Showing posts with label sun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sun. Show all posts

summer break is back!

Summer break is a long awaited experience for this family. My daughter has already been off for TWO weeks! She has already built up tan lines and burn lines, bike rides, day swims at the local pool, night swims and sleepovers at a friend's pool, shopping, and all the things. My only request is that one day a week we do what I want to do and I get a heads up instead of last minute plans. The summer bucket list has been created and tickets have been purchased. We are off to a great start. 

We got a family pool pass to the local pool. She also has a friend who has a trampoline at one house and a pool at the other. Lucky for me, BOTH houses are a bike ride away! Due to the small size of our town, convenience and fun are around every corner. I also don't have to run an Uber business to make it happen.

I, on the other hand, have only been on summer break for one week. I think my body has finally remembered how to pause and relax. I have gone swimming, shopping, to a movie, lots of walking the dog, binging shows, and to-do lists. I agreed to clean something, read something, and craft something daily. The rules are loose, but it keeps me busy and ensures I don't waste this precious gift called break, especially when my high schooler still loves me and wants me around!

Yesterday I spent some time in the basement going through our "garage sale" pile. I looked up local charities and matched what we have with what they need. I now have 6 boxes to distribute throughout Rockford to animals, people, and charities that need our old stuff more. I consider that crafting because it was a creative way to get rid of things and make sure our family is green. 

Other items on the summer list are lots of music. Playlists for swim, craft, bike, or home time are a must. Games every week ensure we use what we have and stay together. Last night we hosted a game night and played the horsey game. Even my daughter participated. Who knew how fun rolling the dice and moving some horses could be?! 

I hope everyone's summer breaks are filled with laughter and memories. I hope you stay safe and have fun. I hope you experience sunrise, sunset, and everything in between with renewed spirit and hope. May your ice always stay cold and you get the best snuggles when the day winds down. And if you play games, may the Playlist rock the house and may you win! 

fun, free weekend in Wisco

After being cooped up in the house through cold, wind, snow, and now extreme heat, we were excited to get out and enjoy nature. Free fun weekend in Wisconsin is always a good time. Biking trails are free, fishing is free, and entry to state parks is free.

We went up to Yellowstone State Park for the first time and it was great. If you don't mind an easy route with some slight inclines, try hiking Timber. The trails were really clear and there was lots to see. They have bat houses everywhere so thw bigs weren't even that bad.

Next up was lounging on the beach with kayak rides compliments of our little blow up kayak. You can't even make up a good day like we had! Grilling out, digging in the sand, laughing and chatting... It was great. Vitamin D really does do the body good. 

Just don't forget sunscreen. We got that far and then forgot the reapply step! With only an hour (ish) drive and a quick stop near Monroe for gas and cheese curds, I would say this was a great day. Next time we will actually spend the night and see how that goes.

Summer fun has officially begun and my heart is full, tan lines are back and sleep is even easier!!!

getting creative with food

Have you noticed that your fridge ends up with a stash of "I want that" items? Now, we do a pretty good job of shopping and watchi...