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Tuesday, September 8, 2026

My Summer In the Rearview

 





I hope that all is well in your world and you made some beautiful memories over the Summer.  

The weather peeps reported that much of the country experienced Texas temps for much of the Summer.  For that, you have my condolences.  While some people are bidding adieu to their porch/patio season, we will finally be able to enjoy ours.

We began the Summer by spending some time in picturesque San Miguel.  Lucy and her entourage, Adorable Jonathon's parents, twin brother, and our dear friends from Massachusetts, Annie and Bob, joined us. 

We had a great time, and naturally, Lucy was our star attraction.







It was so great catching up with Annie and Bob.  
We shared lots of old stories and laughs.



Our #2 and Darlin' Will were unable to join us in Mexico because #2
was traveling out of the country for work.



We have BIG news from the Land of Lucy.
She is getting a promotion. 
She will become a big sister in November.
Almost everyone is elated!
The jury is still out for Lucy.



As you can see, Millie is over the moon!
The expected date is Thanksgiving Day.
I could tell you his name, but then I'd have to kill you.



I crack myself up.




Lucy, her Mama, and Dada came to stay with us for a few days.  Their house is being renovated.
  
We were in charge of entertainment while Lucy's Mama was working remotely in my office. AJ was the project manager at their house.

I dusted off the skill set that I utilized when I was a mother of toddlers, which worked perfectly.
 
My mantra:
Bribe! Bribe! Bribe!
And it worked like a charm.



This is an ice cream maker for Play-Doh.
Don't buy it - it is not user-friendly for toddlers.
While Grandpa was trying to get the thing to work, Lucy was tending to her babies.


You do you, Grandpa. 
I've got babies to feed. 



Grandpa made up for it by using his own Ice Cream machine to make Lucy some "pink" ice cream.

It took some time convincing Lucy that this was real ice cream and not Play-Doh.



She liked it!
The crowd applauded!



Water sports were also included in Lucy's package.
This water table was a BIG hit.






Adorable Jonathon was so inspired by the workmen at their home, he decided to take a whirl at Lucy's new toolbox.

While the kit comes with over 20 parts, the sure winner was the drill. 



Years ago, I put together a couple of Creative Memories albums when the girls were young.  I don't think Lucy believed us when we told her that, once upon a time, her Mama was a little girl.



The Mister kept us well fed during the dog days of Summer. 



In my never-ending search for the fountain of youth, I purchased one of these masks.  Stay tuned for my Beauty Hits & Misses blog post.

I also purchased a NuFACE.

Both products are neck-and-neck in terms of 
which is least effective.


The Mister has become a pickleball maniac! 
When he's not on the court, he takes a walk with me.
As always, I am walking 20 paces behind him, as instructed.  



I made a resolution to put more time into lifting weights.
If shopping bags count, I exceeded my goal.



I was a polarizing figure on the pickleball court.  I didn't win any many games, but that's only because I play with a bunch of cheaters.

The only reason I stick around is for the happy hours. 


I read/listened to some great books.
I'm working on a post of my 4- and 5-star reviews and will publish it within the next couple of weeks.



Last but not least, Miss Lucy is going to school a couple of mornings a week!
I think she has the Best Dressed Award in the bag!  




Preppy Empty Nester
Preppy Empty Nester

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Feel free to contact me through comments and email. I love to hear from my readers!

49 comments:

  1. Yay for grandbabies! I had an inkling that a new one was in the works, lots of nursery pics!! 😉Congrats to all and welcome back from your IG vacay! Missed you💐

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  2. Two grands to spoil! Doesn’t get much better! Thanks for waiting this long before sharing as we now have only two+ months to wait not the 400 that some women take. Hope #1 is feeling well.

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    1. She is feeling great. The last months are always the longest. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog!

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  3. She gets more adorable every time I see her. 😍

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  4. So glad you're back. Congrats on Lucy's brother! Did you watch mafs? I missed Dr Pepper and Pastor Cal.

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    1. Me Too! That Courtney was a pip, wasn't she?

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    2. Two of the gals missed out on great guys I thought! So happy for Michele and Cam though.
      MJB

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  5. Replies
    1. Thank you, Lisa. And thank you for all your support over the years.

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  6. Congratulations and welcome back! BTW your blog won't let me comment with my Google account. --Maggie from NC

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    1. Hi Maggie! So sorry about that. Let my contact my Director of Technology otherwise known as the Mister. If he doesn't know I'll contact my boyfriend otherwise known as Chat GBT. Hope you had a wonderful Summer.

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  7. So happy you're back!!

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  8. Yay, you’re back! Always a treat to see preppyemptynester in my mail. Can’t wait for the arrival of the new baby boy 🩵🩵🩵🩵 Here’s to cooler temps and more pics of adorable Lucy 🩷 Cheryl

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your sweet words! I'm all for the cooler temps!

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  9. Welcome back you were MISSED!You make me smile BIG TIME!I have always wanted to go to San Miguel and we are going NOW!Unless you send me a message Not Too!
    Congratulations on number TWO!!
    Thanks for the heads up on Play Dough do-da!!!

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    Replies
    1. A royal hello to you dear Contessa! Looking forward to catching up soon.

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  10. So glad to hear from you. You and Mister are my favorite memories from my last address 💕


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  11. It made my day to get this post today! Congratulations to everyone on the baby news!

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    1. Thank you English Mary! Hope all is well in your world!

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  12. I love reading your blog! You are so funny. I really look forward to seeing your family with Lucy.

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    1. Thank you so much, Susan. For some reason my family doesn't think I'm too funny.

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  13. It sounds like you had a great summer.
    Great pics too!
    Congratulations to the family another little one on the way.
    Welcome back! You have been missed

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  14. Yay! So glad you’re back and keeping us updated on everything Lucy! Can’t wait for the new baby updates. Love the vacay photos!

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    1. Thank you so much! And also thanks for reading my blog!

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  15. Wonderful to have you back from summer break. It sounds like you and your family had a wonderful time. Congratulations on your sweet news. There's nothing more wonderful than adding a little boy to the family (speaking from a mom of 3 boys and 1 girl. Us girls are always outnumbered!) And best wishes to Miss Lucy on her entering school. She will absolutely love it! --Karenann S.

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words Karenann. I bet you and your daughter have some special times together! We are excited to have a grandson.

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  16. Welcome Back Katie!!! Now Tuesdays are my favorite day of the week again! Miss Lucy is best dressed wherever she goes, #1 has great taste and pretty sure Lovey has a lot to do with her wardrobe as well! Loving #2's necklaces. And last but not least, YOU ALWAYS CRACK ME UP KATIE 😂, not sometimes but ALL OF THE TIME! Life is always better with PEP! XO KTG 🩷

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  17. Welcome back. Always a great day when you return from your summer hiatus! Congrats on grandbaby #2. My two granddaughters just started 2nd & 4th grade. Where does the time go?!?!

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  18. Thrilled to have you back from your well deserved summer break! Congratulations on your baby news🩵! Looking so forward to your upcoming blogs—especially your book reviews😊.

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  19. Hurrah! Made my day to see you’re back!

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  20. It has been a tough Summer without PEN but glad you and family had a great Summer. I'm ready for some good ol emails now. Congratulations on another grandbaby.

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  21. So happy you're back! Lucy is growing up. She's so adorable. Aren't grandbabies the best!?
    Karen B.

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  22. I missed your humour. I’m glad you are back!🤩

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  23. Welcome back! It's so refreshing reading about your family. You make me laugh every time. Congratulations to Grandbaby #2. Grands are the best, but you already know that!

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  24. I am always so impressed with how lady-fied Lucy seems! Our Genny is a real character now and never looks lady-fied. I wonder if they have those water toys in France? Great news about the impending arrival of the little guy. Great to see you back! I need my new book recommendations! Also, curious about your take on the beauty devices. I have used both. ETS

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  25. Leslie Anne Tarabella
    So glad you’re back. It was a long summer without you! I look forward to all of your posts, but I'm in withdrawal for house decor! You always find the most gorgeous home ideas! Lucy has grown so fast, and I’m excited for her new brother on the way!

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  26. Welcome back, Preppy Empty Nester! You've been missed, although you've been too busy enjoying your summer to miss us. Cannot wait for the beauty hits and misses and congrats on the on the soon-to-be new addition. An exciting fall ahead! xo

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  27. Welcome back to blog world. It looks like a wonderful summer, and congratulations on the coming addition of grandbaby #2!

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  28. Glad you are back! Miss Lucy is as cute a ever and ready to be a big sister!

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