Ok, I know I haven't done a Things I Love post for a long time. Too long. I can't believe it's already almost the end of July! But in my defense, it's been a busy month. Busy having fun!
The month started out with a quick trip to Chicago. We went to see some of our Canadian friends who were in town for some sightseeing. Our trip included a Cubs game (we got free hats!), the first MLB game for all of us. I am really not a sports fan, but I was pleasantly surprised by how fun it was. As a bonus, we watched the game on the 4th and Wrigley Field put on an awesome fireworks show right after the game. As an extra bonus, I tried my first ever Chicago dog - a foot long monster loaded with pickles, hot peppers, onions, mustard, sweet relish, tomatoes and celery salt. Super messy and hard to eat, but so worth it! I can't wait to try my own (smaller) version at home.
The next day we went on our annual trip to Ikea. We spent well over $100, with every item $12 or less. That stuff adds up! But they have some great kids stuff, and we stocked up on art and craft supplies. Peanut was thrilled to be able to stay in the kids play area for the first time. Toddler free shopping for an hour? Yes please! I wish they had that at, well, everywhere!
A couple of weeks later, we did another weekend trip to Galena IL and Dubuque IA. Galena was very busy and it was pretty much the hottest day ever. So we didn't stay too long. Just long enough to have lunch before hightailing it to our hotel pool in Dubuque. However, it was a very cool (but very touristy) old little town with lots of neat little shops. Probably better to do without two little kids in tow. We had driven through Dubuque once before and always wanted to check it out again because we thought it looked cool. It's right on the Mississippi river right where Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin meet. After doing some swimming, we went for a delicious dinner at the Copper Kettle and went for a walk along the river. The next day we spent at the Mississippi River Museum before making our way home. We had a great time learning about the wildlife in and around the Mississippi as well as learning about the history of transport along the river. We didn't pay extra for any of the movies or the Titanic exhibit they currently have.
Hubby went to the YouTube School of Hair Design to give Peanut her first haircut. She's insisted for months now that she was never going to get a haircut - "not ever!" But, yesterday morning when I was brushing her hair, she agreed to a trim. And I made sure it happened before she changed her mind. Although Hubby's always informed me that he will be the one to cut the kids hair, I insisted that it's not as easy as it looks (which I know from experience after trying to cut a friend's hair in high school - she ended up visiting a salon a few days later). However, he did a pretty good job, and I would say it's worth saving the extra money - not that I'll be letting him do my hair any time soon.
Richard Tooley
I cannot condone cutting hair at home, only because I have a daughter in the business. 🙂 Easier to cut men,s hair, especially if it is cut like mine; short. 🙂
I recommend the Badger Steam & Gas Engine show in Baraboo August 21-23 or the Edgerton Threasheree Labor Day weekend. Lots of antique steam and gas engines plus a lot of quilts, crafts, and food. Good day trips and close by.