I think most people would likely agree that this summer season is far from what they expected. Admittedly, back in March, I assumed summer would be “business as usual.” That the trips we planned for last year, the beach days I envisioned with the girls, and the date nights I couldn’t wait to dress up for would for sure still happen…. fast forward several months and I still find myself in disbelief of everything going on around us (feels a little bit like a yo-yo…)…

Yet, I’m also a firm believer that we choose to create our own happiness. I used to talk with my clients about this all the time. Life is like an ocean. Filled with waves that bring with it highs and lows. We have to learn to ride both types of waves… and part of that is cherishing those wonderful moments, but also leaning into, and riding out, the more challenging waves of life. We don’t have to deny that it’s a challenging time, and all the feelings that come with it, but we do have to find our way through it…

So as I sat reflecting, back in June, on how to make the most of the 2020 Summer Season I came up with some easy things that we have done (and will be repeating), or plan on doing, this year to bring joy to our summer and thought I’d share them here as well.
________

CLOSE TO HOME SUMMER BUCKET LIST

Have a fun outdoor family movie night…complete with special snacks + treats, comfy blankets, and the kiddo’s favorite movie. OR, make it into a date night with your significant other. Our how-to post here.

Create an at home water park… set up a fun sprinkler, inflatable splash pad, some fun water floats (love this rainbow sprinkler), fill up a fun blow-up pool, and create some fun obstacles. Harper can do this for hours. Added bonus: water balloons.

Camp out in the backyard (ours from last summer). You can have a s’mores roasting session (love these marshmallow roasting sticks) and story-time in the tent if you’re not looking to actually sleep outside at night.

Make a batch of everyone’s favorite ice cream and have sundae bar as a post dinner treat. We have this ice cream maker and love it… Harper is a huge fan of cooking + baking so this is right up her ally.

Beach (or lake/river) picnic with the family…. if the beaches are too crowded, having it out of the trunk of your car is another fun option. Grab something to-go to make it even easier…

Have an at home wine/champagne tasting experience. Our wineries aren’t really open, so this is a fun alternative. I swear by these champagne corks (we’ve had champagne that stayed effervescent a week after opening), and if you own a coravin you’ll be able to have small glasses of wine without having to uncork it (my parent’s gave this as a gift to TJ for his birthday and it’s the best). Some of my favorite summer wines here.

Take a family hike…. pack up and head out for some early morning fresh air. We love going on morning hikes when we’re on vacation, so this is a great way to *sort of* replicate that experience. This is our favorite toddler carrier and baby carrier (and this carrier for kiddos 10ish months and under)….

Have a staycation… if you had trips and canceled them, don’t not take the vacation. Take it as an opportunity to sleep late(er) in your own bed, have slow(er) mornings, make delicious breakfasts you’d eat if you were on vacation, and maybe try to mimic some similarities of your planned (and canceled) destination at home. Example- we made Mai Tais to replicate our Hawaii experiences… had an Italian feast (take-out) from our favorite spot the day we were supposed to leave for Positano… it’s far from the same, but like I mentioned Monday, it’s who we’re with, not where we are, that matters most.

Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt + Happy Hour…. alright, so Etsy has some great scavenger hunt worksheets for kiddos and if you time it right, you could head out with the kiddos at happy hour. Everyone has fun…

Plant a family garden in the backyard… such a fun way to get everyone involved in mealtime as well. My mom has a robust garden in her backyard and Harper loves going to pick the vegetables with her. It’s on my summer list this year…