Mrs. Weber's Neighborhood

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31 Things To Do With Kids in July

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Can you believe it’s already JULY?!

On one hand, I’m bummed to have another month of fun without many events due to Covid-19, but on the other hand, I’m thankful for the laid back summer we are having so far. The cool thing about kids is they are resilient, and a few small adventures can be just as great as traveling far to them. After all, we only get 18 sweet summers with our babies!

Places for family fun are slowly starting to open with precautions in place, so always make sure to check websites before heading out and register in advance when possible. Remember to mask up and practice social distancing when possible so we can kick this thing!

Here are some ideas to make your July as HOT as the temps are going to be 😉

31 Things To Do With Kids in July

July 1 — Pack a picnic and visit Belle Isle in Detroit.

July 2 — Get ready for the Fourth of July by doing tie-dye, making a firework craft or testing a new red, white, and blue recipe. 

July 3 — Watch Hamilton on Disney+! {Best suited for older kids}

July 4 — Watch fireworks. {While most displays are cancelled, there are sure to be plenty going off!}

July 5 — Play at the Imagination Station playground in Brighton and cool off with ice cream afterwards.

July 6 — Make a “Michigan Cooler” with Vernor’s or Faygo and Hudsonville vanilla ice cream.

July 7 — Take a drive to Hell, Michigan and get ice cream from Screams or send a postcard to someone from Hell!

July 8 — Sloan Museum is opening back up! Visit the Roll, Drop, Bounce exhibit at Courtland Center Mall in Burton {they will be limiting tickets}.

July 9 — Do a virtual 5K as a family. There are so many awesome ones benefiting great causes with medals!  

July 10 — Grab slurpees from 7/11. Sure the official 7/11 is tomorrow, but it could get crazy so beat the crowd to celebrate 😉

July 11 — Bike the Dequidre Cut and Detroit Riverfront.

July 12 — Visit Heritage Park in Farmington Hills {splash pad is open}. Go later in the day to avoid crowds.

Heritage Park in Farmington Hills

July 13 — Go kayaking or play at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor.

July 14 — Check out the new splash pad at Brandenburg Park in Chesterfield.

July 15 — Find a new trail, load up on bug spray, and take a hike in the morning or evening.

July 16 — If blueberries are ready, head out and pick some! Our favorite local farm in Hazens Blueberry Farm in Howell. 

July 17 — Visit the animals and Alexandria’s Naturescape at the Howell Nature Center {you must make a reservation to visit}!

July 18 —  Admire the open-air art at the Heidelberg Project.

July 19 — It’s National Ice Cream Day! Go ahead and let the kids have sundaes for lunch or dinner 😉

July 20 — Take a drive into the country and buy some farm fresh eggs from a roadside stand.

July 21 — Check out the newly opened, barrier-free Scarlet’s Playground in Commerce Township.

July 22 — Tube down the Argo Cascades in Ann Arbor.

How To Tube The Argo Cascades in Ann Arbor

July 23 — Cook dinner over a bonfire and look for stars after.

July 24 — Let the kids stay up and look for fireflies. {Better yet, make a firefly jar beforehand with a condiment jar with small holes in the lid!}

July 25 — Grab delicious and indulgent shakes from M Street Baking Co. in Howell and take photos in the adorable alley behind the business.

July 26 — Take a road trip to a zoo you haven’t visited before. {We love the Saginaw Children’s Zoo and Wilderness Trails Zoo in Birch Run.}

July 27 — Walk the path and play at the adorable farm themed County Farm Park in Ann Arbor.

July 28 — Take the kids out disc golfing…even if you only play one hole!

July 29 — Plan a visit to The Reptarium in Utica to learn all about reptiles.

July 30 — Paint kindness rocks and hide them around your town.

July 31 — Enjoy a beach day at Silver Lake Park in Fenton {$5/car}.

Whatever you choose to do, and whether it’s at home or on local adventures, make it memorable!

What do you have going on this month? Have fun!

Northern Michigan Itinerary {3 Days in Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Ocqueoc Falls}

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Last week I wrote about our amazing time at Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge in Alanson. I wanted to take some time to also write about itinerary to help you out with any vacations you may plan to northern Michigan in the future.

Northern Michigan Itinerary

Here is how we spent 3 days and 2 nights in Northern Michigan:

Day 1: Charlevoix and Petoskey

We woke up early and hit the road to make the most of our trip. Our first stop was Charlevoix.

Before heading downtown, we stopped at John Cross Fisheries, where we picked up some smoked fish dip, which was perfect to enjoy while picnicking on the waterfront.

This gorgeous waterfront city is home to cute shops, a beautiful city beach, and an architectural feat — the mushroom houses!

We decided splurge and go on a Mushroom House Tour. The family loaded up in a “Gem Car” and got a private outside tour of the 28 houses designed by Early Young.

I thought the tour may be boring for the kids, but they really enjoyed it! I loved getting the tour because I didn’t really know the history of the houses, and it was fantastic hearing it from the perspective of a local versus just driving by them.

After, we had fun checking out some of the little shops downtown. The kids loved the Taffy Barrel, since we are a candy-loving family 😉

Petoskey

We stopped in Petoskey on our way through to check out the downtown. We’ve been here before, so didn’t spend as much time here as I would’ve liked. Some of our favorite stores are Grandpa Shorters and McLean & Eakin Booksellers. If we had more time, I would’ve loved to get a hot pretzel from Petoskey Pretzel Co. and walk along the water at Bayfront Park.

The kids LOVE putt putt, so we opted to drive out of town to check out Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. This course was AMAZING and easy enough with young kids to hold their attention.

From there, we headed to Crooked River Lodge for the night to swim in the pool and enjoy the property’s amenities.

DAY 2: Harbor Springs & Wilderness State Park

This day definitely had a lot of driving, so if that’s not for you, I’d break this day up. I just wanted to cram it ALL in 😉

We started with breakfast at the hotel, which was amazing. If you are a donut lover, a stop at Dutch Oven Bakery is a MUST.

We had hoped to start our day at the Oden State Fish Hatchery, but it was closed. If you are able to go when it’s open, go! It’s free, and who can beat that?! Great way to learn about fishing in Michigan.

Instead, we headed to Harbor Springs to hike at the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. This also is free, but a $5/car donation is appreciated. At 1.5 miles all the way around, this was the absolute perfect hike for kids! It’s wooded, but has bridges throughout and is well cared for.

The best part was going right down to the beach and checking out rocks {do not take them here though}.

After, we headed back into Harbor Springs to grab some lunch and check out the amazing downtown area. I had never been here, and I was blown away at how quaint it was. Each business had the most beautiful flowers.

You could also walk down the pier and check out the boats, which was fun too. We all picked out which yacht we’d like if we ever win the lottery 😉

We had lunch at Stafford’s Pier because they have amazing outdoor dining on their patio overlooking the water. I cannot recommend this place enough! {I had to snap a picture while passing through inside because it’s neat with all the nautical gear.}

The decor inside was so fun…but the outdoor patio is where it’s at! Not only were the views beautiful, but the food was great too!

After, we grabbed ice cream at Yummies, an adorable and independent business in town. The ice cream flavors were amazing! Just be warned it is cash only.

The Harbor Springs public beach was adorable, but was pretty crowded, so we decided to drive north and hit up Wilderness State Park to a more remote beach.

It was worth the drive — we had plenty of beach to ourselves and the kids had a blast exploring and playing. {Just note there are no restrooms here…We changed in our van!}

The infamous Leggs Inn is super close by in Cross Village, so if you’re going, definitely stop for dinner! It was closed during our visit or else we would’ve stopped in a heartbeat for some Polish food.

Driving back, we opted for the long way through the Tunnel of Trees {M-119}. It was SO fun to drive!

On the way, we stopped at Pond Hill Farm, which was recommended to us many times.

If the kids weren’t so tired, we absolutely would’ve hit up the gnome house trail on the property. Instead we had fun grabbing a cider and walking around the property. This place would be amazing to visit in the fall!

We finally drove back to the lodge, stopping along the way for some carryout pizza.

Day 3: Ocqueoc Falls + Drive Home

We had considered a few stops on our way home, but decided to take a detour to Ocqueoc Falls, which is the lower peninsula’s largest waterfall with a drop of about 5 feet. It was the perfect place for kids since you could get IN the water.

We packed a picnic and had a blast spending a few hours playing in the water and tiring out the kids before the trek home. Just make sure to wear water shoes as it can be slippery and pack a life vest if you don’t have strong swimmers.

Overall, we had a blast exploring northern Michigan and loved having Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge as our home base. We sure missed a lot, so will be excited to go back again and explore more of the beaches and amazing things to do!

The post is not compensated, however, I did receive a gift card for Stafford’s Pier to use during my hosted stay.

Where are your kids’ favorite spots in northern Michigan?

8 Reasons To Visit Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge in Northern Michigan

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The post below is sponsored by Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge. All opinions expressed belong to me.

I could shout it from the rooftops — if you’re looking for an affordable and awesome family-friendly spot to stay in northern Michigan, I highly recommend Stafford’s Crooked River Lodge in Alanson.

This lodge is exactly what should be pictured when you think of a Pure Michigan “up north” getaway — complete with nature, tranquil vibes, and even plenty of exposed wood and moose decor 😉

The picturesque scenery is just the beginning though. These are the top 8 reasons we loved our stay and think you all will love it too!

Spacious Rooms + Suites for Families

When you are on a trip with your family, it’s so nice to have some space to spread out and relax, right?

We loved staying in the two bedroom king suite {sleeps 6}, which had a balcony, a kitchen, two separate bedrooms, as well as a living area with a pull-out couch.

We loved having a microwave, fridge and stovetop, and it was great to eat a few meals in to save money and the hassle of taking kids to a restaurant.

My favorite part of this set-up was sitting on the patio while the kids watched TV at night. It made it feel like we were on a couple’s vacation for a few minutes!

Clean Indoor Pool

This place has a gorgeous pool that is well cared for. The kids loved the waterfall and being able to jump in and practice swimming. I personally loved the hot tub too.

Nature Trail

On the property there is a cute nature trail that is a great length for younger kids. Just make sure to wear tennis shoes as it can get a bit wet in areas if there is lots of rain.

Extras Included

One of the coolest parts of being a guest at CRL is getting access to kayaks, a row boat, paddleboat and snowshoes {in winter}. I love that this is included in your stay and you do not need to pay extra fees.

Complimentary Hot Breakfast

I don’t know about you all, but when I’m traveling with my family, breakfast is one meal I’d rather *not* eat out, so it’s a HUGE perk to have breakfast included in a stay. Not only was Stafford’s breakfast delicious {we had their signature biscuits with sausage gravy, waffles, pastries, and more}, but it was the best way to start a busy day of exploring.

Game Room

On the second level of the lobby, there is a beautiful game room with a pool table, board games, books, and more. Definitely a fun place to hang as a family. My kids loved learning to play pool!

Beautiful Outdoor Space

In addition to the nature trail, the property the lodge sits on is just scenic. The lawn is immaculate and perfect for a game of frisbee or football {there are even balls in the lobby!}. Personally, my favorite spot is by the fire pit. I only regret not packing s’more supplies 😉

Close to MANY attractions

What we love about this location was how easy it was to access many areas of northern Michigan. Charlevoix, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Mackinaw City are all within a 30ish minute drive. That means the opportunity to pack in a TON of fun! {My recommendations are coming to a post soon!}

Discount Code

I am excited to offer a discount code to my readers for $10 off your stay! Simply check the promo code box while searching for a room and enter BLOG to get the discount. The code is valid through 8/31/20.

Visit HERE to book and cheers to a great stay you won’t regret!

Learn more about Crooked River Lodge at their website, Facebook and Instagram. You can also check out a post from my archives from when we stayed there during winter, too!

Note: Our stay was during Covid-19 and I felt 100% safe here. The staff and our family wore masks in the common areas and pool time was reserved to avoid crowding. All protocols were in place including social distancing reminders and hand sanitizers in the lobby and near elevators.

Enjoy your stay if you visit…I promise you will not be disappointed!

StoryWalk Trail at Highland Public Library

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We are always looking for creative and educational opportunities that are outside, so I was pretty stoked when I stumbled upon a FREE StoryWalk trail at Highland Public Library.

Anything that combines literacy and the outdoors is always a big win in my book and this wooded path was so cute!

If you aren’t familiar, a StoryWalk is a path with a book to read and stop at along the way. This one in particular was fairly short, but kept the kids engaged in the story.

This may not be something you’d go out of your way for, but if you happen to be near Highland, it is absolutely worth a stop!

The path is short and perfect for younger kiddos who aren’t quite ready for a full hike. I mean, check out those gorgeous trees lining the path…Ahhhh, heaven!

There even was a cute teepee made from sticks that was fun for the kids to explore.

If you wanted to make it more of an adventure, there was a nice grassy area next to the library as well as a play structure on the other side that would be fun for a picnic and some fun.

Now I’m determined to find more StoryWalk trails around Michigan. If you know of any, give me a shout! Learn more about the Highland Public Library’s StoryWalk trail, including the current book selection here.

Add To Your Adventure

To make it more of an adventure, stop at the Looney Baker for a delicious donut or Snack Attack for ice cream. Also, don’t forget about the amazing Beatles mural next to The Weal Inn on M-59 {Highland Rd.}. Gorgeous and perfect backdrop for some awesome photos!

Another unique trail we like is the Oaken Transformations sculpture and poetry trail in Brighton! See more ideas for FREE fun here.

What funky spots have you been loving lately? Let’s help our fellow parents find some FREE Covid-friendly fun!

Michigan Must: The Reptarium Reptile Zoo in Utica

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We recently had the awesome opportunity to visit The Reptarium Reptile Zoo in Utica, Michigan and had an absolute blast.

Building photo of The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan

If you have a child that loves reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids, this is a Michigan must visit. A friend of mine had been hinting to me for awhile that we needed to go, so when I saw there were times slots available, I jumped at the chance. We’ve been missing adventures since the stay-at-home orders, and this truly was the ultimate spot for my crew of nature lovers!

Three children holding a yellow Burmese python at The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan

NOTE: Since we visited during Covid, our visit may differ from a traditional experience {masks are currently required}. But the breathtaking reptiles speak for themselves and are absolutely worth it.

Upon stepping inside, I was blown away with how clean the place was and how well taken care of the animals appeared to be.

Inside look at The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan

We were greeted by the owner — Brian Barczyk — who took the time to walk us around and let my children hold just about anything they would like. He didn’t know I was a blogger so there was no special treatment. He was a great guy. Definitely check out his amazing YouTube channel!

An African Bullfrog at The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan

As we held snakes, lizards, a tarantula and more, he and the other keepers told us about them. It’s very clear this is a place looking to educate the public on reptiles. Each person we encountered was fantastic with the kids and happy to answer our questions.

We had so many laughs observing the animals that were able to roam. Bella, a rhino iguana and the skink they have were so fun and interactive.

The kids all agreed on the way home that their favorite was an albino alligator named Salt. So cool!

Child holding Salt, an albino alligator at The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan

Turtles are one of my favorite animals, so I was partial to a tortoise named Steve.

A tortoise named Steve at at The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan

We all fell in love with Sunrise, a gorgeous 60-pound Burmese python. I once was afraid of snakes, but my kids have made me SO much braver with their own curiosity. After learning more about them, I’ve actually started to like them too. They definitely can be misunderstood though!

Woman holding Sunrise, a yellow 60-pound Burmese python at The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan
She felt so good…Like a weighted blanket with soft skin!

They even have a two-headed snake named Ben & Jerry. It truly was beautiful in a mysterious way 😉

Two headed snake named Ben & Jerry at The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan

Other reptiles we saw included a corn snake, leopard gecko, an alligator snapping turtle named Bowser, an anaconda named Ivy, a few reticulated pythons, and more.

The Reptarium hosts private events, birthday parties, and even offers snake massages {!!!}, a fish spa, and reptile feedings for an extra fee.

Our one-hour timeslot was the perfect amount of time to see everything. After, I let the kids pick out a little something at the cute gift shop to commemorate our visit.

Gift shop at at The Reptarium in Utica, Michigan

I cannot recommend this place enough. It’s obvious the keepers love what they are doing and the reptiles are well cared for. Kudos to Brian and his awesome team for educating families on the value of reptiles on our planet!

We will definitely be back for a future visit.

HOURS, ADMISSION AND LOCATION

The Reptarium is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays with limited afternoon hours. To see when they are open to the public, make sure to check their calendar and purchase tickets in advance.

Tickets for children ages 3 and up and adults are $10. Under age 3 is admitted free. I felt that pricing was fantastic for the up-close and personal experience you receive.

The Reptarium is located at 45559 Van Dyke Ave., Utica, MI 48317. It’s near downtown Utica where there are tons of restaurants should you be hungry before or after your visit! There are limited parking spaces available in front.

Learn more about The Reptarium at their website, Facebook and Instagram.

Don’t let your reptile fears hold you back from visiting because you will miss out on such a cool experience! Have fun if you go!

A few other nature spots we love visiting: Saginaw Children’s Zoo, Howell Nature Center and the Wilderness Trails Zoo in Birch Run.

Think Olga’s Kitchen For Summer Meals {+ Gift Card Giveaway}

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The post below is sponsored by Olga’s Kitchen. All opinions expressed belong to me.

During these uncertain times, it is now more important than ever to support the businesses in our communities.

One Michigan business I have loved since I was a child is Olga’s Kitchen. Not only is their food unique from other fast casual spots, it’s also delicious! Just thinking of them makes my taste buds dance with cravings…Yum!

Olga’s Kitchen is an iconic Michigan brand owned and operated by TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants.

If you aren’t familiar with Olga herself, you should be! Her story is one of true girl power at a time when women weren’t owning businesses. Founder Olga Loizon was inspired to launch Olga’s Kitchen in 1970 after taking a trip back to her home country of Greece. It took her two years to perfect her famous Olga bread recipe, and this year they are celebrating 50 years in business.

Some of the most popular menu items include The Original Olga, Olga’s Snackers and The Olga Salad. My family also loves the Orange Cream Cooler on a hot day.

Since most restaurants are focused on carry out business currently, I want to remind you to think Olga’s Kitchen for summertime meals when you don’t feel like cooking.

The restaurant is currently open for curbside, delivery, and grab ‘n’ go at 22 locations across Michigan via its mobile app and Order.Olgas.com. Make sure to sign-up for emails too because they send out some great coupons!

We’ve used a few coupons for $5 off $20, which is awesome savings for our family!

We recently picked up an order, which we placed online, and had a picnic outside a local library. It’s the perfect mobile food!

The kids enjoy their kids’ meals, which include an Olga sandwich {they love the Three Cheese}, a side {fries, salad, apple slices or carrots}, and a drink for $3.99. It’s better quality than fast food, which is definitely approved by this mama!

It’s usually hard for us to resist a side of Snackers too 😉 Ha!

Olga’s Kitchen Gift Card Promotion

Right now families can take advantage of a great gift card promotion. Simply purchase $100 worth of gift cards for only $74.99 or $50 worth for $39.99.

This is a great gift idea for dads, grads, and even just to save a little money this summer!

Olga's Kitchen Gift Card Promotion

This deal runs through June 28th and is valid online only. Gift cards can be purchased HERE.

In addition to the gift card promotion, the restaurant also is feeding frontline workers through its Feed a Hero program. Donations can be made on the Olga’s Kitchen mobile app or online at Order.Olgas.com.

For every $10 contribution, Olga’s Kitchen will donate a boxed meal to a frontline worker fighting the pandemic. To date, they have already donated 4,000 meals.

How awesome is that? One more reason to love Olga’s!

Giveaway

I have a $25 gift card to Olga’s Kitchen to giveaway. Winner must be a Michigan resident, age 18 or up. Giveaway ends on June 12, 2020.

Good luck!

$25 Gift Card to Olga’s Kitchen

30 Things To Do With Kids in June

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Ahhhh JUNE! How is this year halfway over? It’s insane how fast it has flown despite having a slower-paced year.

Here in Michigan, we are still under stay-at-home orders, and not sure if they will end or continue on June 15. With that in mind, I’ve kept that in mind and come up with a list of ideas for each day of the month to make it memorable.

Remember for the ideas that are in public, practicing social distancing and wearing a mask when possible *needs* to happen. Let’s kick this thing so we can move on, friends 😉

Also, make sure to remember this month means strawberries will be in season and U-pick farms will be open! Try Degroot’s or Spicers for some delicious berries and make sure to read up on their policies this year.

Have fun and make some great memories — and if you haven’t created a summer bucket list, I suggest you give it a shot!

30 Things To Do With Kids in June

June 1 — Pack up some books and head to a local park to read together in a hammock or on blankets. It’s amazing what a new location can do for the soul!

June 2 — Water War card game. Just like War, but if you win the round, the winner gets to dump a cup of water on the losers’ head. {This is a hit here — especially when mom plays along 😉 }

June 3 — It’s World Bicycle Day. Are you able to bike somewhere fun? This is the perfect day to ditch the car and rides bikes!

June 4 — Work with your family members to make a summertime playlist of upbeat music.

June 5 — This day is National Donut Day. Need I say more?! Perfect reason to get out for a little drive-thru sweet treat! {P.S. Dunkin Donuts is giving away a free donut with any beverage purchase!}

Dunkin' Donuts Frozen Coffee and a donut. Yum!

June 6 — Cook dinner over a bonfire. Check out this big list of meal ideas.

June 7 — Hatch caterpillars into butterflies using an easy kit purchased online. {Learn more here.}

June 8 — Kick it old school and have the kids do an egg and spoon race in the yard.

June 9 — Be a tourist in your own town! Since the official ‘tourist’ events have been cancelled, consider what you can do to show off your city. Take photos outside or near prominent buildings, or shop small.

June 10 — Visit the animals at the Howell Nature Center {sign-up in advance for a time slot} or another local farm that is open.

June 11 — Visit a beach and make a sand volcano. {Kensington Metropark beaches are open. Just make sure to practice social distancing while visiting.}

June 12 — Learn some magic tricks with the help of YouTube. There are tons of fun videos!

June 13 — It’s Michigan’s DNR FREE Fishing Weekend. All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. A Recreation Passport will NOT be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites either.

Child holding a fish for Michigan's free fishing weekend

June 14 — Head to a scenic location or some local murals for a fun photo shoot.

June 15 — Play a game of “Would You Rather?” A simple Google search will show tons of ideas for questions to ask.

June 16 — Make sun prints with plants and nature. Tons of ideas can be found on Pinterest, and not all require special paper or fabric.

June 17 — Make a family TikTok video. There are so many funny ideas out there from recreating photos to dances.

June 18 — Visit Stepping Stone Falls in Flint to see the waterfalls and hike the nearby trail.

Stepping Stone Falls in Flint, Michigan
Stepping Stone Falls in Flint, Michigan

June 19 — Create an obstacle course with supplies found in nature.

June 20 — Happy Summer Solstice! Celebrate with a bonfire talent show where each member of the family has their moment to shine.

June 21 — Happy Father’s Day! Celebrate those dads in your life with some fun 🙂

June 22 — Try a new, exotic fruit. {My kids have been begging to try fresh coconut, so that’s the plan for us!}

June 23 — Play FootGolf. Think golf with soccer balls. Great for older kids! See this list for local courses.

Playing FootGolf at The Falcon in Lansing, Michigan

June 24 — Go on a story walk. The Highland Library has one currently. A great way to practice reading and enjoy the great outdoors!

June 25 — Visit Kensington Metropark to feed the birds and other critters. {See details here.}

June 26 — Play Twister with the family and put shaving cream on each spot. Hose off afterwards.

June 27 — Make homemade popsicles with juice and/or fresh fruit or try this Kool-Aid sherbet. {Frozen grapes are one of our favorite summertime treats too!}

June 28 — Go creeking! Perfect way to cool off and discover nature. {We love playing in the river at Mill Creek Park North in Dexter and getting root beer floats at the old fashioned A&W drive-thru across the street!}

Playing in the creek at Mill Creek Park North in Dexter, Michigan

June 29 — Take a walk and take pictures of as many plants, bugs, and animals that you can find.

June 30 — Make bubble snakes using a water bottle and sock.

What’s on your radar this month? Make it a good one!

Our Summer 2020 Bucket List

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We LOVE making a big summer bucket list each year to gear up for the fun ahead. Although summer 2020 looks a little different with a lack of indoor ideas and social distancing practices in place, we are still going to try our best to make it a memorable season!

I’m super excited to re-do some of our seasonal favorites, and throw in some new things to do too. I’m sure there will be plenty of random adventures too as things begin to open.

Make sure to share with us with what is on your summertime fun list!

Our 2020 Summer Bucket List

  • Friday fires with s’mores
  • Pick strawberries {Degroot’s and Spicer’s are two of our favorites}
  • Go tent camping
  • Disc golfing
  • Kayaking
  • Summer reading program {through our library}
  • Hike new trails {a few local ideas are here}
  • Hotel stay {we are visiting Crooked River Lodge for an updated summertime review}
  • Pick blueberries {Hazen’s is our favorite}
  • Visit a sunflower field for photos {Schell Family Farm is our favorite spot}
  • Drive-In Movie Theater
  • Walking taco dinner {small bag of Fritos filled with taco toppings}
  • Mural hunt in Detroit {a great list can be found here}
  • Visit nature centers {for trails, and to visit animals – we love Howell Nature Center}
  • Ice cream for dinner 
  • Movie marathon day
  • Beach day
  • Bike to ice cream
  • Pick up garbage
  • Slurpees on a hot day {especially if 711 does free ones on 7/11!}
  • Reptarium in Utica {book in advance; limited to groups of 10}
  • Cranbrook Gardens
  • Root beer floats
  • Picnic at a new park
  • Find some new geocaches
  • Tie-Dye
  • Watch fireworks
  • Garage sale {obviously these may not happen, but the kids are hopeful if we wear masks and use sanitizer}
  • Catch fireflies
  • Foot Golf

This list will do to get us started! I’ll be sharing all kinds of additional fun this summer too, so be sure to follow along on my Facebook and Instagram.

What’s on your summer bucket list?

A Letter To My Children During The Coronavirus Pandemic

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Dear Kiddos,

I stalled on writing this letter because I had hoped maybe we were overestimating the power behind this Coronavirus pandemic, but I should’ve known better. As history has shown us, pandemics don’t just “go away” quickly.

We’re in for the long haul, so it’s time for me to collect my thoughts and capture this moment in time for you. Mark my words, this will be a defining moment of your childhood. Knowing this, I tread lightly knowing this may shape some of your fears — and {God willing} positive childhood memories.

Let me start by saying it pains your dad and I that you’ve been ripped from life as you know it into a world where there is nothing but unknowns. Hearing you say “Oh, we can’t do that because of Coronavirus,” every.single.day. is killer to my mama heart.

Right now we can’t tell you what the future holds — if we will be able to go on our summer vacation, or celebrate birthdays with friends, or even if will school and soccer will happen this fall. Not having an adventure to look forward to isn’t how our family rolls.

What I can tell you is that none of that matters right now. What matters is that we are healthy, our friends and family are healthy, and we are together. For that, we are grateful, even though it’s tough some days.

In the meantime, I’m thankful for the memorable moments we’ve shared during the past two months of stay-at-home orders.

I hope you remember the countless meals we’ve shared around the table and the countless walks and hikes we’ve taken as a family.

I *know* you will fondly remember how much computer time, TV, and Nintendo we’ve allowed during this time. I hope you also remember learning life skills such as laundry, cooking, and yard work, which will serve you well in life.

I hope you forgive me for not being a great teacher while learning remotely. Please know I am trying my best, but my math skills are rusty 😉

I hope you realize how much you’ve taught me…about big cats, bugs, monkeys, reptiles, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It has been really neat seeing you take a deep dive into your passions. I am glad you’ve had this time to just create as you’d like without restrictions.

I hope you feel joy thinking of the nights we’ve cuddled up for family movies, games, and books.

I hope you look to dad and I to recognize how picking the right partner to do life with is key. Choosing someone who is the calm to your chaos is critical to weathering storms.

I hope that in the future you remember the value in pausing for breaks when needed instead of mindlessly filling calendars.

I hope you always remember I am here for when you need to take deep breaths or need a reassuring hug when times are confusing. I promise you that everything can be restored with time, laughing and crying.

I hope you always remember you have control of what you choose to see: Hope and positivity or darkness and fear. Always choose the light.

And when it comes time to brave the outside world again, I’m hopeful our family will have more of an appreciation for people and truly understand that health is wealth.

Thank you for being our anchor and serving as our reminder to us to live with hope amongst uncertainty.

We’ve got this.

Love you to the moon and back times infinity.

xox,

Mom

Game Closet Organization With The Shelving Store {+ $500 Mother’s Day Giveaway!}

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The post and giveaway below are sponsored by The Shelving Store. All opinions expressed belong to me.

My mom gave me a great piece of advice recently when I was feeling down about sheltering-in-place. She said pick ONE project a day to accomplish. As a person who usually thinks “I need to do it all — and right now,” it was a total mind-shift. Slowly I’ve done some spring cleaning and changed a few things around the house that didn’t require a trip to the store. Having projects has been key to my mental health!

A project that has been weighing on me for a few years though is our hideous basement closet. I knew I wanted it to house our board games, extra pantry items, entertaining items, and snow gear, but I wasn’t sure how to make it happen or what it could look like.

So it sat filled with junk and zero order. Honestly, it gave me hives every time I opened it…and the stuff just piled up.

BEFORE:

Game Closet before
{Not pictured: Stacks of junk lining the floor…LOL}

The idea of built-in shelves overwhelmed me because what if I needed to use the space for something else in the future? Having something permanent wouldn’t be ideal.

Enter The Shelving Store. This Michigan-based company provides a broad range of quality shelving and storage solutions.

AFTER:

Game Closet project complete

With their help, I was able to transform the useless space into something functional that also grants me the flexibility to change it as time marches forward.

Miles getting a game

I was thrilled to not only have room for our games and some sensory and craft items, but also our camping and beach supplies, and items for entertaining. And I still have tons of space leftover.

The kids tested a few ways to organize the games and decided that for many of our games, laying them on the side was the way to go. We used a pack of dollar store elastic headbands to hold the boxes closed to ensure pieces won’t fall out.

Game Closet Idea

I love that the shelves can adjust so if I decided to change it up one day, it will be easy to do…and require NO tools!

Isn’t organization the way to your heart? It makes me happy every time I open it now! It will make me even happier when I can finally add our tub of winter gear too…very soon! 😉

Game Closet Organization With The Shelving Store

About The Shelving Store + Shelving Inc.

Founded in 1960, Madison Heights, Michigan-based Shelving Inc. is a second-generation family-owned company that has successfully grown from a small family enterprise into a major regional and national player.

While Shelving Inc. is rooted in serving automotive and manufacturing suppliers, it also serves consumers at TheShelvingStore.com.

Check out some of the neat things they offer to help organize your life:

Organization ideas from The Shelving Store

If you aren’t familiar with purchasing shelving, it can be very expensive. Not only are the prices awesome for the quality, but the products I received were SO easy to put together.

For my game closet project, I chose:

Directions to The Shelving Store

The shelves are wide enough to hold large bins if needed and each shelf can hold up to 300 pounds of weight.

My 9-year-old and I built them in no time. The directions were clear, and best of all? They required NO tools. That sure made this mama happy 😉

Game Closet Organization With The Shelving Store

One thing I really enjoyed learning about this local company is that they donate shelving to non-profit organizations and give 10 percent of their profits to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit. How great is that?

Learn more about The Shelving Store on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Game Closet Organization With The Shelving Store

The Shelving Store Coupon Code

Shelving Inc. has generously offered my readers a coupon code. Get 10% off wire shelving with code MRSWEBER10. This code can be used with other offers {make sure to look for these on the main page!} once per customer. It will be available from May 1-31, 2020.

Visit HERE to shop. Happy organizing!

Giveaway

I’ve partnered with Shelving Inc. to provide one $500 gift card to The Shelving Store to a lucky mom. Winner must be a U.S. resident age 18 or up and cannot be employed by Shelving Inc.

Giveaway will end on May 9, 2020 at midnight. Winner will have 12 hours to respond to claim the prize.

Game Closet Organization With The Shelving Store
$500 gift card to The Shelving Store

Good luck!

31 Things To Do With Kids in May

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It’s so hard to believe it’s already MAY. Where did the past few months go?

This month I am continuing to just list one idea for each of the 31 days in the month. There’s no need to do them in order, though you will see I do dig a good theme day and May has some good ones 😉

With many parents working and many kids tackling online school, it can be hard to squeeze in the fun, but it’s always a good idea to try, right? I did my best to keep things simple and using items around the house where possible.

Here’s hoping we can continue to flatten the curve here in Michigan so we can get out a bit more this summer. I’m ready for some fun in the sun!

31 Things To Do With Kids in May

May 1 —  Support a small brick-and-mortar business. Whether it’s grabbing carryout from a local restaurant or picking up a Mother’s Day gift curbside from a local boutique, consider discussing the importance with your kids.

May 2 — Recreate paintings with items you find at home. Check out this post for hilarious inspiration.

May 3 — Have a fancy family dance party. Get on some fancy clothes, make punch and cookies, dim the lights and dance. {Thanks, Crystal!}

May 4 —  May the 4th…be with you! Celebrate Star Wars Day by making these neat LEGO mosaics {thanks, Katie!} or using these fun patterns for Perler beads.

May 5 —  Happy Cinco de Mayo! There are tons of great kid’s recipe and craft ideas to celebrate this holiday on Pinterest.

May 6 — Make a fairy or gnome garden, and challenge the kids to use supplies found around the house or in nature.

May 7 — Celebrate Thankful Thursday by writing down {or drawing} 5 things you are grateful for.

May 8 — Challenge the kids to make a meal, even if it’s just PB&J. If they are older, how about creating a pancake charcuterie board?

May 9 —  Paint flower pots for Mother’s Day. Small clay pots are inexpensive to purchase and make a cute canvas for a heartfelt project. {Thanks, Cali!}

May 10 — Happy Mother’s Day! Take the day OFF, mamas. I know it won’t quite be the same…but you have every excuse to just relax. Check out these at-home self-care ideas for some inspiration.

May 11 — Take a class…for free. PKSA is offering free martial arts Zoom classes for kids. There are tons of great yoga videos and more online too!

May 12 —  Play the card game Garbage. So fun and great for helping kids that are learning to count.

May 13 — Visit a Little Free Library. Donate some books, and maybe pick up some new ones too.

May 14 —  It’s Throwback Thursday! Get out your baby photos and show the kids. Better yet, find a photo of you at their age and tell them what you were like at that age.

May 15 —  For Flashback Friday, find a movie you enjoyed as a kid and show it to your kids! {Many of my favorites are on this list and can be found on Vudu.}

May 16 —  Have a living room sleepover. What kid wouldn’t want to spend the night as a family. Bonus points if you put up a real tent or build a fort to sleep in 😉 {Thanks, Tamara!}

May 17 —  Help kids play “spa” and enjoy a leisurely bath or get a massage with lotion. {Check out this cute nail salon idea for littles!}

May 18 —  Many homes have some grass seed and a little soil laying around. Make a grass head guy with a few at-home supplies.

May 19 — With Memorial Day and 4th of July just around the corner, try your hand at some red, white, and blue tie-dye! It’s easy and fun to do. My favorite brand of kits can be found here. {affiliate link}

May 20 —  Go Letterboxing around your town! If you aren’t familiar, it’s like a treasure hunt for rubber stamps. Bring a journal and collect stamps in it as you go.

May 21 — Head to a state park for a hike. We are so lucky to have so many beautiful ones! Get ideas here.

May 22 — Enjoy a family movie night at home…But make it like a movie theater experience. Buy extra special treats and give the kids their own pretend money to buy them. {Thanks, Tina!}

May 23 — Plant flowers as a family, even if it’s just filling a few pots for your porch. Such a great skill for kids to know, and great sensory play for little ones. {Thanks, Aletha!}

May 24 —  Have an indoor picnic for dinner. It’s a fun and easy way to change things up, or try the backyard if it’s beautiful out.

May 25 —  Happy Memorial Day! It’s not a holiday without a bonfire. Try one of these bonfire dinner ideas to make it extra fun.

May 26 — Check out this fun troll-inspired craft with chalk and paper plates. These would be so fun on the fridge for spring!

May 27 — Do you have glow sticks? Tape them to your body and make a silly dance video in the dark. {Thanks, Ashley}

May 28 — If you are in need of an adventure, check out a local disc golfing course. So much fun, and easy to do while practicing social distancing.

May 29 — Challenge the kids to get creative and make a homemade boat and see how long it will float. Get inspiration here.

May 30 — Grab your device with GPS and head out Geocaching as a family.

May 31 — If the weather is warm, it’s time to break out the water games…Squirt guns, the sprinkler, the works!

Please feel free to chime in at the comments to let others know what has worked well for your family during this unprecedented time.

Happy May, friends! Thinking of you all as we navigate the month ahead.

50 Ways To Celebrate Earth Day At Home With Kids

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Every Earth Day, our family tries to celebrate by doing something — whether it’s picking up trash outside or finding materials in our home to repurpose. We should be celebrating our earth daily, but having a special day to celebrate is the perfect excuse to get out there and make a difference.

Since many of us are homeschooling and looking for things to do, I’m looking at Earth Day {well, earth week} as the perfect opportunity to teach our kiddos why we love our planet why we need to treat her right. Bonus because the holiday is celebrating 50 years, so there’s even more to celebrate.

Despite stay-at-home orders, there’s still plenty families can do to celebrate. Here are some ideas to get you started this week!

50 Ways To Celebrate Earth Day At Home

  1. Watch this short PBS Kids YouTube video to learn why we celebrate Earth Day.
  2. Make Earth Day art to hang in your windows and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
  3. Discuss the importance of turning off lights when you leave the room.
  4. Older kids: Research climate change on the NASA website.
  5. Teach kids about all the items in your home that can be recycled.
  6. Make a DIY bird feeder with a pinecone, peanut butter and bird seed.
  7. Visit Art for Kids Hub and draw an earth-friendly picture {there are some super cute ones!}.
  8. Use a recycled cereal box to make a journal to record your nature findings.
  9. Have a family movie night and watch The Lorax.
  10. Clean-up litter in your neighborhood.
  11. Use tin cans to make homemade wind chimes.
  12. Go on a bike ride and discuss the errands you can run on your bike versus driving in the car.
  13. Do an Earth Day virtual race/walk benefiting an earth cause {there are tons!}.
  14. Encourage shorter showers to save on water.
  15. Take a walk and observe nature.
  16. Hand over your phone so kids can take nature photos of things they enjoy.
  17. Head to a state park for a hike.
  18. Have kids research Greta Thunberg and share 5 facts about what she wants to do for our planet. {NatGeo has some great info!}
  19. Earn an Earth Day patch from Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
  20. Plant a tree {or research trees to plant soon}.
  21. If you have Apple TV+, check out Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth.
  22. Discuss the importance of using reusable water bottles.
  23. Research a new plant you found using iNaturalist.
  24. Have children that can write voice their concerns about the planet with a letter to the editor for a local newspaper.
  25. Make a natural homemade cleaner using vinegar.
  26. Practice sewing and mend your clothes versus buying new ones.
  27. Listen to a kids’ Earth Day podcasts from Brains On!
  28. Go bird watching and record what types you find.
  29. Purchase reusable straws and come up with a plan for remembering to use them.
  30. Writing: Take the phrase “Keep the Earth Clean,” and figure out how many new words can you come up with from those letter.
  31. For adults: Make sure all your bills are paperless, and make sure to share that it’s an option with the kids!
  32. Opinion writing: Have kids research the national parks pick a favorite. Provide reasons why you should visit.
  33. Discuss making the switch to LED lighting or CFL lightbulbs for all household lights.
  34. Have the kids gather items to donate and explain why it’s better than throwing them out.
  35. Encourage neighbors or friends to gather books they are no longer reading and plan a book exchange party.
  36. Attempt to create zero food waste for one day.
  37. Read information on how to protect our Great Lakes from the kid-friendly website, Earth Rangers.
  38. Create a nature collage with items found outside.
  39. As a family, brainstorm ways you can cut down on plastic consumption in your home.
  40. Use a reading app like Hoopla {connected to your library card} and check out kids’ books, audiobooks and movies dedicated to the planet.
  41. Challenge your family to eat less meat {i.e. have a weekly ‘meatless Monday’}.
  42. Have a dance party for the Earth. Put some feel good music on and dance!
  43. Older kids: Research the state of our earth, and specifically where the U.S. stands on issues such as global emissions at this data-driven website.
  44. Create a DIY womery to study worms.
  45. Make a gratitude list for the Earth to say thank you for everything it gives us {i.e. food and water}.
  46. Design an ecosystem out of LEGO. Check out this post for questions to ponder.
  47. Have the kids graph how many hours they spend on electronics for the week and challenge them to do less the following week.
  48. Watch a kid-friendly video on the importance of bees.
  49. Conduct an earth science experiment from World Book Kids.
  50. Sign a family green pact. Discuss things your family would like to do in the year ahead, and have everyone sign it!

via GIPHY

What are you planning this year? Whatever it is, have fun!

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