We had a nice, quiet, laid back holiday weekend. A little swimming, some book reading, a few social events. Friday we just hung out by our pool most of the day and then went to friends’ for a picnic. Mini-Me wanted to go to the fireworks (Mr. Mess and E didn’t want to go) so she called a friend and I took them. We parked here at the store and walked downtown to find a place to watch. We found an unoccupied spot of grass near the river. Impromptu and casual, just the way I like it.

Saturday we did a bunch of housework, had friends over to swim and make s’mores in the firepit and Little E (can’t call her “Little” now, it’s almost her birthday!) had two friend over for a sleepover for her birthday. Sunday morning we got up and went up to Rockford to the Discovery Center Museum. I’m not sure why E chose this as her birthday outing destination but the girls had fun and it wasn’t very crowded so I was able to enjoy myself too.

Yesterday I spent putting away laundry and just decompressing from the weekend. I need a day like that on a regular basis. Time to get caught up on schedules, bills, paperwork, laundry and my favorite stupid television shows! Later in the afternoon the three of us girls went to the nail place and Mini-Me and I got pedicures and E got a manicure. Made it seem like a real vacation. Perfect.

I’m resisting the urge to write a bunch of sappy stuff about how fast she’s grown up and how proud I am of her. I’ll save that for four more years. (Don’t get me started at how ridiculous the concept of a full-on ceremony for 8th grade graduation is in my opinion. Or how over the top some of the girls went with their dresses, hair and makeup last night. I’ll be nice.)