{A Recap of Our June and July}

Summer always feels like it slips through my fingers too quickly. One minute it’s the first warm evening of June, and the next, I’m gathering up school supplies and gearing for the next year ahead. This year was no different, but as I look back, it’s clear our summer was jammed packed with moments I’ll hold onto for years to come.

This summer was a big one, doing ALL.THE.THINGS! We kicked it off with a camping weekend with my parents and their pup, Holly, at Lake Imogene. The temps were a little cooler but that didn’t stop the kiddos from enjoying the beach, and an impromptu photoshoot next to a pretty bush. The kiddos LOVE Holly and enjoyed every moment of the three days by her side! When the weekend was over, Eden teared up expressing how much she missed Holly…no mention of Papa or Grandma. HA!

When the 4th of July rolled around, we had just finished an adult-only trip to Austin, so we kept the festivities pretty low key. We invited our cousins, Remi and Hayes, over for some water balloons fights, pool time, and parade excitement. A good, ole fashioned 4th of July was exactly what my soul needed. The very next weekend, my entire family came together to say goodbye to my niece Michaela, who recently moved to Georgia. We indulge in s’mores and good conversation as we all sat around the fire for the evening. The kiddos can never get enough cousin time, and secretly, neither can I!

After all the pool, parade, and popsicle fun that filled the majority of July, we ended the month with a classic Black Hills family vacation. Joe and I went on this same vacation when we were kids and it’s an experience we have always dreamed of sharing with our children as well. The Badlands, feeding the prairie dogs, Mount Rushmore, riding the 1880 train, hiking, the wildlife loop at Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, Needles Point, Cathedral Spires Trail, Crazy Horse Monument, Bear Country, and the Cosmos filled our entire week. The amount of core memories made were endless, not only for the kids, but for mom and dad as well. I pray our kids will carry these memories in their hearts and create the same precious memories with their own children some day.

This summer was a whirlwind in the very best way! From all the miles traveled to late-night s’mores snacks, we packed our days with the kind of moments you can feel deep in your soul. Every mile, every memory, every burst of joy feels like a chapter in a story I’ll never stop cherishing. Until next month…