If possible, keep all the iDevices OFF while at home. They will almost always be contacting something on the web, try to allow that only when you have to.
Obviously, whenever a Desktop browser or your iDevices are ON, they may be updating info or refreshing pages, even when a tab/window is open. On the iDevices, it can also help to completely shut off an app, rather than simply going to another open one. Just because an app is not visible doesn't mean it is not 'talking' to the Mother Ship or the sources it uses for displaying info.
Lastly, if at all possible, make all your software updates at a secure WiFi location, that will be one that has password requirements. Barnes & Nobel/Starbucks/etc. don't count. An Apple Store would be great, of course, those are not always close to "the sticks"... Even better, try to find some one closer to "town" with a wired connection to the web and become their friend! Do you make delicious cakes/cookies/lasagna/etc.?

With the updates to the iDevices, remember you should be able to do that while they are connected to the MacBook through iTunes. That way you may have faster download than with the iDevice alone.

OTOH, being far from the maddening crowds has certain benefits...
