There really is no place like home.
This past week was one we’ll remember for a long time. We packed a lot of miles into just a few days as we traveled across the country for our son’s trip to the USA High School Clay Target League National Championship in Mason, Michigan.
By the time we pulled back into our driveway, we had driven through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and South Dakota, all in one week!
It was a lot of windshield time, plenty of gas station snacks, countless podcasts and conversations, a lot of reading (I finished 3 books!), and memories we’ll never forget.
A National Championship Experience
The entire trip was an incredible experience not just for our son, but for us as parents too.
Watching thousands of student-athletes from across the country gather to compete was something special. It was awesome to see the dedication, sportsmanship, and excitement!
Our son faced a few challenges before he even stepped onto the shooting line. Between feeling under the weather and battling the nerves that come with competing at Nationals for the very first time, he had plenty to overcome.
Despite all of that, he shot well.
Not quite well enough to make the finals, but well enough to walk away proud of the effort he gave.
We’re incredibly proud of him.
He’s already talking about next year and hopes to earn another trip back to Nationals. Hopefully next time with a few of his teammates. This year, he was the only shooter on his team to qualify, and it would be so much fun to see more of his friends join him on the journey next season.
Home Sweet Home
As amazing as the trip was, walking back onto the homestead felt pretty wonderful too.
Everything had grown while we were gone, especially the garden!
I jumped right back into pulling weeds, checking on vegetables, harvesting what was ready, and catching up on all the little things that pile up after being away for several days.
One of the first things on my list was harvesting all of our garlic. Honestly, it’s something I probably should have done before we left for Michigan, but such is life.
Thankfully, the garlic was still waiting patiently for me. This year I gave the honors of pulling to my husband, since last year I was attacked by hornets in the process, and let’s just say, I’m still traumatized. Thankfully, he survived without injury. Now the garlic will spend the next few weeks curing before finding its place in our pantry for the year.
Back to the Projects
My husband wasted no time either.
He headed right back to work during the day and then spent his evenings tackling projects around the property.
His latest project is converting a used food-grade tote into a grain feeder for our pigs.
Knowing him, it’ll be practical, well-built, and probably better than anything we could have bought.
I’ll be sure to share pictures once it’s finished!
Everyone Is Home Again
One of my favorite parts of this week has been having everyone back home.
The kids have quickly settled back into their normal routines of work, gymnastics, spending time with friends, and helping around the homestead.
While adventures are exciting, there’s nothing better than returning home, slipping back into familiar routines, and appreciating the life God has blessed us with.
Looking Ahead
This season is still keeping us incredibly busy, but I wouldn’t trade it.
There are gardens to tend, animals to care for, 4-H projects to finish, kids to cheer on, and memories being made in between it all.
We’re thankful for safe travels, unforgettable experiences, and the opportunity to come home to this little piece of North Idaho that we’re blessed to call ours.
“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” — Psalm 121:8
Thanks for following along with our family’s journey. We’re happy to be home, happy to be back in the dirt, and excited to see what this next week brings on the homestead.
From our homestead to yours,
Eliza