Summer Days

And just like that, our official summer break days are almost over.  I head back to work on Monday, and the girls head back to daycare.  We're all in for a shock.  Our morning routine will be different with a little longer drive and a new route ... not to mention that we've been on basically no routine whatsoever since June 26th.  I know we'll all bounce back quickly, and then be oh-so-ready to crash by next Friday night!

Over the course of the last week, we've been unpacking and organizing as well as doing plenty of swimming and playing.  Thanks to my FIL who hung a bunch of curtain rods for me, and to my MIL who continues to find bargains on rugs, curtains, etc.  The house is really coming together and we just love it!  One thing we've gotten right to work on is changing out many of the very outdated light and fan fixtures.  Replacing just a few of those types of items makes such a huge difference.  I have to show you, though, one oldie-but-goodie, which I'm sure is original to the house, that I have no intention of replacing until it fizzles out on its own ... our oven:

It doesn't beep when it's preheated (in fact, it gives no indication of preheating at all), it doesn't fit my gigantic cookie sheets, and I might need a little tutorial on using the knobs.  But it is super clean, it gets HOT fast, and I just sort of love it.  And I think there is something to be said about the way things "used to be made", don't you?

Another priority, of course, included hanging party lights by the pool.  So as I've said before, plan a trip over (or down, or up ... whatever).  Sara was thrilled to help me pick out party lights ... after multiple summers at Lake Ida, she can associate the party lights going on with a good time waiting to happen!  Our college friend Isaac and his fiance are our first scheduled out-of-town guests; they are coming over Labor Day and we can't wait to hang by the pool with them. 

The recent rainy days have allowed us time to work on organizing inside the house, but when the sun poked through the clouds for a little bit yesterday, we were ready to jump in the pool.  Normally I would never complain about rain and cooler temps in Texas in July (normally I wouldn't be able to because normally it never happens), but since we're down to the wire on number of summer break days left, I was hoping for lots of outside time this week.  Sunday and Monday were total losses, but yesterday and today we made it to the park and in the pool between showers.  I'm hoping the rain is done for today so we can hop back in for a dip tonight.  Sara's friend, Parker, is coming over to swim - and probably consume popsicles - tomorrow afternoon, which I guess classifies as her first pool party?!?

(Have I mentioned yet that, if I'm being completely honest, I wanted this house for the pool?  And the neighborhood and the layout, but mostly for the pool.)

Have a great weekend, and wish us luck on Monday.  I have no intentions of being back here before then ... #soakingupmysummer.