happy 4th, 2013

Happy 4th of July!  This was our first year experiencing it all living a minute from the town festivities.  Thankfully, we ended up having a fabulous weather day, too.  We walked to the parade and it was sprinkling some, but once the parade started, it cleared up immediately.  Afterwards, we walked back, stopped to watch the Empire Statesmen (their last parade ever!), and then went to the festival with Nells and Scottie.  We walked around the craft vendors, enjoyed some fried dough and a chocolate milkshake, and hung out with my sister-in-law and nieces at Gary the Happy Pirate (who goes to our church).  We took Mendon for a walk, cleaned up the house, and hung out in the front yard people watching with Mendon.  My wonderful in-laws brought dinner over and we grilled out on the back deck with them, Teenie, and Jeremiah.  My sis-, bro-in-law and nieces joined a bit after and we had a great time hanging out chatting, I got my fill for the day holding both J and my niece (both 3 months old), and we enjoyed ice cream.  Then came the best part: watching fireworks right from our own property!  Kenz and Col had set up a viewing area in the front yard, but after the first couple went off, we realized we'd be able to see them better out back.  So to the deck we went!  Unfortunately our neighbors grandchildren were setting off some large fireworks a little too close for comfort (our yards are right next to each other), and even though Mendon didn't mind the town ones, she freaked with those.  However, from inside she was fine, so thankfully she was pretty easy.  It was so fun getting to enjoy everything right near our house, and with family and friends.  Next year...we could have our own little one watching fireworks for the first time!

dog walking

We dog-sat for two little dogs this past weekend, and the best part was taking walks.  If people hadn't noticed us in our neighborhood for walking Mendon, they noticed us now walking the three dogs together!  I had a chance to see what dog walkers go through, getting tangled in leashes, but thankfully I just had to control the two little ones.  Meanwhile, Col had Mendon who was miss docile walker when being led by the two little pups.  It was a fun dynamic for the weekend!

beyond frugal

Who else but my hubby can score a universal remote (batteries included - right before we were about to go buy one), two Adirondack chairs, an outdoor end table, and seven plastic outdoor chairs from the side of the road for free on our own street?

Growing up in the country, I remember when I first encountered the concept of, "Just put it out on the curb and someone will take it."  I thought it was so strange, but it's legit.  Even though we've only left one thing out before, we've been lucky at our new house to find needed items, which is super helpful being new home owners.  I'll admit, it was hilarious watching Col one night take a few trips back and forth trucking the chairs and table over from across the street, and another time after walking by the remote three times on a walk with Mendon, he ran over once more to grab it (and leave the TV behind), but I'm not complaining.  Thanks new neighbors!