2015 Summer Check List in Pictures

I know I didn't blog much this summer and that's because it's been filled with excursions, daytime adventures, swimming, picnics and vacations. Even on our lazy days we did a summer craft or baked cookies or blueberry bread. This truly has been the best summer of our lives because of our kids. There is nothing like acting like a kid yourself, laughing everyday and seeing them so happy and full of life. This post is more for me and having the memory on my blog!

Strawberry Picking (mid-June)

We went to the beach twice- one week just the 4 of us and another week with my parents and my brother and his family (our annual beach trip).

 The girls played so well together in the sand baking cakes and Nick and I could actually relax and have a conversation. They loved playing in the little lagoons and riding the waves with the "belly boards" (Ellie's term for boogie boards).

Flying a Kite (at the beach). Girls loved this!

Summer Concerts

Art Splash at the Art Museum (Ellie went with Grandmom and a cousin)
Outdoor Fun at the Art Museum

Franklin Square with cousins and Grandmom. I wish I got a picture of all of us! We played at the playground, played mini golf, and had burgers and milkshakes at Shake Shack.

One of the trips I really wanted to do this summer since the girls were at a good age was Dutch Wonderland. I'm so glad we did this. It was so much fun!! We literally spent 7 hours there and only stopped to eat lunch. We went on almost every ride. I thought Summer wouldn't do the rides because she didn't want to at the shore, but I acted very excited about them and she caught on. In the picture below she is on her first ride with just Ellie and is happy! The girls cooled off in the middle of the day at the water park, which is designed just for kids. They both went on the mini water slides and under the water fountains. I did not have my suit so I took pictures and video (and got to relax for a bit). I highly recommend this place!

We had our first cousins sleepover with my niece and nephew. The four of them played, we had dinner and ice cream sundaes for dessert and watched Up with popcorn.

Local Farm to Pick Flowers with Grandmom

Elmwood Zoo 

Fed giraffes and the birds

We also had orange cherry tomatoes and small peppers in our garden this year. I've used the peppers in cooking and the girls love picking the tomatoes. My Mom planted these for us, as well as all the flowers in our garden. It is so beautiful because of her hard work. One of these days I will have time to learn from her and attempt to do it myself! I have taken very good care of it this year and the girls happily help me water the garden and weed with me.

Grill Peaches

This was something I really wanted to try this summer, too. So delicious!

I don't think I have every said this statement as summer is ending, "I'm actually looking forward to the fall." Not necessarily the colder temps, but getting back into a routine, Halloween, and pumpkin muffins. I love the summer time. I even named my daughter, Summer! It's been so busy and know Ellie going to school 3 days/week will keep us just as busy, but I'm excited for Halloween and the other holidays coming up. I just want time to slow down!