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The rest of break + HNY

I can’t believe we have to go back to school tomorrow! Two weeks flew as they always do. We packed in a trip to Michigan, time with friends and our first time as a family going skiing. 
We hit the slopes at Hyland Hills and after 3-4 hours on the bunny hill everyone made it up the chair lift and down a green a few times! First ski outing was a success! I packed lunches and hot chocolate, the weather was great and i can’t describe how proud i was of Lucy and Sigge for trying a new thing and crushing it. 

Winter when there’s snow > winter when there’s no snow. 

Our drive to Michigan was wonderful, the kids didn’t even finish a whole movie. They were busy playing games, doing mad libs and eating snacks. 

When we arrived:barely any snow and 40 degrees

When we left: they’d gotten a massive storm that took out power for 24+ hours. The wind was CRAZY and we owe Sten’s family big time for the care they took of the kids in less than ideal circumstances. 

Sten and I were up north celebrating his 40th birthday with a stay at Chateau Grand Traverse. Luckily the storm didn’t knock out our power, but it did close everything for our main day there. 
Before the storm, we checked Black Star off our list and had a great time tasting their reds and an old fashion flight!

We also played Scrabble and unfortunately Sten beat me. 
After being stranded inside all day, we ventured out to the only place we could find that was open (along with the rest of traverse city). Rare Bird. It was a BLAST. So glad we went — we stayed for hours, and enjoyed the people watching and the fun atmosphere. 

These 3 pals played nonstop. How lucky are we to have such a sweet cousin to hang with?

On New Years Eve Lauren told us about a place where you can play old school pinball. They were having a NYE party and the pinball was free all night! The kids loved it. 



We attempted sledding…

And ate a late lunch at the Blue Slipper— the pride of Onekama. I love a good local hotspot. 

Michigan means: family, natural beauty, rest, new experiences and good memories made. Grateful we were able to spend time there and that Sten and I were able to getaway! We’re so lucky ♥️

Now it’s January and I once read that there are seasons for feasting and seasons for fasting. For wanting less and denying yourself of every desire. I think sometimes I tell myself that when I have more time, or am not busy, or when my kids will finally eat what I cook I will make the hard choices and do the hard thing. But it’s almost the opposite- when life is crazy and I feast and feast, I don’t actually feel better. I like the idea of January as a fast. A necessary stop to the always saying yes- this in turn builds self control, resilience, discipline. I’m going to practice shifting focus from instant gratification to long term goals and a greater appreciation for the simple things in life this month. I’ll let you know how it goes :)
I know there are 2 types of people in the world. Those who make resolutions and those who don’t. And I totally see both sides. I personally love a fresh calendar flip. In my “all or nothing” personality it’s exactly what I need to make changes in my life. Happy New Year!
Cheers to 2026!

xo. edc. 

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