A few years ago, I shared on my personal Facebook page a photo that said – We only have 18 short summers with our children. Make them count. I had a lot of friends comment that they were in disbelief when you think about it that way. Now, I’m hoping that my children would like to spend their summers with us when they are in their twenties and beyond, but I won’t kid myself. But when I think about it, I only have 12 summers left with my son and 17 summers with my twin girls. That’s why it’s important to me to make those summers count. Whether it’s going on a family trip, throwing a backyard camp-out or having a family movie night, I try to make these summer days and nights as memorable as possible.
Below are 5 fun things we have done this summer…with more to come!
Family Vacation
We actually spent most of June traveling. I never traveled much growing up so I have always wanted to make sure that my children do. I want them to look back and have great memories of summer vacations. In June, we visited Branson, Missouri, Louisville, Kentucky and Kansas City Missouri. We had fun spending the day at Silver Dollar City and Ride the Ducks in Branson, visiting family in Louisville and exploring the Legoland Discovery Center in Kansas City.
Picnic in the Park
We’ve been to the park, we’ve brought snacks to the park but this summer I successfully brought all three kids to the park by myself for a picnic! We even had an actual picnic blanket and while friends sat at picnic tables, Hayden insisted on sitting on the grass. It was so much fun to see my three kids eating together and then playing together.
Summer Under the Star Reading Party
All three of my kiddos love to read, so we had a fun Summer Reading Under the Stars Party, where we brought the outdoors indoor! We all had so much fun hanging out in the tent, eating snacks and reading books. The tent has stayed up ever since now and it’s become their little reading hideaway.
Exploring Our Town
We have pretty much done everything there is to do in St. Louis, but it’s always different with each age! We have had fun this summer taking my son to Star Wars Night at the St. Louis Cardinals game, the St. Louis Zoo, Grant’s Farm, museums and more!
Fun at Home
Some days, you just want to stay at home and relax. As much fun as I like being on the go with my kids, I also think we have a lot of fun and make memories just being at home. We have had fun play dates, spent time in the back yard, had fun movie nights and just played.
We definitely have had a fun-filled summer so far…and we still have less than a month before school starts. I’ll be thinking of more fun ways to make summer memorable and fun for my kids.
If you’re looking for ideas, tips and advice from real moms, check out the Playtex Baby Mom Trust tab on Facebook. Along with some other bloggers, I’m over there sharing reviews on the best Playtex Baby products and life with three kids.
Disclosure: I am a member of the 2014 Playtex Mom Trust Panel. I have been compensated for my time but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved looking through all your photos! I’m the same way about wanting to travel with the kids and give them lots of fun summer trip memories. I think it’s fun going to new places and experiencing them together as a family. Thanks for sharing the link to the Mom Trust FB page, too, btw – off to check it out!
We have had very similar summers! LOL We were gone for an entire month in June, we visited a LEGOLAND Discovery center, picnics in the park, popcorn and movie nights! Summers are the best! Glad you had a great summer too.
You guys have been busy! Love all the family pics!
Great pics! Looks like you guys have had a jam packed summer! I’m already stressing out that I only have 12 summers left with my oldest and 15 with my youngest! Eeeekkkkk!!