Summer Bucket List: 2013 Edition

In just a few days, summer will officially be here. I don’t know about you all, but I’m ready for some FUN in the SUN!

Last summer was wonderful, but also rough. I was very pregnant during one of the hottest summers in a long time, then had a baby, so spent way more time inside then I would have liked. I’m determined to make this summer one with tons of great memories and photos with my girls.

Summer 2013 Bucket List

Here’s my summer 2013 bucket list:

  1. Pick fresh strawberries and blueberries.
  2. Make edible finger paint and paint on a rainy day.
  3. Eat ice cream for dinner one night.
  4. Go on a nature scavenger hunt with Kinley and gather items to make this nature “purse.”
  5. Chase hot air balloons.
  6. Keep attempting to potty train. {Please send wine.}
  7. Buy cake and balloons and celebrate our “unbirthdays” on a regular day.
  8. Watch the sunset over a lake.
  9. Build sand castles.
  10. Make homemade lemonade.
  11. Read a new book.
  12. Enjoy a girl’s night out. Like literally, an entire night away.
  13. Check out a new farmers’ market.
  14. Buy fresh eggs from a roadside stand.
  15. Hit up garage sales for items to repurpose and sell.
  16. Get free slurpees from 7-11 on 7/11.
  17. Run 5 miles straight without stopping to walk.
  18. Go to an outdoor concert.
  19. Find some new recipes using herbs we’ve grown.
  20. Make sock puppets and put on a puppet show.
  21. Visit a new local park.
  22. Take Kinley fishing for the first time.
  23. Go to a carnival. Get family photos in a photobooth.
  24. Go to an unusual summer event we’ve never been to {i.e. a tractor pull or monster truck rally}
  25. Make a bug jar and help Kinley catch bugs for it {eeeeew, but I know she will love it}.
  26. Try some new Michigan beers and wines.
  27. Plan a beach day at a place we’ve never been to.
  28. Try a new form of exercise. {Hoping to try Jazzercize!}
  29. Watch fireworks.
  30. Take family photos near a sunflower field.
  31. Visit the Detroit Zoo.
  32. Enjoy MANY bonfires in our pit.
  33. Hike a new trail with the family.
  34. Make a new intro video for this blog :)
  35. Less computer. More outdoor fun.

What’s on YOUR summer bucket list?

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5 Years of Marriage: A Letter to My Husband

Today, the hubby and I celebrate 5 years of marriage. I can’t believe how fast time has gone, yet again, they always say time flies when you’re having fun, right? Today, I’m dedicating my post to my hubby, Jason.

My love,

There is one word I can think of to describe the past 5 years: Fun. Seriously, I thank God every single day for making us neighbors 9 years ago. He had some tricks up his sleeve for sure!

Here are my top 5 reasons I am thankful for your love:

1. I love our ability to share our faith and politics and openly discuss both. I love knowing the way you think — even when it’s drastically different from the way I see things. I love that our different upbringings give us so much to talk about and ponder as we raise our own children. I think you and I both know our open communication about everything is vital. Sorry for the occasional TMI, but at least you always know what’s on my mind, right?

2. You’re an awesome father. You may even have me beat when it comes to being the best parent ;) You stay level-headed when chaos ensues and never lose your temper. I know why Kinley is such a daddy’s girl and Karina gets the biggest grin when you walk in the door at the end of the day…They adore you, and rightfully so. Doesn’t even make me jealous in the slightest — I just love watching you interact with your girls.

3. You put up with my crazy antics. I know, I know…I get an idea in my head and don’t let it go. I share more than I should about my life on here and on social media. Thanks for allowing me to do so and understanding this is my outlet. I know trying new foods and visiting artsy fartsy places aren’t your thing, but you come along for the ride. I couldn’t ask for a better passenger.

4. You inspire me to love life. I’ve always loved life, but you’ve put on a whole new rose-colored glass on me. Where I think I *may* have become jaded over time {i.e. with love, marriage, a lack of money}, you’ve kept me afloat and positive. It’s true what my mom says — you’re an old soul. I appreciate your go-with-the-flow ‘tude and ability to never let anything bunch your boxers ;)

5. You’re not only my husband, you’re my best friend. You are the first person I want to call when I have good news, and the first person I want to hug when something bad happens. You’re my rock and my supporter in all that I do. For that, I am grateful.

Thanks for making these past 5 years some of the best of my life. Cheers to many, many more years spent together laughing!

Love you,
Lauren

Wedding shot

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The Wiggles’ “Taking Off” Coming to Detroit {+ Ticket Giveaway ENDS 6/27/13}

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Love for the U.P. {Michigan’s Upper Peninsula} Thanks to Yooper Steez #LoveDaUP

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PT Choices: An Affordable Option for Physical Therapy Needs

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FREE 2013 Summer Concerts Around Metro Detroit

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Detroit Staycation with Visit Detroit #DayintheD

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  Disclosure: My tour expenses and meal outlined below was covered by the kind folks behind Visit Detroit. All opinions expressed are my own. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending a fun blogger event / Detroit staycation with the folks behind Visit Detroit and the Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau. Let [...]

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