4th of July Weekend Update

This weekend update is coming a little later than normal due to an extra long few days off. Overall, it was a great one – and unlike most weekends, it actually felt like time moved at a normal pace (well except for yesterday afternoon, which felt like 10 minutes).  The 4th of July is my all time favorite holiday and as usual, this one certainly didn’t disappoint.

We spent the majority of the weekend in the north woods with family and friends – enjoying the lake, fireworks and great food. I think anyone who either owns or has been to a cabin in the north woods of Wisconsin will understand what I mean when I say it’s a little slice of heaven. There is no internet, terrible cell service and a whole lot of solitude, but it’s like nowhere else on God’s green earth. Dane absolutely loved his first trip to “summertime Pickerel” as a toddler – exploring each stone, stick and insect he came across. Brilliantly, we decided to pack his “mow-mow” (lawnmower) at the last minute, and it proved to be a perfect distraction for him all over the yard. He is currently obsessed with being outdoors and has even thrown a few real temper tantrums when we say no because it’s pouring rain outside. Luckily we were blessed with good weather so we were able to spend as much time outside as possible.

He conquered nights with fireworks like a champ given what a light sleeper he normally is. Thanks sound machine! 🙂 He also actually listened when we told him the campfire was hot and he should not go near it. I think he’s smarter than us and has caught on when we tell him things are hot, when they’re actually not… so thankfully he steered clear of the million degree fire! Phew!

I wanted to share one quick travel lifesaver we used this weekend on the almost 4 hour car ride. Dane doesn’t watch a lot of tv but there’s something about Elmo and Sesame Street that will hold his attention. The last trip we took I ended up sitting with him in the backseat holding the iPad, but it was a disaster on my back and he kept turning it off. We purchased this iPad headrest mount and I am SO thankful. He peacefully watched his episodes in between snoozing and most of the drive was quiet for us all.

We decided to head home one day early for a couple of reasons. 1. To avoid traffic (you know what I’m talking about) 2. To unpack and get back into a routine 3. Our own beds

Though we were sad to leave the family, we were SO pleased with our decision because we were able to spend the actual holiday at home – watching the fireworks from our backyard and then attending a fun parade/festival yesterday. Our fun was short lived however, because our little guy is a bit needy lately and would not let dada put him down for anything… He just cut his 2nd molar over the weekend and I have a feeling that may be the culprit. Up to 6 teeth now (2 being molars) and I am still amazed at how much he manages to eat!

Last night had that “Sunday feeling” so we made a big pot of my favorite spaghetti (recipe here) and even added our first pepper from the garden, which Dane ate happily for dinner.

I’m extra thankful for a short week and am already looking forward to the weekend! Can’t we all just be on permanent vacation? Happy Hump Day, friends!