I’m running a little bit behind today – can you tell?! 🙂 My Independence Weekend began with a trip down to Hillsborough to celebrate my sister Laura and her sweet little baby due in October! Our good family friend Lisa hosted the shower, and many of the women we grew up with attended it.
The spread of food was delicious – from tapenade to homemade hummus.
And the cake was a hit! Buttercream with strawberry filling.
Larbs received so many cute gifts for the baby, including this handmade quilt and elephant:
These darling tutu dresses:
And a watermelon bathing suit and dresses from me!
I can’t wait to meet her!
Mazen had a guy’s night with my dad and Uncle Matt. They went out for pizza! Apparently he kept commenting that it was “just the guys” while they were out. He is also nuts over his new Darth Vader doll!
On Saturday morning I went for a walk with Larbs and Matt, and ate some cereal and blueberries for breakfast.
Mazen is spending this week with his Mimi and Papa down at their lake house in South Carolina. Plus Matt, Uncle Brain, Ashley and his cousin Ava, and more extended family! I’ve been missing him, but he’s been having a wonderful time on the boat.
I came back to Charlottesville not sure what to do with myself! Leftover pizza, pesto salad and a peach for lunch.
On Saturday night I went to dinner at Public Fish & Oyster – my first visit, and long overdue! I haven’t been one to be wild about raw oysters in the past, but I’m getting into them. Like cheese and wine, I like that you get to read a description and then taste them to see if you detect any buttery or nutty flavors yourself. And comparing oysters from different regions is fun too. I am now a fan!
I also had the wild snapper entree served over the best crunchy Brussels sprouts.
And some fries!
Plus, I shared a root beer float for dessert. This is the perfect summer dessert! Remember when McDonald’s had its big Coke float run when we were kids? Those were good!
On Sunday our weather took a turn for the worse, and I went down to Short Pump for some shopping!
Given all the rain, I needed a new raincoat and bought this beauty on sale at REI.
I stopped into ACACÂ for lunch by the hot tub. You wouldn’t think on 4th of July weekend the hot tub would be the pool of choice! It was pretty cold up there.
Turkey, apple, and cheddar plus chips + wine!!
Back in town, I went over to a friend’s for a cookout! The weather cleared up just enough for us to be outside. Caprese salad, grilled veggies, and steak.
It didn’t really feel like the 4th of July with our cold, rainy weather. I was supposed to go tubing this weekend, but that was cancelled. I did create some fireworks during strength class that morning! We packed over 75 people into class for a great group workout.
On Saturday evening I went to a party out in the country. It is beautiful with or without sunshine!
We played Spike Ball (best yard game ever!) and enjoyed live music.
I made deviled eggs to share, and they were gone in a hot minute! Everything was delicious:
Fireworks > rain boots, but whatcha gonna do?!
I loved seeing all of your posts and snaps from celebrations around the country!
Jenny says
Sounds like so much fun! Your dress is gorgeous — where is it from?
KathEats says
Thanks, White Plum!
Amanda says
Looks like you had a packed holiday weekend! The wild snapper looks so amazing! So do the oysters. I haven’t had any this season, so I’m long over due for that 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Tracey says
The weather in Chicago was bad, too! I tried to sit by the pool yesterday, but once I started using my towel as a blanket I knew it was time to give up and come inside. The warm weather this week should make up for it, though. 🙂
Heidi Kokborg says
Oh my God! That cakes looks absolutely amazing! And your dress is so beautiful!
P.S. Sorry about the first comment – it hit a wrong bottom so it posted the comment accidentally!
blueberry says
Hi Kath Looks like a fun time. Have you thought about going back to work now that Mazen is older? I know you work from home but the structure of a workplace can be nice for those days you don’t know what to do with yourself. Best to your sister on her pregnancy journey!
KathEats says
I never don’t know what to do with myself!! It’s not like I sit around watching soap operas while he’s in school. It wouldn’t make sense at this point for me to ditch blogging for a job somewhere, but I’m open to that when and if the timing and circumstances are right.
Katherine says
Hello, Kath! I am honestly not trying to be rude, but wonder if blueberry’s original comment was in response to how you wrote in the post “I came back to Charlottesville not sure what to do with myself!” Again, not trying to be nasty or start something. That particular line stood out to me as well because ordinarily you DO seem to have lots of things going on.
KathEats says
I was implying I had so many options that I didn’t know which to do first! 🙂
Darla says
I was surprised by your reply to Blue berry as well because I”m sure that was the line she was replying to. I also did not take it the way you intended but am glad to hear it was a more positive comment than I originally took it to be.
Julie says
Love all of this! What a fun weekend, and yummy food!!
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
That is such a cute baby cake!
Louise says
Congrats to your sister and your family, Kath! I’d love to have a little niece or nephew to spoil — lucky you!
Clareio says
Two things… i am in LOVE with your dress! and you HAVE to try oysters with a squeeze of lime and a bit of tequila (where I have them it’s served in a 3ml pipette) its an amazing combo!
KathEats says
ooooo!!!
Ali says
Love your bridal shower dress!
Cindy says
Oohh what cereal is that?