Decorating for the 4th

July is my favorite month, and I can't believe it is almost here!  I have been spending some of my down time crafting and decorating to make our home more festive. 

Welcome to my home!

I created a simple wreath for my front door.  A few years back I bought very cheap 4th of July fabric at Walmart.  I tore the fabric into long strips; tearing gives it a frayed look which I love.  I hot glued the fabric around a straw wreath I bought from Goodwill for $1.  Then I took white fabric and made rosettes and hot glued them on.  The twigs and berries were from a Christmas decorating I almost gave to Goodwill, but am so glad I didn't!  I like the organic feel the twigs give to the wreath.   

My fireplace mantel is my favorite place to decorate for different seasons and holidays because you see it when you first walk into my house.  The gumball machine was Josh's when he was growing up.  I love the red that it brings to this space.

I had leftover scrapbook paper from a Christmas pack that I used to make this simple banner.  I tied it together with scraps of red fabric. 

My lime green pillows needed a transformation for July...so I made easy- peasy
pillowcase slipcovers!

 Yes, I raided Anya's toybox for some blocks.  I don't think she minds if I borrow them for the month!  Fortunately they were all red and blue!  I just scuffed them up with sandpaper to make them look not so new.  Yes, I had to get creative with the "M".

 I love this printable "God Bless America...Land that I Love".  It went perfect in this frame my mother-in-law gave me.  My talented sister Katie made the book page flowers. Isn't she great?  I love them!!!

 Miss Anya Violet begged me to get a picture of her.  Eating cheerios and rocking in her chair...I love that girl!

Add some RED, WHITE, and BLUE to your home.  I dare ya!

The Dunes

We just got back from our mini-vaca to the Michigan Dunes.  We camped for one night at Warren Dunes State Park, and had a great time! 

We left after church on Sunday and headed straight out there after the service.  Our site was origionally in full sun...and with temps in the 90s that was not going to be fun for us or Anya.  Josh, being the wonderful husband that he is, talked to the ranger and they switched us to the site right next door to our original.  It was private and shaded! 

Once we set up the tent and site, we headed to the lake to have some beach fun!  Anya loved the water and sand.  It was so adorable watching her be so brave and have a blast.  Even though she was exhausted, she was such a trooper. 

We grilled brauts for dinner.  Josh built an awesome contraption for grilling our brauts over the fire using our propane grill rack and a skewer.  Did you know they can be spelled Brat (English) or Braut (German)???  Randomness...

Anya wanted mine. 

 Anya and I enjoyed sitting around the campfire in our chairs.  Anya loves her hippo chair from Grandpa Nilsson.

 The dunes were huge!  This picture doesn't do it justice.  We climbed up to the top and enjoyed the beautiful view of Lake Michigan.

 Between the branch and leaves we could see the Chicago skyline...mainly the Sears Tower.  Can you see it?

 We saw animal footprints at the top.

 Little Miss fell asleep on Daddy's back.  Just like this.  It was so sweet to see!

We ate lunch at a really good burger place and got shakes to go. I wish I had taken a picture at the restaurant. 

Next time we go to the dunes we hope to check out the clay pit!

$2.00

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The other day my friend and I went out for a Naptime Mommy Getaway...to a local thirft store called "Sweet Treats".  They had an amazing deal going on where you fill a grocery paper bag of clothes for $2.00!  I practically grabbed every outfit 18 months plus for Anya.  Plus a few other goodies for some special people in my life. 

Here is what I put shoved, crammed, whatever you want to call it...in my bag:

What isn't posted here is the adorable purple and white swimsuit I got for Anya for practically pennies, some mommy jeans and a pair of capris, 3 baby blankets (the ones that feel like flannel...can't think of the technical term right now, and a crib sheet for $1 each!)

Then we headed to Goodwill where I found another sunhat for Anya and some "ugly,  desperately needs a paint attack" picture frames. 

Finding all of these great deals is reminding me of the Flea Market that is just around the corner!  Dave Ramsey, I'm saving up my blow money. 

Anya's BFF

Anya loves Ariana, and she is one lucky girl that she gets to play with her every week.  These two are constantly giving each other kisses and hugs.  Oh yeah, and accidentally stepping over on each other.  It's so adorable watching them interact. Ariana is so smart and plays by the rules and Anya is a free spirit and does things her way.  

Playing "Peek a Boo" around the table.  They are starting to chase after each other!  I love watching these two grow together!

I

A Morning Visitor and Father's Day

I love the sun shining in through my front door in the morning. 

I love watching this little one walk around like a pro with her sippy of milk.

I love seeing her discover our little Hippity Hoppity friend under our bush.

When doing animal sounds we (mainly I) say "Hippity Hoppity for bunnies, just because I think it would be so cute for her to say that!

Happy belated Father's Day to Dad and Josh! 

Anya and I treated Daddy to scrambled eggs with Chirizo.

My last minute banner:-)

No daddy did not get an outfit from Gymboree. 
We gave him a photo book from Shutterfly with pictures of him and Anya. 

Taking his sleeping beauty to her crib after church.  He looks forward to doing this every Sunday. 

This was Anya last year on Father's Day.  It doesn't even look like her!

After church we went to downtown St. Charles for a Paddlewheel tour on the Fox River. 

Hope you all had a great time celebrating the Fathers in your life!