In a Nesting/Decorating Mood

About two weeks ago, Rob and I were about to take the boys out on a walk after dinner when we started talking to our neighbors. We were taking some "Twins Day" pictures and they were just getting home from a dinner date and asked if we wanted a picture of all of us. I explained I was just trying to get this picture of Rob and Rex since they were dressed similarly that day.



After chatting outside for a little bit, we went on into their house to see their latest projects. They are always doing something and have such great taste that I love seeing what they've been up to. And I was VERY interested in seeing their new Ikea Ektorp sectional and testing it out. We need a new sofa badly and I have my eye on that one- slipcovers in this house is a must. Anyhow, it got Rob and me both inspired to dress up our living room a bit and spent the weekend before last doing that. We had a lot of stuff around the house already and I bought a few items at Target and now it looks so much better.





House Beautiful doesn't plan on stopping by any time soon but it is such an accomplishment for us! We tried to banish toys to the bedrooms and basement but that just doesn't seem to be practical. I bought some nice woven baskets to keep them in a while back and soon found Rex dismantling them. This time, I went for the much cheaper and indestructible canvas tub/basket things. They are holding up much better. We had most of the artwork just sitting in the basement and we decided to just hang it all rather than pick 2 or 3 things ala Emily Henderson. I have to say, I really like it this way because now it incorporates both of our things and I feel like it is so much more "us" rather than just my stuff or Rob's. It is tough to accessorize with 2 rambunctious young boys- so many things I would like to put on the end tables or ottoman would just be destroyed. We are also in the mood now to get the bike shop/family room project we started last fall finished up so be on the lookout for that soon.

We had a great 4th of July. Some friends invited us to a lunchtime bbq party. We met a lot of new people and Rex got to run around and play with the loads of kids that were there. AND someone asked me for the recipe of the item I brought and very few things make me happier than that. I always feel like I'm Martha Stewart or something when I get asked for a recipe. The lunchtime party was perfect because we brought the boys home for their naps then got up and had a light dinner, watched the fireworks shows on PBS and NBC (NBC's was way better, I thought) and went in the backyard to do our little sparkler display. That's all that is allowed here- I don't think fireworks are allowed in the whole state. SO LAME.







It has been hot and humid here lately. Yuck. We have a new city aquatic center and we've been promising to take Rex there but I think I am more excited than he is. It is huge with a toddler area, lazy river, several big slides and a huge pool area. In a few years I am sure we will be buying the summer family pass because we will be there all the time. Everything else is going good around here- hope you had a good July 4th too!