Hurrah for quiet weeks! Especially for Holly and me, it was exactly what we needed. No dance, no long work hours, only one night of band practice. It meant actual time at home, which is good because my house was beginning to feel unfamiliar. Holly slept and slept and then slept some more. Then, she started dancing around the house because apparently one week off of dancing is too long for her. I was not dancing around the house. I was thoroughly enjoying my couch and my recliner and my bed. I only wish I could have enjoyed more of them over the weekend.
The week wasn’t all relaxing and being lazy. Connor did have to march in two different parades on July 4th. He has had to do this for three years now, and I can’t say it gets any easier. Granted, his band director refuses to let them wear something more weather-appropriate. No one wants to wear a full polyester/wool suit with a wool beret and then march while carrying a heavy instrument for several miles twice in one day. It usually means our Fourth celebrations are quiet.
This year was different in that we were invited to not one, but two, holiday parties by Jim’s colleagues. We opted to go to one, since the second parade ended mid-afternoon. It was a nice evening, but we were all exhausted and fighting dehydration from the day in the sun and not enough water. On Sunday, I took back my kitchen for the first time in a month. We had friends over for dinner, so I busted out a homemade dessert (Copycat Twix Bars thanks to Jen) and Ree Drummond’s Spicy Dr. Pepper Shredded Pork. Both were delicious, which means my foresight in making a double batch is a bonus because I have leftovers!
Did you catch the pictures on Instagram this week? Holly went in for a haircut and came out with at least five inches taken off and bright red tips. It looks adorable on her. I keep trying to tell her that she doesn’t need to keep her hair as long as she does. The ends get so fried, and it is a nightmare to put up into a bun. She is already talking about how she wants a red streak in her hair the next time. I hope this means she is more willing to get it cut more than once a year.
While I am still not reading as much as I would like, I did still have a few posts this week, including my weekly reading recap and a summary of last week. I also shared my thoughts on The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler and the latest in the Schuyler sisters’ adventures in Tiny Little Thing by Beatriz Williams. Did you read any of these books? Do you agree or disagree with my thoughts?
I always love when soccer gets attention in the U.S. Now that the women won the World Cup in spectacular fashion, I really hope it gains even more supporters. It really is an awesome sport, and it is probably the main sport in which the women play with much more precision and physical toughness. None of that flopping about hoping to draw the foul for these women! Did you watch the game? Wasn’t it outstanding?
The long weekend is almost at an end. Dance starts back up tomorrow. Connor goes in for his first orthodontic appointment. Jim and I have full weeks of work. It isn’t a bad thing, but it does mean it is time to curl up with a book and enjoy the last few hours of the weekend.
Have a great week, everyone!
