Our Summer, Plans To Thrive

Let's talk about summer.



We have been on summer vacation for about 3 weeks now. Three wonderful, wonderful weeks.

The summer of 2015 is shaping up to be the best summer yet. Today I want to talk about one of the the reasons I believe that to be true and share our plans for this summer with you.
I spent the first day of summer break reading a book. A book that left me excited, encouraged and confident about OUR summer the summer God has for OUR family right now. The summer that is beyond simply just surviving but growing in love and grace for each other and enjoying the life that God has for us right now.
On a typical year I start out summer thinking this year things are going to be different. This year I will be "that" mom. I quickly realize the first month of summer is gone, where did it go?! I am left frustrated when I realize how unintentional I was with my time. This was not what I imagined. Summer continues on and day after day slips away. I keep saying things will get better, but they don't. Summer comes to an end and I feel like a complete failure.
Have you been there friend?
I know it was no coincidence that my friend Keri from Living In This Season asked me to read her e-Book. I was so excited and ready to read but struggled to find the time until the very first day of our summer break. Another funny coincidence, or maybe it was just Gods perfect timing. God wanted to use her words to speak to me and encourage me that this summer could be different.
But it has to start with me and my heart.

If there is one book you read leading up to your summer, I hope it is this one. Before you grab a calendar and start filling it in with ideas and to-do's, goals, wishes, lists, plans and dreams read this book.
I really believe your heart will be challenged, encouraged and equipped to thrive.
Our Summer Plans 2015
The current season of our life has been so easy to enjoy. We are potty trained, nap free and summer means we have no schedule to tell us what we should be doing. There is so much freedom that comes with this stage of parenting and a bit of sadness too, my babies are growing up.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend our summer.
Summer Movie Express
We don't go to the theater much ever, except during the summer. Being able to take the girls and only spend $3?! I can definitely handle that. I am so glad that our local theater participates in the summer movie express. You can check for a location near you and see the schedule here.  
Pool Time

We are definitely not strangers to the public pool. We are fortunate to live in a town that not only has one, but three really nice aquatic centers. Many aquatic centers offer pool passes so you don't have to pay every time you go and some even have free days. Our local pools also offer swim lesson that are extremely reasonably priced. Make sure you check out your local parks and recreation department to see if any of these are offered in your community. 
Summer Reading Program
We are HUGE fans of early childhood literacy. That sounded a lot fancier than I intended it too. I guess I should just say, we love to read. Did you know that most public libraries have summer reading programs. Kids are able to complete projects, goals, attend activities and read in exchange or free books and prizes! We have participated in the summer reading program for years now and it is always one of our favorite summer activities.
Summer Bucket List
One of the highlights of last summer was our Bucket List. We had so much fun going through marking things off. It was the perfect help finding something to do when we were feeling bored and it helped to keep us "on track" making sure we planned out some of the larger things that we wanted to do.
Our 2014
This year we definitely plan to make another bucket list but it will be more of a family event. Last year I made the list on my own. But with the girls being a bit older I thought it would be fun to get them involved. We look forward to sharing our 2015 list with you in the next couple of weeks.
In the end there are so many ways you can fill your summer or get lost in merely making it one day to the next. 
My prayer for you this summer is that you would thrive where you are.
Some friends  and I have joined together to share some of our favorite summer tips, activities, and bucket lists. Hop around and find some new ideas for your summer of fun.

Noah's Ark Themed Day from Through Clouded Glass// School's Out for Summer from While I'm Waiting// Water Play from BYBMG// 2015 Summer Bucket List & Snake Bubble Activity from Curly Crafty Mom// Indoor and Outdoor Summer Activities from All Kinds of Things// Summer Water Table Activities from She Builds Her Home// Our Plans to Thrive from Our Pretty Little Girls// Sidewalk Chalk Paint from Sweet Little Ones// Easy Prep Summer Activities from Abiding In Grace// Toddler Matching Games from Polka Dotty Place// Summer Bucket List from Living In This Season 
For more encouragement and tips on how you can thrive this summer check out Keri's e-Book

What is your favorite summer activity to do with your kids?

Happy 4th!

I wanted to put out a quick post to wish everyone a safe and a happy fourth of July!

Ours had a lovely start. Both girls spent the night at Mimi and Papa's last night. We rode our bicycles to dinner and around town for almost 3 hours last night. That may not sound like the perfect date night to everyone but man it was for us. So much fun! Plus, sleeping for more than 8 consecutive hours was a huge added bonus to the start of our day. I haven't done that in MONTHS.

Here are some previous fourth of July favorites!

 Last year, 2013

And one of their first experiences with fireworks in 2011

Have a great day, be safe and blow something up!

It's The Little Things/ Trampoline Fun

Marissa received a trampoline for her birthday a couple weeks ago. Don't worry, it wasn't a surprise to the Mr and I. My parents had asked about it months before and after we did some thinking we decided to give the green light. It may just be one of the best decisions we have ever made. In  just over two weeks the girls have spent hours on it. Sitting, prancing, laying, somersaulting, rolling, JUMPING and having so much fun. I have laughed so hard at them playing, playing with them and watching them play with Russ. It has been AWESOME.
A few random thoughts on trampolines 1) Best place to sunbathe.... EVER 2) How did we not break every bone twice BEFORE a genius became a millionaire with the cage invention.
3) Why did I never think of putting a sprinkler underneath one as young kid.
Last night they were playing, while Russ and I were working and doing some watering in the yard. They kept BEGGING me to spray them but I was pretty focused on finishing up the watering and didn't. When I was done Russ and I did some plotting on a way to surprise them with the hose and these pictures are the result.

They were SOAKED!

This is how summer memories are made!

My Summer Bucket List

Memorial Day has came and gone and now it is already June. Summer is finally here and in full swing. I was thinking the other day about things that I would like to do this summer. Somethings are more exciting than others, some are new adventures others traditions.
My Summer 2014 Bucket List

* Go to the pool. This may sound pretty basic but last year we didn't go a single time! We must fix that this year.
*Have a water balloon fight. I don't care how big or small it is, this NEEDS to happen.
*Take an overnight trip, without the children.
*Make homemade ice cream
*Camp, in some way shape or form. Even if it is just in our backyard.
*Visit the library for summer reading club.
*Go get slushies at Sonic happy hour, more than once.
* Go on a picnic.
* See a movie or two, preferably at the drive-inn.
* Host a play date.
*Go on a scavenger hunt.
*Take the kids to see "the big" fireworks.
These are just a few of the things that I would love to do this summer.
What is on your bucket list?