The first week of the boys’ summer camp, I could not bring myself to start any of the many projects around the house that make up the coffee-stained two-page list that sits, yellowing, on the kitchen counter. Instead, I found myself embracing the kind of relaxation only afforded to actual vacations: going out to lunch with a friend and drinking a beer in the middle of the afternoon, going to Bar Method classes every day, reading, lying by the pool (something I have never, ever done since having children), eating soft serve ice cream, and reading some more before picking them up. It was decadent, but needed. It was the first time I did not feel guilt about my lack of productivity this summer. But a good week-long rest was all I needed!
As soon as Monday came around, I found within me a flourish of energy and motivation and even inspiration. I finally repainted the scuffed-up, outdated living room (5 years of wear and tear from three little someones), including all the trim and windows, repaired the built-in bookcase shelves, repainted those, and rearranged a bit. I think it feels so fresh and bright in there now. 
And now, with white paint on my mind, all I can see is every window, every inch of moulding, every step, and every door in this house that needs to be repainted. Ugh.
But I also took a few photos of things around the house these days. Lots of green (unfortunately for our garden, the only thing that didn’t drown during the solid month of rain in June were our tomatillos and cucumbers), lots of little messes that I’ve come to embrace. The boys have become so creative in their play; they combine materials such as legos, magnatiles, and dominos to create such complex and sweet games I can’t help but smile overhearing them negotiate the rules. 
Oliver constantly requests more origami paper and goes through it like mad. Emil is so into legos that he sleeps with a little lego man every night. And Milo just finished the first Harry Potter book after rejecting it outright exactly one year ago; this time, he’s all in.
Things are really good around here.
Love all the natural elements you brought in with the drift wood pieces and the greens. You looks stunning and my Eastern European paleness is jealous of your tan.
Sometimes you just need to take a little time out in order to be more productive later. I love all the indoor greenery, looks great against the fresh white x
Sounds like a lovely week – I would have spent it the exact same way. This is the first year we’ve had both girls visit grandparents for a week at a time, so that means we’ve had a couple of weeks with no kids. We’ve still worked during the days, but those evenings with nothing on the agenda and no one to answer to but yourself are so vital. I can honestly say they have really made this summer the best ever. And then the project list, it’s so nice to knock some of that out!
Fresh paint bliss is so short lived – you are right, everything else looks dingy afterwards! Oh well, another list, another day. Enjoy these camp days. Your house looks great.
Painting (especially white) is always exciting and frustrating… Because it always makes everything else look crummy! You look so summery and fresh, and I’m beyond jeolous of your exercise routine.
I love seeing pictures of your house!
Favourite self-portrait! Miss you xx
Oh, Kim! I miss you terribly! Hope you guys are doing well!