NLW has just three days left of Kindergarten, and then we'll officially be shifting into summer. Similar to last year, we have some bigger trips, so I’m mentally organizing the season into three phases:
Phase I: Ten days in Missouri to visit my family and enjoy life on the farm
Phase II: Summer camps + nanny E. We'll have about 4 hours of care most weekdays which feels supportive and wonderful
Phase III: Ten days in Connecticut to visit family and enjoy life on the East coast
With Fourth of July fun, a weekend trip to Port Angeles, and friends and family visiting in between, it’s shaping up to be more structured than I initially expected—and, the structure is welcome.
Around the Corner
- Celebrating the first day of summer at Jack Block Park
- Staying with our friends K&C in St. Louis
- Visiting the Rabbit Hole in Kansas City
- 4th of July bike parade
Essentials
Outside of blueberry picking, I don’t feel the need to schedule much more. I know we’ll naturally weave in these activities that make summer feel like summer for our family:
- Spray parks
- Wading pools
- Beach play
- Blackberry picking
- Blueberry picking
- Playdates and park meet-ups
- Ice cream, watermelon, cherries
- Playing at Schmitz Preserve Park
- Lounging in our hammocks
Bucket List
I'd love to make it to the four major bodies of water in our area: Elliott Bay, Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Green Lake. We bought a paddle board for Mr. Fleece's birthday—maybe that’ll be the push we need to get out there more often. Some other water spots on my radar (no expectation to check all of these off!):
- Flowing Lake
- Chism Beach Park
- Newcastle Beach Park
- Angle Lake Park
- Beaver Pond
We’re skipping the big festivals, concerts, and outdoor movies this year. I’m more interested in exploring new places, spending time with friends, being in nature, and maintaining helpful family rhythms. The one true bucket list item? Biking with the kids along Myrtle Edwards.
Reading List
Currently reading (audio): The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yōko Ogawa
Currently reading (physical): Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Most excited to pack for vacation: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
My Seattle Book Club's summer classic: Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (need to decide if I'll commit to re-reading)
I'm hoping to dive into some historical fiction and pick up something by Ann Patchett or Kristin Hannah
