4th of July Weekend, A Patio Makeover, & Our First Date
I’m currently sitting in a dark nursery with the sound machine on. I’m working on transitioning Bugs out of the Snoo, which is why I’ve been having him take naps in his crib. It’s been super successful so far. He’s been sleeping up to two hours during his naps. I used to be able to let him fall asleep downstairs, but recently, he wakes up to every little sound, so it was time to change it up. I like to sit in the rocker on my computer while he sleeps because it’s relaxing in the nursery. I’ve managed to focus and get more work done this way. It used to take me three days to fit in a recap blog, but it looks like I’ll be getting this one up within a few hours! 😃
Walks have been challenging lately.
By the time we wake up, do a feeding, and get dressed, it’s almost 80 degrees with 100% humidity. I’ve had to get outside by 6 am to beat the heat. I don’t want to rush away in summer, but it will be so lovely when we can go out for a walk any time of the day.
Bugs has officially grown out of the bassinet. He’s in the 90th percentile in height, and it was time to put him in the stroller seat. He loves his new ride and stays awake the entire walk, looking at cars, the sky, and watching Leo. 
On Friday, I planted three new limelight bushes, moved my berries to the side of the house, and cleaned off the entire back patio to prepare it for a fresh coat of paint. It was so hot outside, but it felt good to be out in the garden. It’s officially zinnia season, and I love seeing them pop up all over the place. Check out my gardening blog.
Early Saturday morning, I had a few girlfriends over for a hike, followed by papaya boats. It was nice seeing my friends for the first time in two months. The last time I saw them was a week before giving birth.
On Saturday afternoon, my parents came over to watch Bugs. This was our first time leaving the house together without him! It felt so weird but much-needed. We went on a day date to grab coffee at Two Scoops, a trip to Target, and lunch at The Improper Pig. 
I ordered the grilled salmon, sweet potato fries, and spicy green beans! The food was AMAZING! I want to go back and eat this salmon every single night now. I love this spot in downtown Fort Mill. 
After my Sunday morning walk, I had a bowl of yogurt, fruit, and homemade granola. 😋
We had been pushing off painting the patio for months. We finally decided to do it on Sunday. After a few years, we were getting sick of the blue and decided to try out Realist Beige by Valspar. I LOVE how it turned out.
I grabbed an oat milk chocolate cream cold brew on the way home. It was pretty good but tasted a lot like chocolate milk. I always get the same thing and want to change it.
I picked up this gorgeous ceramic pot for my basil plant. We have been eating so much basil with homemade pesto that I needed to buy my plant instead of purchasing it at the store. I have it by the sunny window, and it’s been doing well the past few weeks. 
I love how it turned out! I feel like it’s so airy and bright. We have shade in the yard all day, so it’s not too bright after the morning sun.
In this post, you can find the links to my patio furniture and see what the blue (and before the blue) looked like!
While Kyle did the patio painting, I made apple fritter cake and breakfast hash for dinner! I’ll have the apple fritter cake recipe up this week.
We went on an early 4th of July walk!
We headed to my parent’s house for a 4th of July lunch. We wanted to make sure to be home with the dogs early evening to get them ready for the fireworks. We wanted to ensure they ate, headed outside to run around one last time, and were tucked away in the loft before the big show! 
family ♥️ 
I’ve had a Humm Kombucha every evening, and I’m obsessed with the blueberry mint can. I look forward to them each night! It rained a bit in the afternoon which cooled down the temps. I sat outside with Bugs while the storm rolled through. He LOVES being outside.
I made a batch of scotcharoos for the cookout next door. We stopped over there to hang out with neighbors before Bug’s bedtime. 
My new neighbor is the cutest!! 
After bathing Bugs, putting him to bed, and ensuring the dogs were safe, I headed out to my backyard to watch our neighbor’s incredible show they put on each year! It was such a nice 4th of July, and I can’t wait for next year when Bugs can stay up and watch them! ♥️
Questions for you!
- What was the last home project you completed?
- What herb do you use the most?
- Did you watch the fireworks this year?
Hi Taralynn,
1. What was the last home project you completed?
The yard!! Hubby built the kids’ playground and installed a picket fence and arbor, and I planted only a bazillion flowers. I can’t wait to see the climbing roses take over rhe arbor someday!
2. What herb do you use the most?
Rosemary! I love it with some lemon on salmon! That’s actually my dinner plan tonight😀
3. Did you watch the fireworks this year?
We decided last minute to take the kids out (3.5 years and 13 months) since they were both having a late night. We left the house about ten minutes before they were due to start and the kiddos did so well!
Hi, Kat!
OH MY GOSH! That sounds gorgeous! I need to see this.
Salmon sounds delicious and I may have to make that as well. Thanks for the idea!
I’m so happy you had the chance to enjoy fireworks with the kids this year! ♥️
Love the recap, bugs is getting so big! How does Tux do with fireworks, my dog is a rescue and for some reason they don’t even phase her. Also I can’t wait to make those papaya boats!!
Hi, Ashton!
They certainly scare him, but we have him in a quiet area upstairs, and we give him medication to keep him calm. He did really well this year! The firework show our neighborhood puts on is like Disney World level, and it’s only three houses down, so it’s super loud and the entire house shakes. I know that has to be scary for a dog! Leo isn’t really that phased by it. Last year, he was inside licking the hamburgers on the table when we were all outside. 😆
Love the Beige floor update. It looks like a big area rug almost. I might have to try this in our patio. 🙂
Thanks, Kristy!
The last project that we’re still in the process is our kitchen. We need to still replace the light fixtures, paint the wall to make it a little brighter(it’s currently this weird creamy pinkish color) and change our sink to a single basin(our preference). We’re hoping to get it done by this fall!
Basil and oregano, Josh makes this AMAZING red sauce with Graziano sausage and San Marzano tomatoes.
Yup! And I was part of the fireworks team at my parents house! One of the guys that usually helps was out sick so I had to step in. I was even told I could be on the team next year since I did so well this year! LOL
Hi, Cait! ♥️
Your kitchen is going to be stunning when it’s all done! Crazy what a few changes can do to a space.
OHHH That sounds so good!!
Great work with the fireworks. Bet they were stunning! I hope you had an amazing weekend with your family! xo
Hello Taralynn!
Your patio looks amazing! I like this new colour a lot 🙂
When it comes to herbs I love basil and oregano 🙂 And I also looove salmon!
Those papaya boats look delicious, I think I will try to recreate them 🙂
Here in Spain we have big fireworks on the night of June 23rd, it´s the Saint John’s Eve and the fireworks from the beach look amazing!
It´s so nice to see your family growing, especially after so many years of following you! My best wishes for all of you :*
Thanks, Milena! ♥️
You definitely should try the boats! I’m loving them 😋
GOSH, beach fireworks are so pretty!!
Hi Taralynn!
Where did you get your red, white and blue star shorts?? They are sooooo cute!!!
Kelly
Thanks, Kelly! I got them at Belk. They are the Crown & Ivy brand.
Yay for date night! That salmon does look yummy. My son is similar to Bugs, he woke up at the little noises. We use white noise even to this day because he just wakes up when he hears anything. Enjoy those little snuggles they sure do fly by!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thank you, Maureen! Gosh, sound machines are the best!!!
Hi Taralynn,
I saw your IG stories and wanted to inform you that the chemicals ( round-up, fertilizer ) for lawn treatment cause cancer for dogs and children. I avoid these treatments like the plague. Dogs will lick their paws, lay in the grass, inhale it, track it all over the house. Please do your own research so you’re aware of how dangerous round-up and lawn chemicals are.
Hi, Jacqueline
Our yard was getting aerated, no roundup on our yard.
Just curious, why do you call your son Bugs? Wondering bc we called my daughter that :
Beautiful family!
It’s a nickname that just came out! I think we called him stinkbug which turned into Bugs and BugBug! Funny how nicknames just start.
I love these blogs and miss the old days of blogging please dont stop