Avery turned 19 and came home from college so we could celebrate together. It was simple and sweet — just really nice having him back under our roof for a bit and getting to mark another year of who he’s becoming. He’s growing into such a capable, grounded young adult, and it’s a joy watching him find his way.
Avery’s favorite dish is Mapo tofu, so we made it for dinner
With best bud, Dalton
Ice cream cake by Kieron
Here’s what we were up to in October. Avery came back for a couple visits!
Family weekend at Western. It was the first time Kieron, Silas and Layla got to see where Avery is living.
Avery’s Jolly Roger sign came down so they tried a cheer stunt to reach and put it back up.
Pics from an evening out in Pullman
At Sawyer’s birthday sleepover
Ice skating with friends
Tried to get a pic of Layla and Landry together after she cheered at his football game
At the Walkathon
On September 18th we moved Avery into his dorm at Western. I think for all of us, our feelings were all over the place in the weeks leading up to it. Excitement, sadness, anxiety and sentimental feelings each took their turn. The day of, there was lots to do, and quite honestly, in addition to all the feelings about Avery, I was excited to see how he and Ryan’s room would come together! I think it turned out really cute!
Ryan, from San Francisco, had moved in a few days earlier. We took him out to lunch with us after getting Avery settled in the room. He’s super nice and we were relieved and excited that Avery seemed to have lucked out in the roommate department. After we brought them back to the dorm and finished setting everything up, it was time to say goodbye. We’re so proud of our boy, feel confident about where he’s at and can’t wait to see what he does this year. Go Vikings!
With his roommate, Ryan
All packed up
In the car on the ride up
Same place, 27 years earlier!
Avery’s Lego world map
I surprised Avery with this pillow at move-in. It says “text your mom” on the other side.
Getting set up on his computer
We took Avery and Ryan out to lunch at Fiamma Burger
We survived! Grabbed our (last) celebratory beer at Boundary Bay before they close their doors for good after 30 years. 
Last supper before college dropoff 
Friends since preschool
Last night as a resident for a while
Saying goodbye
Obligatory front porch Back to School pics, in order of departure…
Avery and Jacob heading out on Section J of the PCT, 75 miles from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass. The moms tried not to worry too much. 
They finished in three days!
Layla lucked out and got the best teacher, Mr. Harper!
We decided to tack on a trip to Munich for my birthday since we were already in Europe until the 26th. I’m so glad we did. It’s a birthday I’ll always remember! Here we are celebrating at Augustiner Beer Garden. The vibe there is SO Bavarian!
We bought Avery his first beer here
Don’t worry, that’s not a dark lager, Kieron opted for root beer
First meal in Munich at Zum Brunnstein
Our first meal in Germany had lots of sausage, sour kraut & German-style potato salad.
The Glockenspiel
Inside Hofbräuhaus, where Hitler gave speeches
Views from atop the Cathedral
Here’s what happened the morning of my birthday. We originally planned to go to Neuschwanstein on my birthday and Dachau the following day because who wants to go to a concentration camp on their birthday? Well, we had some trouble with the trains and ended up in traffic in a taxi, and arrived at the tour company literally one minute late. By then our bus had left without us! Fortunately, the tour company worked with us and was able to switch our tours so we could do the camp on my birthday and the castle the next day. I’m so thankful we were still able to do both, but it made for a somber birthday. I was on the verge of tears half the day!
Solitary confinement
Neuschwanstein! I love the crazy story about this castle and it’s creator.
Uncle Scott, same place, 44 years earlier!
1981
Don’t ask me what he’s playing!
Taking a carriage to the castle in 1981
I always thought this picture of me was taken of me looking out the little window at the top of the castle – but I just learned it is not! It’s from some other castle in Europe.
At Kinder Paradise, 1984
Downtown Munich. I love that my birthday falls on Pride Weekend
