Wordless Wednesday

other summer fun/hodge podge/just pics

 

 

 

 

 

 

Up North

We had another great MN trip a couple of weeks ago.  After arriving at the airport, we headed straight to Lake Ida to enjoy the slower, relaxed pace.  My parents recently put their place on the market, so this may have been our last trip to the lake house.  I knew it would be hard to say goodbye, so I didn't ... just see you later when we left.  Still, if it was our last week there, it was a wonderful one!  Luckily, my parents plan to keep the boat and dock it on Prior Lake near their home in the cities.  We went to see the marina, and it looks like a great spot where the boat will get lots of use.

 On our very first boat ride of the trip, both girls wanted to jump into the middle of the lake.  I was a little nervous, and my mom was very nervous.  But after jumping, they both came up laughing and then jumped again and again.  Brave girls!  A few days into our trip, Emma had a serious meltdown over the fact that she couldn't just jump off and swim to shore.  She was totally put out with us for making her get back on the boat.  Rough life.

 For the 4th of July Parade, we decorated Jane's golf cart.  Steve drove while the girls rode.  Emma threw candy, but I think she kept two pieces for every one she threw!

 

 One day when the lake was pretty choppy, we took the girls over to Arrowwood Resort to play at the indoor water park.  We all had a great time!  As soon as Sara discovered the big slides (and was thrilled to find she was tall enough to ride them), we hardly saw her again except when we spotted her climbing the many flights of steps to get to the top and ride down again.

Emma enjoyed the smaller slides until a lifeguard had to correct her for trying to climb up them.  After pouting for a few minutes, she went back to playing ... but didn't get back on the slide. While we were at the water park, Auntie and Adam did putt-putt, and we met them on the deck afterwards for some sun and beverages while watching the lake.  Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed some quiet time back at the house!

 Both girls loved riding on and driving the boat.  They continuously begged Grandpa to go faster.  It was so fun to watch them enjoy lake life like I always have.

 Sara was ready to tube this trip, so she and I went together (my arms felt it for days).  We laughed a lot and had so much fun, but a couple of days later she just wanted to go by herself.  She quickly learned the signs for faster, slower, and stop, and she was off. 

 Of course we had to make a trip to the winery.  Steve and the Sara played chess, and Emma ran in and out of the game just enough to irritate her sister.  I mostly just sat back and enjoyed my wine.

And we did all the other usual things ... lots of ladder ball, grilling, s'mores, fire crackers, fishing, playing in the sand, ping pong, watching our favorite movies, etc. Sara spent a lot of time on her new Rainbow Loom from Grandma making bracelets for everyone, but for the first time in a long time, we didn't manage to complete a puzzle.  My mom, sister, and I had an evening out while the guys took the kids to Zorba's for games and pizza.  Everyone had a great time, and I was so thankful for the special - uninterrupted - time with my two favorite ladies.

When we got back to the Cities, the girls got to ride in the red car with Grandpa.  Sara had been looking forward to it the whole trip, and Emma wouldn't be left behind.  She kept saying, "It has no roof!"  Don't worry, I got my ride in, too.

We also tie-dyed shirts with a kit Grandma bought.  It worked, and although we had to dye Sara's twice, both girls were happy with their results.  They've been worn multiple times (sometimes without washes in between...).

 Before heading back to Dallas, we spent a fun day and evening at Auntie and Adam's house.  We played in the sprinkler, made cupcakes, grilled, played with Expo, and just enjoyed visiting together.

Cheers to more great Minnesota memories!

Project Complete!

The makeover we started on a whim in the girls' bathroom back in early May is, as of this afternoon, finally complete!  Check out the transformation ...

May 7th: Steve decided he'd had enough of the ugly.

 

It quickly became apparent that changing one part of the bathroom would lead to all parts of the bathroom.

The girls wanted the walls to stay this color.

 

 

 

And as of today ...

We didn't go for the pink walls, but compromised on pink towels and rugs.

The new shower curtain goes perfectly with this sweet print that hung in my childhood bathroom.

Quality toilet reading.

 

Thumbs up!

 Steve and I both learned a lot over the course of this remodel.  It was a lot of work, but not nearly as bad as we feared it would be.  Obviously we did it little by little, working here and there as we could in the evenings, around kids, activities, and life.  We're excited about the possibilities in other places in our home now that we know we can take on a project.  All we need now is a little more cash!

Cartwheel

This summer Sara has been working on perfecting her cartwheel, and she had ample time and space to do so last week at Lake Ida.  She's really got it down and can't stop cartwheeling!

 

 

 

 

Big XII

Two kids (in addition to the two in the photo below).  Two states. One apartment and two houses.  Five cars.  Nine-ish (?) jobs.
Coming out ahead and drowning in debt.
For better and for worse, for sure.  
Lots of laughter and also some tears.  Many moments of joy.

Countless I'm sorrys but more I love yous.  Twelve years. Still the One.

 

"There's only us

There's only this

Forget regret - or life is yours to miss.

No other road

No other way

No day but today."

Rent

Movie Monday

The girls loved Disney Pixar's "Inside Out" last week.  Before the movie, they checked out the displays for the upcoming Minion and Peanuts movies (I'm especially looking forward to the latter), and spent a long time perusing snack options before making selections.  The movie itself was really cute, well suited for kids and adults.  I always think going to the movie theatre is such a fun treat!

 

USA!

Happy 4th from Lake Ida!

Hello, July!

Summer is in full swing!  I'm done working so the girls and I have some special time to hang around, relax, swim, and tend to a few home improvement projects.  Because one project never finishes before an unexpected one pops up, we've gotten in good with our neighbor down the street who owns a drywall company as they've been over  repairing some water damage.  With ALL the rain we've had, we know we're lucky to have had just minimal damage, and I'm thankful it was easily fixed.

The girls' bathroom is nearly complete and looking fantastic.  I'll wait to post pictures until the new counter and sinks are installed. As we were wrapping up our work on the bathroom (counter has been left to the pros), I noticed Steve spending more time looking at our bathroom, contemplating changes.  Since we are not in a position to do a full gut-job on the master bath like we'd like to do, we've decided we can make some great and easy updates on a budget.  I started by painting the cabinets, trim, and doors white.  Getting rid of the wood really made a huge difference.  We plan to change out the fan and also the floor tile.  And while the tub, shower, and vanity could all use an overhaul, those things will have to wait.  The other changes will be enough to transform the whole room for now.  Still, I think it's safe to say that the late 80s made exactly zero contributions to home aesthetics.

Our other summer plans include a trip to the movies to see "Inside Out", piano tuning, and hopefully a haircut for me (high aspirations, I know).  Our big Goodwill trip is already complete.  Sara was upset that Emma had more to donate than she did, and I explained that it's because we keep Sara's things because Emma will still be able to use them.  She understood the logic but was desperately looking for things to give to kids in need.  I love her sweet heart.  We're also watching "Tyrant" again this summer and loving it.  If you haven't watched, I recommend doing so.  It's only the second season so catching up would be super easy.

On Friday we're heading to MN to celebrate the 4th and enjoy some time at the lake.  My parents put their place on the market, so this will likely be our last trip to Lake Ida for a while.  I know the girls will have fun with all the kids who will be up there for the holiday weekend.  I always feel like I can breathe easier at the lake, and I'm sure looking forward to that feeling again.  It's so peaceful.

Before I know it, we'll be back-to-school shopping, so I'm trying hard to soak in summer.  We may try to do a weekend family getaway, but I'm reminding myself to not stress about filling the time.  It's okay to just be.  And without getting political, I just have to say that, this year, I'm VERY proud to be an American.  Can't wait to celebrate.  Happy 4th, all!