What I’ll Remember About Summer 2023
And. . . .summer vacation is just about over for us.
I can hardly believe the girls are headed back to school this week (including Tally starting full day school! I feel like I’ve really soaked up the last six and a half years with her so it feels exciting, rather than sad, for her to move on to this new stage).
Here’s what I’ll remember most about this summer!
Attending: lots of family events. From the first grandchild wedding in Bart’s family (which included an engagement party hosted at our house, a family bridal shower up in the mountains, a wedding dinner, and the actual wedding) to multiple family reunions and family visiting from out of town, it’s been a delight to spend so much time with the people we love most this summer.
Wearing: these sandals absolutely non-stop. I bought them at the beginning of summer after eyeing them literally for a year and they were worth every penny. Comfortable and look good with everything, I’ve worn them with skirts, dresses, jeans, and jumpsuits virtually every day this summer.
Eating: outside almost every single lunch. I wrote a full post about it here and it’s truly been a highlight of the summer for me. It’s so nice to enjoy the warm breeze, make sure everyone eats at the same time, and slow down a bit in the middle of the day. Definitely planning to do this again next year.
Enjoying: a new running route. While the girls did swim team this summer, I’d run through downtown Provo and it was so fun to switch up where I ran and get to know a different part of the city better while I listened to my current audiobook. Then I’d come back and read my book by the pool while they finished up.
Watching: Ella face paint. She’s been so serious about her business this summer and it’s been a delight to watch her book parties and events, set up a website, and improve her skills. (I wrote a whole post about her business here!).
Listening: to Keeper of the Lost Cities. Discussion about this series has been the soundtrack to our summer – almost any time you go into any bedroom, you’ll hear one of the books playing on an Echo device. Everyone from our six year old to Bart and me are listening to them (I’m the slowest – I’m only on book 3 right now) and it’s been such a fun shared experience.
Buying: multiple pairs of these pants for Bart. A friend of ours had them and after Bart commented on them, I ordered a pair for Father’s Day. They were such a hit that I ended up buying him a few more pairs and he’s worn them basically every day this whole summer. They’re light-weight but still look put together and he’s a massive fan!
Using: our Get Out Passes. We got them this year so we could go to Lagoon with my sister and her family and then we’ve made a big effort to use them elsewhere as much as possible. Indoor jump places have been especially popular during the hot days of July! (My Get Out Pass code is EVERYDAYREADING)
Conquering: backing down the boat trailer at the lake. We bought a boat last summer which was great fun but the fly in the ointment was ending every trip with me (very poorly) trying to navigate the trailer into place on the boat ramp. This summer, I was determined to get the hang of it and while I’m still not great, it no longer makes me ragey every time and I’m definitely improving.
Watching: White Collar. Last summer, we did a lot of Avengers and Lord of the Ring movies with Ella (I wrote a post about our tween movie nights here). This summer, we introduced her to my all-time favorite television show and we’ve watched an episode most nights that we’ve been home. It’s been the biggest delight to watch her fall in love with all my beloved characters and I’m loving watching it all over again.
Visiting: the water park with my sister. We’ve done water park passes for the last several summers and this year, I convinced my sister and her boys to get them too – it’s been so fun to go with them most weeks. We go around the lazy river with the kids one million times or sit by (or sometimes in!) the kiddie pool while they play. Definitely a highlight!
What will you remember from Summer 2023? I’d love to hear!
What’s worked for you with trailering?
I get my husband on the phone (he’s on the boat, I’m in the car), so he’s there to give me any pointers. Otherwise, I use my side mirrors and try to keep the trailer’s pylons in the same spots of the mirrors down the ramp. Mostly works….mostly….
Our trip to Japan ( thank you for all the great tips) and my oldest son UW graduations we’re the big highlights. My daughter went to Taylor Swift concert.. and Beach of course!
Reading. I finally bought much needed bookshelves and setting them up has been a delight. A really fun wedding and visiting Dallas for the weekend.