Blog Post – From Breakfast to Mt. Prospect (June 15, 2025)

Blog Post – From Breakfast to Mt. Prospect (June 15, 2025)

The day really began at breakfast.

Gabe was in the kitchen making eggs, sausage, vegetables, and tortillas. The aroma filled the house, and so did the voices—family gathered, stories shared, and the comfort of ordinary rhythm. Bella came downstairs and said she wanted a bagel but was going to go back upstairs to get ready. She made us all laugh when she realized her clothes were too wrinkled to wear—Barbi told her they needed to be fluffed first.

Around the table, conversations turned meaningful. Barbi spoke about parenting—about learning when to step in and when to let the kids figure things out. Jess spoke into that as well. We all reflected on how we were raised, how much grace it takes not to repeat the cycle, and how forgiveness—especially of our parents—is what allows us to love better.

I told Gabe about my own forgiveness journey with our dad—how holding on to anger only hurt me, and how letting go changed everything. Gabe listened closely. I think those seeds might have been planted. Maybe even watered a little bit today.

After breakfast, Gabe and I played catch in the driveway using an antique glove. One sting to Gabe’s palm reminded us how long it had been, but the motion felt good—full of memory.

Bella helped gather everyone in the backyard for pictures. After taking a few individual shots, she got the camera set up and we got a full group photo—me, Gabe, the kids, all of us. She made it happen. Then we packed the car, said our thank-yous and goodbyes, and pulled away with peace in our hearts.

The drive to Mt. Prospect had its hiccups—missed turns, red-light camera alerts—but we rerouted without stress. It wasn’t about speed. It was about presence. We talked about Oliver’s growth, Cooper’s anxious brilliance, and Bella’s quiet wisdom. It felt like a story still being told.

When we pulled into the hotel, Bella spotted one of her bowling friends—Mel—in the parking lot. He was surprised we had driven the whole way, and Bella lit up, officially switching into “bowling mindset” as the tournament energy began to stir.

Now we’re in the room. Barbi is napping. Bella’s editing. I’m about to refresh with a shower and maybe a short nap myself before the evening picks up—when all her friends start arriving and the fun and laughter begin.

Yes, this day has been full—from the start. Not just with food or miles, but with the kind of connection that lasts. With the kind of memories you don’t have to photograph to keep.

Breakfast began it. But grace carried it all the way here.