This is the Gauntlet week, the last stretch before the summer finish line, and we are giving it everything we’ve got. We’re hustling by day for class parties and teacher gifts and coming home when it’s done to dump backpacks full of crap that’s been rotting in their desks for nine months. Come Thursday, we will celebrate. For me, the beginning of summer commences in my mind with that last school pick-up, and then it’s on–our second “Christmas” of the year. I love all the hype leading up to it–the summer bucket lists, the school countdown–but mostly, I love the way summer sparks my inner child. It’s like the adult in me hands over the control board come June every year, takes some time off and lets my 8-year-old self take over for a while. So while I may try to pull off the responsible adult look (pssst…carry a purse, wear sunglasses, be serious), know that my brain this time of year is all STICKERS!!! STICKERS! OH MY GOD, STICKERS! BOMB POPS! LET’S HAVE A LEMONADE STAND! WAIT, LET’S MAKE S’MORES! LET’S LIGHT 100 SPARKLERS AND WRITE HEARTS IN THE AIR WITH THEM. OOOOOH, ICE CREAM CONE TEMPORARY TATTOOS, LET’S COVER OUR BODIES WITH THEM! WHO WANTS TO GO TO THE POOL? WHO WANTS TO BUILD A FORT? WHO WANTS TO PLAY CAMP? LET’S MAKE A HAND CLAP ABOUT SUMMER AND PERFORM IT IN A NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMER TALENT SHOW!!!
It is highly likely that, three days into summer, I will be all “DEAR GOD, WHAT WAS I THINKING?”…but for now, we are happy anticipating.
There will be some squirrely days for sure, but for the most part, I like having my kids home and love the open slate for adventure these two months give us. The best part? Slow mornings.
We prepped for it this weekend, trading in ideas for Memorial Day barbecues and beach excursions for some much needed stay-at-home time instead.
The result was replenishing, making me even more excited for more of this to come.
Enjoying lately…
Nella’s requests for a “foot clap” after a hand clap.
House calls from our resident doctor…
Her obsession with ribbon wands right now. She takes them in the pool, brings them to stores, sleeps with them…rhythmic gymnastics, here we come.
Slow morning art…
Spending 50% of our days in the pool…my favorite, night swims by twinkle light.
Mini Adventures. Short trips (the heat! the humidity!) this time of year to nearby parks and boardwalks.
Nella’s pout stance, killin’ it…
Nature spotting guides…
Little libraries around town…
Little donuts around town (Peace, Love & Little Donuts)…
Outside activities that don’t require moving around because it’s already too hot…
(several asked on IG about this gypsy embroidered dress. I got it for a swim suit cover-up, but love it for a dress)
Happy, happy.
Nella’s put stance ???? Where is your one piece from with the cut out? Love it!
Tommy Hilfiger suit, TJ Maxx.
Oh, the feeling of an entire summer ahead of me. You nailed it perfectly. And if I weren’t so short, that swimsuit coverup dress would have fit perfectly into my dream of the best summer ever. Love Nella’s glasses, so smart.
What did you use to make the drawings on the sidewalk?
I just found the best ribbon wands at Walmart for like $2! The ribbon is super long. My girls love them!
Where did you get the chalk for drawings!? It looked different than side walk chalk!?
You’re white dress with the flowers!! I definitely need it! Where did you get it from?
Summer was definitely made for your kids,from the clothes down to the library. Summer rocks!
http://motherhood-chaoticallybeautiful.com/2017/05/28/art-is-fun-absolutely-abstract/
Thank you for the reminder to “enjoy” the pout stance – when I am frustrated by seeing it (or my own daughter’s version) too many times in a day, I will remember to look at it through a different lens.
Enjoy your blog very much – thank you for writing and sharing.
Follow my Little Free Library on Twitter: @LFL27790. It’s called The Emerald City Little Free Library. We’re just outside of Seattle; “The Emerald City” is a nickname for Seattle. My library has Seattle Seahawks colors, a JK Rowling quote on one side, and some Space Needle decor and chalkboard spaces for messages. Check us out and follow along; been following your Twitter account for a while now. I post all kinds of stuff on my Twitter account; it’s not just library related.
Hi Kelle! Do you feel that the dress is true to size? There are not many reviews online so just wanted to check in 🙂 Thanks!