Monthly Musings: Summer Preview

Hello! I can’t believe that May is almost over. I’m so thankful we wrapped up our school year earlier than usual, but I already feel like the first week of summer has flown by!

Today, I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for their Monthly Musings post.

This month’s topic is Summer Kickoff...which is perfect because we are officially in summer mode around here.

1. Favorite Summer Tradition:

The 4th of July is one of my favorite parts of summer. I just love that Travis always has the day off, there are usually activities like a parade or pool fun, we usually gather with family or neighbors to grill out, I love the fireworks, and I always put my kids in something red, white, and blue!

My favorite 4th of July tradition is that I always make red, white, and blue waffles. Always.

Another favorite summer tradition is going on vacation. As the years have gone on, it’s been more and more difficult to find a week to go somewhere, but we try really hard to make it happen.

We love the beach.

2. Vacation Plans:

Well, I hope it pans out, as we’ve already had to adjust the dates, but we are hoping to get to Isle of Palm, SC for a few days in between kids’ camps and baseball games!

We’ve stayed in Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Hilton Head through the years. The Charleston area is amazing. If I ever win the lottery, I’m buying a vacation home in SC!

3. Ocean, Pool, or Lake:

Well, all of the above!

We spend much of our summer at the pool….

We love a visit to a lake…(KY has many!)…

But…the ocean is my fave…

That being said, I love to look at the water…more than swim it like the kids do. I enjoy a cold beverage, a good book, and a great view!

4. Summer Fashion Items:

Well, I don’t know about summer fashion, but I love to be comfortable in the summer. Honestly, most days are spent at the pool or at a ball game. So, I’m typically wearing a swim suit and cover up or tank and shorts, but I just bought this Amazon dress in two colors, and I love it.

Dress

This is my FAVORITE Amazon cover up. I have purchased it in multiple colors throughout the years. (I’m wearing it in blue in the lake photo above!)

Cover up

5. Favorite Summer Recipe:

We grill out a lot in the summer. I love that because it means Travis is doing the cooking, and I usually just make a side dish or two. Also, we love fresh fruit as an easy side dish or snack in the summer.

I’ve shared this post with some favorite sides, and it includes this pasta salad that I found on Pinterest and make often.

6. Strawberry Shortcake or Blueberry Pie:

Confession, y’all! I don’t like blueberries! My kids do, but I don’t. I will eat strawberries all day long, and we love Strawberry Shortcake.

Last year, we picked fresh strawberries, and immediately made SSC for dessert that night.

7. This Summer vs Summer 2020:

This summer will be very different than last summer. We will be at the pool again and able to socialize freely with friends, neighbors, and family.

While Hayden played baseball last summer, it was postponed and then there were tons of rules and regulations. Baseball is on track for this summer and those extra restrictions have been lifted.

Hadley’s doing swim team again since we are back at the pool.

We look forward to a “normal” summer again.

8. Favorite Sunscreen:

I typically use Neutrogena in the summer. The spray is perfect for applying to kids quickly, and the face stick is easy for application as well.

9. Favorite Summer Beverage:

I definitely up my water game during the summer.

For summer cocktails, I love White Claws, Simpler Wines (rose’!) from Trader Joe’s, and then I just found this strawberry margarita cocktail at Trader Joe’s a few weeks ago. It was a hit with all the moms at the 5th grade graduation get together 😉 We just poured it over ice. It was easy, light, and refreshing.

10. Summer Garden:

Travis did plant a few things for this summer like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

Last summer, we didn’t plant a garden, but check out this zucchini from our 2019 garden. We had returned home from vacation to find this guy!

What are you looking forward to this summer?

The topic for June is end of school traditions/summer plans:

I hope you are having a great week.

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

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