Follow Your Instincts

I hope you all had an awesome Labor Day Weekend! Unless you were laboring and then I hope you get to enjoy a day or three while the rest of us are at work so you don't have to deal with long lines and traffic.

We had a good ol' fashioned Summery time. Beach, Bounce House, and even some watermelon.

We also made a trip to Ikea. Which felt so right. You see, we've always been on the late August/September moving schedule so I can't even tell you the number of times we've made the trip to Ikea (the one outside of Boston) on Labor Day Weekend. Of course, it's probably hands down the craziest weekend to visit Ikea but for some reason we were drawn there. Instinct. It's the only explanation.

It was a successful trip though. Grace was well behaved, the crowds weren't terrible and we got everything we needed - and a tunnel/tent! My husband brought up the idea on Saturday, so we could finally get an island for our kitchen. We did a little light Googling and found one that looked perfect. Everything still looked good in-store so off to the warehouse we went! Getting the heavier box in the house was a nightmare, per usual, but what would an Ikea trip be if my husband and I weren't arguing about lifting/moving box techniques.

I know this picture is blurry but it perfectly represents Ikea assembly with a toddler. Daddy perfectly lays out all of his materials, just in time for toddler to come swooping in! (Meanwhile Mom takes a picture of the whole scene going down.)

By the time I put Grace to bed (it is quite a routine..) Matt had the island mostly assembled. Easy. Then it was my job to put the chairs together. I have to admit, it felt good to get my hands on those Ikea pegs again. Since moving last year, I don't think we've bought anything at Ikea in a looooong time. My two pieces of parting advice to you:

1. Don't marry a man until you've assembled at least 3 pieces of furniture from Ikea together.
2. NEVER and I repeat NEVER use the free Allen wrench that comes with the screws. Save yourself the pain for $14.99.