Pirate Day

One of the things on our summer bucket list is to have a pirate day where everyone gets a chance to hide a treasure, then make a map that leads you to the treasure. The kids really had fun with this. Will was naturally the best at hiding and finding, but everyone had a great time.

My birthday

The kids are all at VBS this week. It's the only VBS all summer where all 4 can go and it happens to fall the week of my birthday. At first, I was kind of sad thinking about spending part of my birthday alone and then I realized that was crazy. It took me some time to think about what I would do with 3 hours completely to myself, able to do what I want, not tied to the house. And it occurred to me: reading on the beach. That's one of my favorite things to do. Problem is, I don't live near the beach. But I do live near a lake, so lake beach it is! I was going to save some time to hang out at Hobby Lobby but really got into my book and spent the majority of my time at the beach. It was glorious.

When I picked up the kids, it was lunch time. DQ was not my top pick, but it worked out as an easy stop, so we ate there and most importantly, I got a peanut butter & cookie dough blizzard. Shut the front door. Happy birthday! Literally. 

After lunch I actually had the chance to read a little more. Then later we went to the lake with my ice cream cake and enjoyed both. The kids loved playing in the lake! They can't wait to go back. Before we went I said, they'll be fine, no need for swim suits/trunks. Fool. 

What a great day spent with a little me time and some fun family time with yummy ice cream cake mixed in. Couldn't ask for a better birthday!

Exploring Nashville

We visited the Bicentennial Capitol Mall Park today as part of our summer bucket list and to keep the kids aware of our local history and culture. We went to the Farmer's Market as well because they're next to each other, so two items off the list. It was a fun afternoon.

Summer Bucket List

We've made summer "bucket lists" in years past, though I think it's been a summer or two since we really tracked it. We have some really simple things- like swimming on our list to big things like going to the aquarium in Chattanooga. I don't know how much we'll get done, but with a list to check off, I'm much more likely to take the kids to these things than just hang around the house all day. I figured why not jump right in and check off some bucket list items!

First up, Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro, yesterday. Guess who put this in the list? :) I've been here many times and thought it's a great way for the kids to see what early pioneer life was like in America. I know, *gasp* educational stuff in the summer, but I always enjoyed visiting. I used to think it was a real village, but it's a reproduction of early Tennessee life from approx 1830s-1930s.

Then it turns out a church was doing some sort of community event and gave us ice cream! It was a nice treat for a hot day. The kids really enjoyed themselves, especially the ice cream. I'm pretty sure that was their favorite part. :) 

Today, in between Maggie's ABM lessons, we had a picnic at Centennial Park- that's two items off our list, ha! I really do enjoy these moments with the kids. Fulfilling bucket list items and checking off is an added bonus. 

Summer is off to a great start!! Love you guys and enjoy fun, exploring days like this with you!