Everyone loves a GIRLS WEEKEND!

Our my second weekend at the cabin was the first annual Anderson (and future Anderson women) Mother/Daughter Weekend. Max's mom Ellen invited her daughter and granddaughter and all in-laws (including future) and their mothers. Still with me? Basically eight crazy ladies for fun and sun at the cabin.

Max stayed home with Mark for a man play date on our house, but more to come from him about that.

My mom was a little hesitant about the whole weekend at first since she had only met Ellen once before and hadn't met any of the other ladies. I reassured her that everything would be fine and that she would have a blast. Since Max didn't want him around for the dry walling that was going to take place back at home, I loaded up Turk (he was the only male for the weekend) and we were off for the north woods.

The food was great. The company was superb. And little Claire learned my name and Turk is now "Woof Woof".

Photo by neighbor Gary (last name?)

I would also like to state for the record how much my mom and I look alike. Never noticed it as much before but the older I get, the more it is very apparent. It's crazy!

On the way to take my mom back home, we stopped to do a little antiquing at the most adorable store, Red Hen Antiques in Necedah, WI. I was seriously impressed with the condition of the items and the variety that they had. Mom found a birdcage that she has been searching for $18. I was shocked at the price. Such a deal! The same birdcage in Milwaukee would go for three times that much.

I almost left the store without anything. Then as we were leaving my mom noticed two garden figurines that were perfect for our house. The last couple of weeks I have been watching the History Channel's America: The Story of Us on Netflix and it made me chuckle when they said the United States' greatest invention: the Suburbs. We have a super boom house that was built in the 1950s, as probably many of you do. That being said, look at my new planters!

The "Mr. & Mrs." from the 1950s themselves greeting everyone to our home. They were very reasonably priced $23.50 for the lady and $22.50 for the man. The store owner called them the "Packer People" because of their colors and said that his wife decided the woman should be more since she does more work. So true.

Now my 1950s house has some 50s flair. I was really inspired by these two and might incorporate some more 50s in my kitchen...

What hidden gems have you found antiquing? What great story did the piece have?

Yankee Doodle Dandy

First, I would like to apologize for being a bad blogger. I have been quite lazy about writing the last two (gasp) weeks.

We have had some of the issues fixed from the previous post. We got the lawnmower back again. It worked for about 2 seconds and broke a THIRD time. This time the wheel fell off. Figures right? At this point, I just find this hilarious. Max asked the sales people at what point do we just get a replacement and the Sears repair place said after four repairs... Hopefully, lucky number four happens soon and I can get a new mower. Max also got the toilet tightened so no more leaking pee water.

Summer is in full swing which is making our house projects slow down substantially. Balancing work, family and friends while squeezing things in has been much harder than I expected. I started a paint project three weekends ago and still haven't been able to finish it. Bad Moe, bad! Our living room has just been sitting with the drop cloth waiting for me to get off my butt and give you all the reveal. I'll get you the update as soon as its done. Hopefully later tonight....

Another thing to slow us down on projects is all the trips to the cabin this month. This July has five weekends and three of them are at the cabin; 4th of July, Girls' Weekend and our annual friends weekend. One of them is my grandmother's 90th birthday party, so in other words, we are swamped!

The first weekend at the cabin so far was the Fourth of July. Highlights included campfire karaoke, s'mores, outdoor ping pong, babies swimming, pontoon boat rides, tanning and new friends.

Max's neice, Claire, has gotten very good at giving high-fives or "choca los cincos" as our new friend, Santi, said.

I made a Fourth of July favorite for many, the Flag Cake. Easiest festive recipe ever... Yellow box cake (follow normal directions). Decorate with a layer of Kool-Whip on top and add blueberries and strawberries... Done. If you are the type of person who must have a recipe to go off of then here you go.

Outdoor ping pong in action. Awesomeness.

Isaiah is learning the joys of patriotism.

Unfortunately, Turk is not quite as happy with his patriotism.

Max and I at the local fireworks display with the roommate and his girlfriend (and Turk). We forgot that Turk isn't quite used to the loud sounds and freaked out just a bit. Sorry bud.

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

How did you spend your Fourth of July? Try a new barbecue recipe? Canoe down an old favorite river? Had your kids first sparkler experience?