Playing Catch Up: Independence Day and Ina's First Dance Competition

Good morning! I am blogging old school, covered in a blanket and sipping coffee before the sun comes up. Let's pick up where we left off last night - the first half of July. 

July started with a big change - the gym I have been with for 3+ years closed. I really miss my 5 am workout buddies! Thankfully another opportunity fell in my lap. My sister's sister-in-law (got that?) Lexi is a beast of an athlete and someone whose health I have always admired. She started an online training program that primarily focuses on weight lifting for women, with a new 30ish minute workout every morning. 

Lexi J Wellness Hype Video from Preston and Hondo on Vimeo.

I love the workouts because they are straightforward, yet incredibly effective. I genuinely look forward tothem every morning and I already feel myself getting stronger. (If you are interested in joining us you can find more information on her website or Facebook page.)

July started off with a the 4th of July holiday! I spent my day off work on the 3rd shut up in my office, working on other projects while Dan and the girls lived their best lives.

Summer can be exhausting. 

For the first time in years, we didn't host on the 4th, and instead enjoyed visiting a few friends houses. We started at our friends the Thomas' house, complete with a pancake bar and water slide. 

Can you tell I am a sucker for patriotic girls' clothing? 

I had a great time chatting with a few friends while watching the kids play. We spent the evening at The Champs' house, swimming, eating great food, and watching an amazing fireworks display.

The next day I was able to meet up with a few friends from high school after church, take Ina to dance, and then my sister's family came over for dinner and swimming to wrap up a great holiday weekend. 

The following week was a first for us - Ina's first dance competition. If you told me five years ago that I would spend an evening bedazzling a dress while wearing a mask I would have never believed you, yet here I was, actually enjoying the rhythm and progress of the project. 

Ina's little group of girls have worked so hard on this dance to use at a few competitions and a recital that were cancelled. However, one competition was able to make some scheduling and distancing changes to allow for studios to compete one at a time. 

I have to admit that I was nervous when they pranced out on the stage, but they did an amazing job. The dance was adorable, and Ina walked out of there announcing she would do a solo next year. 

My planner indicates that I did little cooking during these two weeks, or at least little planning on cooking, which likely means we survived on tacos, hamburgers, and grilled pork chops.

We did have cheeseburger salad (with tater tots) for small group one night. I also brought my favorite cottage cheese salad to one event and delicious corn dip to another. 

I hope you have a great start to your week! See you tomorrow with a recap of our camping trip!