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!