to do a couple fun things.
I’m so glad John was home to enjoy this week with you! Do you think the fact that he travels a lot makes your time together extra sweet? Anyway… your whole week sounds amazing, and Belle looks stunning in her bridesmaid dress! Yes, hold on tight- high school goes so fast.
i love that Mary Oliver quote. You’re doing a good job of it!
YES! You nailed this. It is not like I just want my kids off and away. I want them to be living their best life which frees me up to live my best life.
Great question. I think the biggest thing for me is the chance to just be a couple without kids around. We were in school basically right up until the moment we had Belle, so we’ve not really had much time for just the two of us since getting married. Kids have always been part of our daily routine. Sure they had school and daycamps, but there is something different about having day after day with no kids at home around the clock. So it feels quite unusual. And I LOVE IT!
What beautiful photos of the Tangled Garden. I had to look up where it was; we’re going to Canada soon, but no where near there. Dang! Happy Anniversary!
Darn. Well, hopefully some of these glimpses give you incentive to come back to Canada and travel a bit further east. Nova Scotia is an incredible destination!
Happy Anniversary! A week without the kids is the greatest gift for your anniversary, let’s not lie about that! LOL! I love a fancy dinner out. How divine is that Tangled Garden shop?? It’s like it’s out of a fairy tale. Best meal is what I made last night: broccoli cheddar quiche with tons of fresh herbs out of our garden, a strawberry cucumber salad (cucumber courtesy of our garden), and homemade blueberry muffins. Middle Child and I picked 4 pounds of blueberries a few weeks ago, so we’ll be eating lots of blueberry treats.
Sometimes I feel like I should be a bit ashamed of how much I love the kids going away at the same time, but it’s too wonder to live in shame. It’s a bit like the only gift I really want on Mother’s Day…is to have the day off mothering! It’s a 24/7 job and this is really the only week of the year where I feel fully “off”.
I love fresh blueberries and was actually eyeing some blueberry bushes last weekend…I am no gardener, but it sounds divine to be able to walk out my back door and pick a handful for dessert.
A kid-free week sounds amazing! I am so glad John wasn’t traveling while they were away. And how perfect that it coincided with your anniversary! Happy anniversary!!
Dang, $3.07 for a medium cone? I swear it would be like $10 here! I love local ice cream shops but DANG they are expensive. I’m happy to support them but ouch, it can be pricey!
Best meal of the week were the grilled turkey burgers. They have spinach, feta, and kalamata olives in them which are all things we love! High of the week was going out for lunch w/ my coworker and her son with Paul on bring your kid to work day. Her son is almost 15 so Paul was obsessed with him since he LOVE older kids. And her son was so patient with Paul/tolerated that Paul was fawning over him. Like Paul insisted that he sit next to him in the booth.
We were very strategic about planning. There was zero way he was going to take a work trip, and we didn’t give Belle a choice about this being one of her weeks doing leadership at the camp! Last year was so incredible and I’m already looking forward to next year.
The price is insane. I think the waffle cone is another $1 or so (which I rarely upgrade to). I think the small is $2.59ish and you get two scoops with that.
That sounds sooooo yummy. And how adorable. My kids love to hang out with people that are older. And now they’re starting to become those “older” kids themselves and I think it makes them feel very special and appreciated to have the attention and adoration! Win, win.
Congratulations to the happy couple and what a beautiful bridesmaid Belle was.
It sounds like a fantastic week and what a delicious looking meal you had out.
Hey friend, trying to get through some of the more recent blog posts and interact with the online world again a bit more and I loved reading about your Happy Things this week. It really lifted my spirits.
Happy anniversary to you and John and what a wonderful week of togetherness for you two while the kids were away. You truly made the best of it. And those ice-cream cones! Oh my!
A thing I had low expectations about that turned out great? A dinner made with tofu. Haha.
What a lovely happy post! Everything looks so nice and relaxed, and OH the tangled garden!! I’d absolutely LOVE to visit something like that. This reminds me that at least we have Bantry house and gardens. It’s different and a bit too polished, but the garden has some lovely, wild places.
You were all so pretty for the wedding. What was the problem with Indy’s outfit? He looks great.
I chuckled over your statement about being a blogger rebellion – I do that all the time. And that comes from someone who claims being a photographer. Hi! I need to start taking photos of daily life. At least you do that most of the time!
I meant to go and read the post about Catrina many times (I love her own blog) but this week has been a mess with solving different tech things, which brings me to the overall highlight of the week – my husband has set up an own server that will replace our previous web hosting that has gone very bad since they (as it seems) changed owners. I had my blog up there on Thursday evening and I’ll move all my business stuff over there after our trip to Italy. Of course there can still be glitches but for now I think we’ve fixed the major things. I’m in awe over how fast a website can be, especially while fiddling inside the admin panel writing a blog post and I feel that I can now let go of all the stress over the issues with the other host. So, not as beautiful as all your doings this week but a very important highlight for me!
There was no problem with Indy’s outfit, as far as I saw it. It was a casual wedding, so I let him wear a GOLF SHIRT made of flexible material and he said it was “the most uncomfortable thing” (even though he wears it for other things like…golfing…without complaint). For some reason he got it in his head he wanted to change into a Nike shirt (with a huge logo) and his black jogging pants and that just wasn’t appropriate given the fact we were going to get pictures taken WITH the bride and groom and we were at at wedding. Anyhoo. We got the pictures, he sulked for several hours, and it has become part of family lore, I suppose. *Sigh*
Life logistics and admin – especially as it relates to tech – isn’t necessarily glamorous or fun, but it’s oh-so-important. I can see why it feels like such a major relief!
Bella looks stunning in that dress! Already bride maid? wooo! time flies right? I can’t imagine.
Happy wedding anniversary! Do you celebrate both wedding? first day? and marriage court day separately? Ice cream date sounds lovely. Our marriage/court day is coming up and I am starting to wonder what to do.
Highlight of our week is actually come back home after an amazing trip, resolve a conflict, and continue with the summer vibe.
Best meal: oatmeal? I know, so sorry but I haven’t had any during the trip so I really enjoy it when I’m back.
We got married at a church so there was only one service; that’s quite standard here in Canada. But I know my brother and SIL got married at city hall first, and then had a “church wedding” weeks (maybe a month) later, which is very standard in Denmark.
I haven’t had oatmeal in months. For a few years it was my go-to comfort meal, but I’ve moved on to rye bread with drippy PB, cottage cheese, and fruit. Yum. I’m hungry just thinking about it 🙂
I had low expectations of our France accommodations but they all were wonderful. Provence was a farmhouse, Dordogne was a medieval city townhouse, and now we are in Loire valley. A very modern house with kitchen appliances I don’t understand and have no idea how to use. Will just stick to instant coffee instead of trying to figure out the espresso machine! 🙂
I’m always so happy to be pleasantly surprised. For me, it’s worse to have high expectations and be disappointed. That’s one way being a pessimist can be a bit of a help!
Coffee machines terrify me. We do pour-over coffee which is about as low-tech as it gets!
Oh my goodness Elisabeth — your anniversary WEEK sounds so amazing! What a great way to celebrate your sixteen years together! I love that you found such a fun variety of adventures to undertake together.
You have the best dresses. You look fantastic in all these photos. My favorite photo, though, is the one of you and A at the wedding. My heart clutched when I read that she is one stop away from adulthood. What a gift and a heartache all at once!
Happy anniversary, Elizabeth! How wonderful to have a whole week together. Your daughter is becoming quite the young lady. When I saw the picture of you and your son I thought, “Oh look, he’s so happy with his mum”, and then I read below about the “wardrobe meltdown.” Hope things smoothed out quickly.
Highlight was being away at a cabin with my husband for the past week. Was glorious to relax to the sound of eagles and wood peckers while soaking in an outdoor cedar tub in the early mornings. I was shocked at the price of your ice-cream cone at $3.07 for a double-scoop waffle cone. Ours was $6.75 for a single scoop waffle cone. Not complaining as it was worth it, just surprised at the price difference from one Canadian coast to the other!
This one ice cream spot is a GEM in terms of prices and scoop size! (I also should have clarified that that was for the ice cream, but adding the waffle cone was extra). I think the “small” – which comes with two scoops/two flavours if you want is something like $2.49!!??
Sounds like such a wonderful time, Jacquie. Being in the woods is truly magical.
There are so many wonderful, happy things in this post! I’m smiling with delight after reading it. Happy anniversary! It sounds like it was really special. I loved seeing all the pretty dresses. Those pumps look so good with your pleated skirt! I’m looking forward to your post about the garden.
Wow, the wedding pictures are so fun. Belle is so grown up looking. Ugh on Indie’s outfit meltdown. The week alone sounds delightful. My kids never all went away at the same time. When they were younger, I never felt like I needed a break from them – but maybe I would’ve enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Best meal of the week was when we ate at a Mexican place downtown when we did a fun family beach day on Wednesday. I had a very delish salad and was thrilled to have some leftover for the next day’s lunch. I guess you could say I had low expectations for that family day, because we planned it at the last minute and I wasn’t sure if it would actually happen. We got the closest parking spot we’ve ever gotten, so we could walk back to the car as needed (it wasn’t a long trek). We got to see Ed and Tank play beach volleyball in a league that evening. Dinner out and fireworks too. The highlight of the week was that the two little girls went to a ‘stay off drugs’ camp for kids whose parents were drug addicts. We really need a break from them and these weekends are amazing.
I try not to have high exceptions, then I’m almost always pleasantly surprised by good results. *giggle*
Belle looks so pretty in her bridal get-up! Love that color on her and yes, so grown up.
Oh, I understand (and remember) just one person fighting or denying an outfit for something, only to put a crinkle on your day. Luckily, it passes, and ya’ll survived! HA
happy anniversary to you and John. I love how you celebrated all week long—you are a special couple.
I hope the kids had the best week at camp!
Oh this post definitely made me happy – so many good things in one post. So glad you’ve had such a wonderful week. Happy anniversary! Belle looked so beautiful and yes grown up, we are still in kind of the little kid years, although E being 8, sometimes she looks so much older, and we get a hint of how fast it goes past.
Umm, that delicious looking ice-cream is SO cheap – in Australia that would be $8 I bet! Nice one 🙂
Best meal of last week was delicious Italian we ate out on Friday night on a double date with our friends, though a close second was my Norwegian meatballs I made last week, and my mum’s homemade sticky date pudding. It was a good food week!
You were all looking gorgeous for the wedding. Belle looks so beautiful, and Indi looks so handsome. This sounds like a fabulous week. You certainly made the most of the time alone and what looks like stunning weather. We only ever managed to get two kids off to camp at once, and I think that was for a junior kids’ church camp that took grades 4-6 away over the weekend.
Our daughter has been staying with us in Noosa this week for a holiday which has been great (we are opposite to you, having kids around is the exception rather than the norm). Today we took her and my parents out to lunch at one of our favourite restaurants in Noosa and it was great again.
I am not rushing through this stage, but I think each new phase of parenting brings unique perks. I know I will LOVE having the kids come home to visit. Enjoy the time with your daughter. Sounds like a wonderful time of family fun.
Belle looks gorgeous in that dress- what a hood color for her. And you and indy also look great.!
You had such a relaxed, happy week- your good vibes just shine through your writing.
Only lowlights this week. We are looking at school starting in 3 weeks, so we’re on the last gasps of summer vacation, with nothing special on tap. Band camp already started!
All the bridesmaids wore different styles of dresses in the same colour; the men wore grey and green and peach. The colour combinations were lovely.
I’m so sorry to hear about the lowlights. It’s been a tough year, my friend. I hope there are some little pockets of joy and summer magic that manage to find their way into this final summer hurrah.
Happy Wedding Anniversary, Elisabeth! A week of wedded bliss, indeed!
Such a dreamy mix of calm, celebration, and small delights. You absolutely nailed the mission of paying attention, being astonished and – lucky us – telling us about it. Plus beautiful photos to go with it. 🤩
I agree with Melissa, you all look gorgeous for the wedding. And please tell Indy that he looked amazing in his outfit!
Thanks for including me in the Gratitude series – it was such a privilege and joy to participate and the “comments afterparty” really was something special. It made my week! 🙌😃
My week’s best dinner is yet to come: tonight we’re invited to our friends’ place and she is a great cook – really looking forward to it!
It really was a picture-perfect week. I am typing this response on the deck, having just finished coffee, in a comfy outfit. It’s about time to head in and get ready for the meeting, but what a wonderful way to start the day. Living in Canada, I don’t take it for granted the time I can go outside in bare feet and sip coffee. Winter is a lonnng season. And having the quiet headspace this week with the kids away has made it so open to just enjoy our couple time.
Indy LOOKED great, but he got it in his head the golf shirt (not even a formal button-up shirt) and his shoes (slip ons, not even that dressy) were literally the most horrible, uncomfortable clothing ever designed. SIGH.
The only thing better than a delicious meal, is a delicious meal prepared by someone else. Enjoy the culinary and social delights of you evening plans <3
This is perfection – you come home from family vacay and go right into some kid free time AND your anniversary! Plus a biking date! Happy 16th!
Seeing the Berlin wall could be a travel activity in itself. We saw it on the ground of Kentuck Knob (FLW house) and I forget where else.
Count me in for the Tangled Garden.
Thanks, friend! It was the perfect way to finish out July.
Stay tuned – I’ll post even more about Tangled Garden next week. I’m pretty sure you’ll be all in!!
Wow, this DOES seem like a perfect week!! I’m sitting here thinking, my week was very, very….boring, in comparison!! 😆 lol! Even though you didn’t do any “big far away adventures”, you really seized life’s smaller adventures- and maybe those are even better than the big ones, sometimes. I love the idea of you having coffee on the deck every day, the dinner/ice cream dates sound so fun, and the biking sounds amazing too! And yes, I’d love to go to the Tangled Garden! Looks so pretty!
A highlight of my week was finally watching the 3rd Harry Potter movie, as a family. I finally finished the 3rd book this week, which meant then it was movie time! Now on to book 4. 🙂 I’ve been loving this 2025 quest to finally read/watch Harry Potter for the first time. It’s been such a fun little “project”!
Next week will be a lot lower key. Belle is at camp, but I’m volunteering at our church VBS (and Indy’s attending), so my mornings will all be focussed on corralling kiddos 😉
The coffee on the deck was divine. Why do I never think to do this when the kids are home.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the HP series. I’ll admit that the movies aren’t my fav (#5 is the best IMO), but I adore the books and Belle just loves all of it. One of her goals this summer is to rewatch the whole movie series again (she’s done this many times). They are such a classic!
A week together with no kids? BOW CHICKA WOW WOW.
That sounds so lovely and wowza, Belle is so grown up! I love weddings and wish I could go to more of them. I guess I’m at the stage where I am waiting for my friends’ kids to get married. Or my own! But that feels like it could be a while away.
Both of those dresses are great but do I ever love that pleated dress! It’s perfect on you in every way!
Highlight of the week: yesterday Jake finished his plumbing and pipefitting program, with a 93% average!
Nicole. It was amazing. For allllllll the reasons (PG and not-PG rated).
I feel like we’re in a weird limbo. Most of our friends are not getting married at this point AND most of them have already had their kids. So now we’re just waiting for the next generation. And eventually, like for my parents, it becomes *sad gulp* funerals, I suppose? I was talking to someone last week and she talked about how her elderly father, when he travels to Europe to visit her, insists on reading the local newspaper from back home so he can stay on top of the obituaries.
Wow, this comment response took a dark turn fast. Moving on.
I wore the pleated dress today and it is SO comfy.
Congrats to Jake. John and I were just talking yesterday about how desperately we need tradespeople. Sounds like Jake will make an excellent one, and I suspect he will never lack for work!
The photos of y’all at the wedding are beautiful. I’ve often thought like you have that there’s so much planning in a wedding then bing-bang-boom the ceremony is over. Lovely memories happen of course.
“In a tiny act of blogger rebellion, I took almost no photos.” I’m laughing at that line. I rarely take photos to share on my blog because I’m a cool kid and that means a rebel at heart. Cool kids don’t follow the *rules* we don’t join in!
Free hot dogs! I’d instantly turn into a kid who HAD to have one.
I can see why people opt for simple elopements. I suppose the big party atmosphere is part of the point for some people, but yikes…it’s a lot of work, money, and effort for one day.
I love photos and they’re part of my blogger MO, but I didn’t feel like/think about taking many. The world has continued to turn on its axis.
This sounds like the most perfect anniversary week – and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! <3 We also love doing things close to home, sprinkled with amazing food adventures, during our anniversary week, so this speaks to me 🙂
I am so jealous of that garden – it looks like an amazing place to wander!
It was the PERFECT way to celebrate in my mind. I love to travel beyond our region, but there’s something so comforting and wonderful about being a tourist in your own area. It doesn’t cost much money, we get to sleep in our own bed at night.
I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to visit the Tangled Garden, but I will for sure be back.
LOVE the new dress and shoes. and I adore YOUR wedding dress, to- so pretty.
Thanks. I was so happy with my new fashion finds <3
Elisabeth, I know this feeling exactly. We love our kids, but there’s nothing better than time to ourselves, while they’re off doing something they love. That last part is very important- we need to know they’re happy, and then we can fully enjoy ourselves. I had a mini version of that this week. my daughter had band camp every day from 9-5, which she loved, and I got some lovely time to myself and some time with my son to do a couple fun things.
I’m so glad John was home to enjoy this week with you! Do you think the fact that he travels a lot makes your time together extra sweet? Anyway… your whole week sounds amazing, and Belle looks stunning in her bridesmaid dress! Yes, hold on tight- high school goes so fast.
i love that Mary Oliver quote. You’re doing a good job of it!
YES! You nailed this. It is not like I just want my kids off and away. I want them to be living their best life which frees me up to live my best life.
Great question. I think the biggest thing for me is the chance to just be a couple without kids around. We were in school basically right up until the moment we had Belle, so we’ve not really had much time for just the two of us since getting married. Kids have always been part of our daily routine. Sure they had school and daycamps, but there is something different about having day after day with no kids at home around the clock. So it feels quite unusual. And I LOVE IT!
What beautiful photos of the Tangled Garden. I had to look up where it was; we’re going to Canada soon, but no where near there. Dang! Happy Anniversary!
Darn. Well, hopefully some of these glimpses give you incentive to come back to Canada and travel a bit further east. Nova Scotia is an incredible destination!
Happy Anniversary! A week without the kids is the greatest gift for your anniversary, let’s not lie about that! LOL! I love a fancy dinner out. How divine is that Tangled Garden shop?? It’s like it’s out of a fairy tale. Best meal is what I made last night: broccoli cheddar quiche with tons of fresh herbs out of our garden, a strawberry cucumber salad (cucumber courtesy of our garden), and homemade blueberry muffins. Middle Child and I picked 4 pounds of blueberries a few weeks ago, so we’ll be eating lots of blueberry treats.
Sometimes I feel like I should be a bit ashamed of how much I love the kids going away at the same time, but it’s too wonder to live in shame. It’s a bit like the only gift I really want on Mother’s Day…is to have the day off mothering! It’s a 24/7 job and this is really the only week of the year where I feel fully “off”.
I love fresh blueberries and was actually eyeing some blueberry bushes last weekend…I am no gardener, but it sounds divine to be able to walk out my back door and pick a handful for dessert.
A kid-free week sounds amazing! I am so glad John wasn’t traveling while they were away. And how perfect that it coincided with your anniversary! Happy anniversary!!
Dang, $3.07 for a medium cone? I swear it would be like $10 here! I love local ice cream shops but DANG they are expensive. I’m happy to support them but ouch, it can be pricey!
Best meal of the week were the grilled turkey burgers. They have spinach, feta, and kalamata olives in them which are all things we love! High of the week was going out for lunch w/ my coworker and her son with Paul on bring your kid to work day. Her son is almost 15 so Paul was obsessed with him since he LOVE older kids. And her son was so patient with Paul/tolerated that Paul was fawning over him. Like Paul insisted that he sit next to him in the booth.
We were very strategic about planning. There was zero way he was going to take a work trip, and we didn’t give Belle a choice about this being one of her weeks doing leadership at the camp! Last year was so incredible and I’m already looking forward to next year.
The price is insane. I think the waffle cone is another $1 or so (which I rarely upgrade to). I think the small is $2.59ish and you get two scoops with that.
That sounds sooooo yummy. And how adorable. My kids love to hang out with people that are older. And now they’re starting to become those “older” kids themselves and I think it makes them feel very special and appreciated to have the attention and adoration! Win, win.
Congratulations to the happy couple and what a beautiful bridesmaid Belle was.
It sounds like a fantastic week and what a delicious looking meal you had out.
Thanks! 16 years…I can hardly believe it!
What a lovely and amazing week! Makes me happy just reading about it. You are blessed for sure, Elisabeth 🙂
Happy anniversary! That sounds like such a wonderful week.
Happy anniversary! So glad you had a wonderful week of celebration!
Both kids look so grown up in the wedding pictures. Glad the postcard made it!
Overall highlight of the week? As of a couple hours ago I’m a Canadian citizen!
Maria, this is great news! Congrats and a very official welcome into Canadian citizenship <3
Hey friend, trying to get through some of the more recent blog posts and interact with the online world again a bit more and I loved reading about your Happy Things this week. It really lifted my spirits.
Happy anniversary to you and John and what a wonderful week of togetherness for you two while the kids were away. You truly made the best of it. And those ice-cream cones! Oh my!
A thing I had low expectations about that turned out great? A dinner made with tofu. Haha.
I made a butter tofu dish last year that shocked me – it was so good. Which reminds me, I really need to make it again! Thanks for the reminder 😉
What a lovely happy post! Everything looks so nice and relaxed, and OH the tangled garden!! I’d absolutely LOVE to visit something like that. This reminds me that at least we have Bantry house and gardens. It’s different and a bit too polished, but the garden has some lovely, wild places.
You were all so pretty for the wedding. What was the problem with Indy’s outfit? He looks great.
I chuckled over your statement about being a blogger rebellion – I do that all the time. And that comes from someone who claims being a photographer. Hi! I need to start taking photos of daily life. At least you do that most of the time!
I meant to go and read the post about Catrina many times (I love her own blog) but this week has been a mess with solving different tech things, which brings me to the overall highlight of the week – my husband has set up an own server that will replace our previous web hosting that has gone very bad since they (as it seems) changed owners. I had my blog up there on Thursday evening and I’ll move all my business stuff over there after our trip to Italy. Of course there can still be glitches but for now I think we’ve fixed the major things. I’m in awe over how fast a website can be, especially while fiddling inside the admin panel writing a blog post and I feel that I can now let go of all the stress over the issues with the other host. So, not as beautiful as all your doings this week but a very important highlight for me!
There was no problem with Indy’s outfit, as far as I saw it. It was a casual wedding, so I let him wear a GOLF SHIRT made of flexible material and he said it was “the most uncomfortable thing” (even though he wears it for other things like…golfing…without complaint). For some reason he got it in his head he wanted to change into a Nike shirt (with a huge logo) and his black jogging pants and that just wasn’t appropriate given the fact we were going to get pictures taken WITH the bride and groom and we were at at wedding. Anyhoo. We got the pictures, he sulked for several hours, and it has become part of family lore, I suppose. *Sigh*
Life logistics and admin – especially as it relates to tech – isn’t necessarily glamorous or fun, but it’s oh-so-important. I can see why it feels like such a major relief!
Bella looks stunning in that dress! Already bride maid? wooo! time flies right? I can’t imagine.
Happy wedding anniversary! Do you celebrate both wedding? first day? and marriage court day separately? Ice cream date sounds lovely. Our marriage/court day is coming up and I am starting to wonder what to do.
Highlight of our week is actually come back home after an amazing trip, resolve a conflict, and continue with the summer vibe.
Best meal: oatmeal? I know, so sorry but I haven’t had any during the trip so I really enjoy it when I’m back.
We got married at a church so there was only one service; that’s quite standard here in Canada. But I know my brother and SIL got married at city hall first, and then had a “church wedding” weeks (maybe a month) later, which is very standard in Denmark.
I haven’t had oatmeal in months. For a few years it was my go-to comfort meal, but I’ve moved on to rye bread with drippy PB, cottage cheese, and fruit. Yum. I’m hungry just thinking about it 🙂
I had low expectations of our France accommodations but they all were wonderful. Provence was a farmhouse, Dordogne was a medieval city townhouse, and now we are in Loire valley. A very modern house with kitchen appliances I don’t understand and have no idea how to use. Will just stick to instant coffee instead of trying to figure out the espresso machine! 🙂
I’m always so happy to be pleasantly surprised. For me, it’s worse to have high expectations and be disappointed. That’s one way being a pessimist can be a bit of a help!
Coffee machines terrify me. We do pour-over coffee which is about as low-tech as it gets!
Oh my goodness Elisabeth — your anniversary WEEK sounds so amazing! What a great way to celebrate your sixteen years together! I love that you found such a fun variety of adventures to undertake together.
You have the best dresses. You look fantastic in all these photos. My favorite photo, though, is the one of you and A at the wedding. My heart clutched when I read that she is one stop away from adulthood. What a gift and a heartache all at once!
It was such a fun week of adventures and lovely to not go very far from home.
The wedding was definitely a concrete moment of realizing she is not a little girl anymore. I have a feeling high school will zoom by!
Happy anniversary, Elizabeth! How wonderful to have a whole week together. Your daughter is becoming quite the young lady. When I saw the picture of you and your son I thought, “Oh look, he’s so happy with his mum”, and then I read below about the “wardrobe meltdown.” Hope things smoothed out quickly.
Highlight was being away at a cabin with my husband for the past week. Was glorious to relax to the sound of eagles and wood peckers while soaking in an outdoor cedar tub in the early mornings. I was shocked at the price of your ice-cream cone at $3.07 for a double-scoop waffle cone. Ours was $6.75 for a single scoop waffle cone. Not complaining as it was worth it, just surprised at the price difference from one Canadian coast to the other!
This one ice cream spot is a GEM in terms of prices and scoop size! (I also should have clarified that that was for the ice cream, but adding the waffle cone was extra). I think the “small” – which comes with two scoops/two flavours if you want is something like $2.49!!??
Sounds like such a wonderful time, Jacquie. Being in the woods is truly magical.
There are so many wonderful, happy things in this post! I’m smiling with delight after reading it. Happy anniversary! It sounds like it was really special. I loved seeing all the pretty dresses. Those pumps look so good with your pleated skirt! I’m looking forward to your post about the garden.
I bought the dress and pumps separately (at different thrift stores) but love how well they coordinate!!!!
Wow, the wedding pictures are so fun. Belle is so grown up looking. Ugh on Indie’s outfit meltdown. The week alone sounds delightful. My kids never all went away at the same time. When they were younger, I never felt like I needed a break from them – but maybe I would’ve enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Best meal of the week was when we ate at a Mexican place downtown when we did a fun family beach day on Wednesday. I had a very delish salad and was thrilled to have some leftover for the next day’s lunch. I guess you could say I had low expectations for that family day, because we planned it at the last minute and I wasn’t sure if it would actually happen. We got the closest parking spot we’ve ever gotten, so we could walk back to the car as needed (it wasn’t a long trek). We got to see Ed and Tank play beach volleyball in a league that evening. Dinner out and fireworks too. The highlight of the week was that the two little girls went to a ‘stay off drugs’ camp for kids whose parents were drug addicts. We really need a break from them and these weekends are amazing.
I hope the girls have a wonderful time at camp, and I’m sure the change of pace will be MUCH appreciated for you and Coach <3
Sometimes last-minute plans are the best. They end up taking less energy and I tend to go in with fewer expectations which is usually a good thing!
I try not to have high exceptions, then I’m almost always pleasantly surprised by good results. *giggle*
Belle looks so pretty in her bridal get-up! Love that color on her and yes, so grown up.
Oh, I understand (and remember) just one person fighting or denying an outfit for something, only to put a crinkle on your day. Luckily, it passes, and ya’ll survived! HA
happy anniversary to you and John. I love how you celebrated all week long—you are a special couple.
I hope the kids had the best week at camp!
It did pass, we did survival. But…yeesh. IT’S a GOLF SHIRT, son.
They both absolutely loved their week at camp.
Oh this post definitely made me happy – so many good things in one post. So glad you’ve had such a wonderful week. Happy anniversary! Belle looked so beautiful and yes grown up, we are still in kind of the little kid years, although E being 8, sometimes she looks so much older, and we get a hint of how fast it goes past.
Umm, that delicious looking ice-cream is SO cheap – in Australia that would be $8 I bet! Nice one 🙂
Best meal of last week was delicious Italian we ate out on Friday night on a double date with our friends, though a close second was my Norwegian meatballs I made last week, and my mum’s homemade sticky date pudding. It was a good food week!
Most places around here the ice cream is far more expensive, but this is a hidden gem of sorts.
I’ve only had sticky date pudding once and it was every bit as delicious as I had hoped it would be.
Oh you looked so gorgeous for the wedding. All of you.
I want ice cream now. It looks yummy.