Margaux has been asking us to put the Christmas tree up upstairs since April when we were in the heat of our shut down/quarantine. She insisted that it "just makes her happy!" As much as I love the tree, it seemed silly to have it up all summer. I just kept thinking about how dusty it would get being up for that long. As it is, we already have it up for two full months November & December... maybe a little into January ;)

Last night Gary came upstairs & told Margaux he had a surprise for her. He had drug out the basement tree & put it in the living room area. The girls were so excited. No decorations, just a lit up fake Christmas tree. As silly as it is, it really does feel good to see the lights on. Warms up the area & makes it feel so cozy. Not the big tree upstairs like she requested, but I think this will do.

Good idea Margaux. I think we are all enjoying our new lighting in the basement. xoxo

 Yesterday our friends came up to visit. Christina & I taught 3rd grade together in MKE for years. We would always joke that we spent more time together than we did with our husbands. It was so nice to see them, definitely been too long. Our girls had not seen each other for years & barely remembered the last time we met. They had a great time together & are already looking forward to another visit soon. Winter & not being able to be outside will make that more difficult with Covid. We are so over it!!! Please go away nasty virus! haha Sad... but I don't see it going away anytime soon unfortunately. 

Maeve soaked up the benefits of Eva's "Yes Day" this week too. Right before school kicks back into session Eva's mom always gives her one "Yes Day" where she says yes to everything within reason. This is probably the 3rd year in a row that her first request is having Maeve join them. Yes Day for Maeve too!! Love that they wanted to go to the holiday isle at Hobby Lobby. Also a little outside evening fun for them with Margaux added in. 

Hard to believe that these kiddos start school next week. I waited until just a few days ago to actually order their school supplies because I really felt that school was not going to happen this fall. Guess the district is going to give it a try. I didn't order nearly as many supplies as I usually do, I cut back quite a bit thinking they'll eventually be back at home... but we'll see! There are many districts in the state/country that are starting off virtual. I will be thankful for any time the kids get face to face with their teachers. They really need it. It's been a long 5 months since they have been in school. Hoping for the best... but for now we're soaking up our last few days of summer. xoxo

 Today I had some quality time with the littles. I committed to taking outdoor pics in Door County for some friends so we decided to make an outdoor day out of it. Packed lunch & dinner so we could picnic then we were on our way. First stop was the girls favorite DC attraction, The Farm. Maeve could not wait to get her hands on the kittens... it was her first stop. They were only a week old & so tiny. Both girls were in heaven & begging to take one home. Sorry, with myself & Marin allergic it is just not happening.

As much as Marg loved the kittens, she was eager to get to the baby pigs. They were pretty cute & really made a mess as Margaux fed one of them a bottle. There was milk all over his face which she thought was pretty funny. There were many really small babies on this visit. They also had week-old goats that were so little & fuzzy. 

Worked out perfect that we were able to meet our friends there too. Since they moved to Door County & Covid hit we haven't been able to see them as much as we'd like. Being outside at the Farm was a perfect way for us to visit with Avett & Otto.

Once we left the farm we had a quick early dinner & then headed to the photo session on the water. It was beautiful. The girls relaxed in a hammock while I snapped pics for a bit. We really had a great day! xoxo

After receiving negative results we were happy to be able to spend Saturday with our friend Katie celebrating her 40th. So many people in this group have seen no one for weeks upon weeks. Even taking a picture & being this close was hard for many... but we did it. Celebrated outside all day in distanced style. Pig roast that feeds 100 arrived for 18 people... minus me who could not eat it... So pig roast for 17 it was! They all camped outside in their own tents, anxious Sara Brown decided we would drive home & sleep in our own beds. 

Today we spent the day outside with the girls & getting things done around the house. Margaux took a break & made vanilla bean cupcakes for my dad since we missed his birthday this week due to being quarantined awaiting test results. No birthdays have been the same, but we've made the most of them with small outdoor celebrations. Margaux is still taking a liking to baking months after we first started being home. She's becoming quite the baker, these cupcakes were delicious.

Happy belated Birthday Dad! xo

 Well we found out Wednesday that Travis was Covid positive which meant the Brown 5 all needed to be tested, Gary had to leave work & will be home for two weeks. We did not stay in the same cottage as the Veraghens but we were in close contact outside so as much as the risk of outdoor exposure is low, the right thing is to get tested. Quarantine week it is! 

All masked up & tested Wednesday. Not nearly as bad as the girls anticipated, but they still hoaxed me into a trip to Starbucks since they were feeling bad for themselves. haha Maeve soaked up the worry by sleeping in our room on the floor... again! We played Monopoly with the girls for the first time & painted Margaux's room. Accomplished a lot in a few days with us all at home & stuck inside. Good news is we got our results in 24ish hours & we are all negative. Gary still is convinced he feels funny, so he will continue to lay low a few days. I am pretty sure it's all in his head, but you never know. There have been reports of false negatives. Marin is the most relieved of us all. As much as we are all being overly cautious, she is hard to keep home. She NEEDS her friends & really thought the world was ending when we had to stay inside all week. She has a rough life!! haha Just thankful we are all good & Travis had minimal symptoms. Man, this virus is crazy & scary. I hate that it has taken over our lives. So much unknown, but we continue to navigate through it the best we can.  xoxo

 This past weekend was our first weekend away from home in a LONG time. We decided to keep our annual plans & head to our friends cabin. Just our two families in the cabin & we both have been so careful & extra cautious leading into the weekend. The kids were so excited & couldn't wait for some boat time. 

Marin & Gary both killed it on the surf board behind the boat. I was so into watching them that I took zero pictures. So fun to watch, but I am too chicken to try. Lots of outside time for the kids & friends also staying on the lake. The adults did a trailer park themed murder mystery game. We had a blast, much needed time with friends.

Quick toast with the ladies before heading back to the fire.

Great weekend with friends for all. Kids are wiped & slept well last night. One hiccup... first weekend away from home, first maybe exposure for the Brown 5. We found out yesterday just before leaving the cottage that the Veraghens may had been exposed earlier in the week before they headed up north. They had no idea & got the call while we were sitting right next to them outside while watching the kids swim. Today they all got tested & we'll lay low and wait & see what happens. Bummer! First weekend away... first potential exposure. TBD... 

"Marin do you want me to sign you up for the golf clinic?" 

Marin - "Are you kidding, I don't even know how to swing a club!!!" 

So I signed her up & she went very reluctantly but guess who loved golf???

This girl....

She did great & really enjoyed herself all week. It's too bad the golf season is the same as cross country because if given a choice she'd always choose cross country. Fun week for her & Estelle. Now we may have to actually take her golfing every now & then. xoxo

Race weekend for Gary. Everything he had scheduled for this summer/fall has been cancelled. His big September race was just cancelled this weekend. Add that to our LONG bummer list! This race in Marquette Michigan was cancelled months ago with the option to complete it on your own. Gary was the only one of his friends signed up for the race... until a few weeks ago when he persuaded these three to join him. We've had some hot {mid 90's} weekends. Thankful that wasn't the case this weekend. Look a the beautiful start to their day...

Sunrise on top of the mountain. So crazy. They started around 5am & went all day. The photo of Gary balancing across the log made all of us laugh. We didn't know he had balancing skills.

Trail run fun for all...

And they crossed their toilet paper finish line made by a friend shortly after 7pm. The goal was to finish in 12-15 hours & they accomplished that. I think they were all happy to be done & ready for a shower.

I was feeling bad that I wasn't there to see them finish {while we were soaking in the rays relaxing yesterday!!!} but we can't make them all. The trails were very remote & hard to navigate around. Thankful they had a friend who knew his way around & was able to support them all day. They definitely needed it. Still fun to hear their stories of the day when they got home this morning. Probably the only race they'll get in this year. We'll see! xoxo

Race weekend for Gary = Girls day in Door County for the girls. We joined Erica & Eva on Erica's parents boat today. Plenty of relaxing for us all as the boys raced their way through the UP. Such a beautiful day. We had lunch on the boat before heading out for a cruise.

After a beautiful ride we arrived to a perfect spot to anchor for the afternoon. Girls did some sun bathing...

Swimming & exploring along the beach. One of the boats we were anchored near had an adorable little puppy that Marin could not get enough of. Just adorable & right up her alley. Margaux was busy hunting for flat rocks to paint. They've all been painting like crazy lately.

Maeve & Eva spent the majority of the time in the water but also were hunting for rocks.

They also had fun in this cute little hut they found on the beach.

Another busy day living the socially distant life. We literally got out of the car, on to the boat & back into the car to head home. No stops. There have been a lot of cases & businesses closing down due to Covid. Easier to just stay away at this point unless needed. And who needs anything when you have days like this??!! So fun! xoxo

Summer fun for Maeve this week. Her 3rd grade teacher made a special stop Wednesday morning with driveway donuts for a few of the girls & their neighborhood friends. They had such a great visit eating donuts & chalking on the driveway across the street. Mrs. Peters is so great, we'd keep her forever if we could. 

She also spent some time painting with Kendall & got Starbucks this afternoon with Eva. Maeve living her best life! Trying to reward her a bit for finally sleeping in her own bed. Tomorrow she graduates from a twin to a full bed. Fingers crossed that helps keep the ball rolling. xoxo

Our summer distancing days look a little like this...

We give Acre all the love & are enjoying all of his babyness.

 All our summer/fall concerts have been cancelled. Including the Bieber concert. We are all so bummed. We were so excited to see the Beibs in September. Since we can't see him in concert we decided to get them some Bieber merchandise. Girls were so excited & I have not even been able to wash their sweatshirts because they will not take them off. 

 Also, Maeve has decided she wants a dirt bike. Her friend & their whole family have them so Maeve NEEDS one too! haha She surprised us once again when she even got on this thing!

 And this morning my grandparents stopped by Katie & Mikes driveway with a summer surprise for all. The girls were so excited to be gifted $100 each. Marin was not there so we teased her that she didn't get any. I should have taken a screen shot of the text messages. So funny. Thank you again GG & Grandpa xoxo This was a quick "Hold your breath & go by GG to take a photo" moment. We are sure missing our hugs & doing our best to keep them safe.

 Sweet moment for Marg & Fitz from today. They were just too cute not to photograph. 

 Prepping for a big rummage sale this weekend. I am very anxious about having strangers in the garage at my sisters house but they assured me they would all be wearing their masks & sanitizing/washing hands like crazy. Wish us luck, I'll be on kid duty in the house away from all the strangers. xoxo

A little change of scenery today, not many options without a mask unless we are 100% outdoors. Today we headed to Door County for the day & spent time at the marina with the Kentops. Missing a few. Marin had a virtual school meeting & was swimming with friends after. We missed her!

We had lunch on the boat & swam for a bit before the kids were requesting a visit to the candy store. Masks went on & we ventured in for a short visit. Happy kiddos full of sugar.

On the way home we made a pit stop at this cute waterfall. This location was supposed to be a 3rd grade school trip for Maeve in May but obviously didn't happen because they were not in school. Maeve & Eva were so excited to check it out. Margaux & Hayden had their trip in 3rd grade so they shared the info they remembered. 

So beautiful & the water felt so great.

The girls could have stayed forever. They had so much fun playing around in the water.

Great day! Girls will sleep well tonight. xoxo

Thanks to the Warren's for an awesome boating day! 6 happy chicks got to do some swimming today on the river & in the bay.

A little Brown/Warren & the big Brown/Warren...

Highlight of the day was their photo session of tricks. Margaux showing off her skills...

Marin being a goof as well...

Can't say tricks or back flip without Gary needing to give it a go. He's a big kid.

Great day in the sun for us all. 

Holding on to these nice days. They'll be gone before we know it. xoxo

When you've been home with your kids for 4 months you find a secret hideout in the neighborhood & have drinks in peace! We won't tell the kids where we were, this may be needed more than just tonight! 

We have been spending a lot of time on our deck & on Veraghen's patio. Days/Evenings looking a lot like this. Gary keeping himself entertained watching Fortnite videos or catching giant bugs.

Keeping ourselves sane during these odd times. We do what it takes! xoxo

Happy 4th of July!

I am like a broken record... another holiday/weekend that is definitely not or normal. 4th of July is one of our favorite holidays of the year where we typically spend a week up north. Once again Covid stops our plans. We made the most of our time at home. Thankful the Veraghen's offered us the pool while they were gone. It was a hot one. Hovering around 100 degrees, we needed water.

Not the 4th of July without all the red, white & blue. Love these kids & also not easy to get a pic of them all. about 100 tries to get the 6 of them all looking. 

The Brown 5 summer 2020

Another shot that posed some difficulty trying to get everyone looking... but I think we did it. 

Minus a few smiles. haha

Evening fireworks in the neighborhood. We watched from our yard/deck. They put on quite a display. Props to our awesome neighbors. Made our first 4th of July at home pretty great.

I think our girls had a good day too despite not being able to go up north. My cousin tested positive & they now need to quarantine for 14 days. As much as we really wanted to be there, we all needed to be safe and stay home. Still a fun day for all, looking forward to another weekend up north to make up for this one. xoxo 

This morning Gary, Travis, Bhodi & Tyler were up & headed fishing. Not sure the last time Gary or anyone in this house was up at 3am for the day... needless to say I wasn't surprised when I got this photo of Gary & Bhodi taking a nap on the boat by 9am.

Early but fun morning for the guys. They were home by noon & had enough fish for a few dinners.

Successful fishing morning. 

Guess I'll be making something for myself while the others have fish for dinner at some point this weekend. xoxo

While the girls were at camp, the Johnson's also moved in! Nothing like 10 people living under one roof. Definitely short term & we are all loving it. Brings some excitement to the days. Tonight the house looked a little like this...

6 kiddos taking showers & being bathed, running around in towels & definitely ready for bed after a long weekend. They bought a new house & have a few days in-between homes. We are happy to have them & excited for their new house. Fun memories for all. Going to be an exciting week! xoxo

Fun weekend for our girls... A weekend out of the house!

 Aadi has been working for months on a weekend camp for the kids since no one can go to camp this summer because of Covid. Once she was done she had an entire weekend planned in a binder with very detailed activities scheduled for all three days. Quite impressive. Even better... no adults allowed except for her Grandma {who lives were the camp was being held}. Only fair that she was allowed & obviously an adult was needed. Thankful for her volunteering.

2 camp counselors {Aadi & Nona} and 8 campers in all. The girls even had lists of what to pack & individual luggage tags to put on their bags. It was just like an official camp. Even a registration table upon arrival where we turned in all medical forms, medicine, etc. Also loved that our Camp Broaghen banner got some use this summer. 

Nona also made t-shirts for all the campers. These are some lucky kids. 

Activities included swimming, tie dye, kayaking, baking, a polar plunge early in the morning & much more. Safe to say they had a pretty awesome time.

High on my list of approval... no devices! They played campfire games & sang songs. So thankful for Sheila aka Nona. She has already agreed to make this camp an annual event. 

While the kids were away at camp, the adults had some fun too. Adult swim day at Veraghen's followed up by a drive-in socially distanced Garth Brooks concert. So much fun. Not exactly the live concert event we are all used to, but seeing him on the drive-in screen was better than nothing. We all made the most of it & had a great time.

Yesterday afternoon we drove up to camp to pick up the kids. They were so excited to see us but not ready to leave. We had dinner together, watched their talent show & attended the camp awards ceremony. Thank you Aadison. Such a fun weekend for our girls. We are excited for Camp Broaghen/Adult Weekend 2021! xoxo