I didn’t make a summer bucket list, woops! After sorting through memories though, I realize my mental boxes have been checked in ways I could never have predicted on paper. As I look at a few of my favorite photographs, I think how little yet big simple moments like these are. Most moments that I didn’t really plan for, and moment’s I’ll never get back! Here are a few I hope to remember forever…
Ocean Dips
We never planned an official beach day. But we did lots of spontaneous adventures in the afternoon/early evening. Each visit was less than an hour with literally nothing in hand but a bottle of sunscreen and a towel to share. But full with so much peace and joy with my babies in my arms, the water up to my skin and the sun shining in my face.
Family Time
This one sounds ordinary but we made plans this summer to not have plans. We canceled a couple trips. Said no to things. And when a weekend was open, resisted the urge to fill it with organized events, and rather let it be with space for our little unit to just live. In the past I would have filled every minute of every summer with a trip or an outing, and it took some getting used to this year, but as I reflect now, this “freedom” was crucial for us to bond and thrive as a family. And it became the core of some of my favorite moments.
Evenings at the Farmers Market
The babes and I hit up the farmers market each week, but Hunter made a couple appearances in the late afternoon this summer which was such a treat! There’s a little train that goes around the market, and since we can’t usually ride it when it’s just me and the babes, it was special to take the kids on it those times he was there. Occasionally we’d even take the twins to a spot near by for grilled cheese and ice cream which just gave me all the summer feels.
Peaches
Since we’re talking farmers market, I obviously gotta mention peaches. We get them every time we go! I’ll never forget Slater’s first peach though. It was at my parents house and I turned around and he had a giant peach in his hand! Leave it to my dad to try all the new things. Slater quickly ate that thing, and it’s been one of our staples that will always remind me of this particular summer!
The Kiddy Pool
We often contemplated taking our kiddy pool out, and when we finally did, wondered why we waited so long! We love being home with the babies, and this was such a fun activity to keep the kids busy (and keep us all cool) while we listened to music, sipped some vino and made dinner.
First Steps
I don’t remember some of the babies’ milestones. Like the exact day they rolled over, sat up, etc. But I will remember their first steps! At about 15 weeks, Slater took his first fluid steps in the nursery, and Zoe took hers in the same spot about two weeks later! We weren’t in a rush, but it was a huge milestone for us. To see our once tiny 4 pounders walking like small children. I was (and am!) a proud mama, and also, their little waddles just make me smile ear to ear. I love a good crawling baby but their walks are just killing me right now.
Dedication
We dedicated the babies to God this summer! It was an incredibly special day spent at my childhood church followed by a celebration with family and friends. There were a lot of sacred moments that day I’m savoring through photos, bible verses, books and cards, but I’m excited for Slater and Zoe to get to know Jesus and for them to hopefully grow their faith!
One on One Time
I’ve mentioned a few times through my motherhood journey that mom guilt between the two babies has an issue, and that I worry since they came at the same time, I will never be able to repay that one on one time with each baby they each deserve. Maybe I’ll always feel that way a little, but this small change, one on one time, has helped our bond! And I feel fortunate to be able to make it happen. We don’t do it often, but every now and then when Hunter is home early, or we have help, I’ll take one for date. It’s usually only 20-30 minutes long, but it’s working for us! I think the babies really enjoy it and I enjoy it even more. I’m going to try to do it as much as I can.
We’ve of course made many memories with friends and through our trips to laguna beach, newport, lake arrowhead, san diego, and more! But these are just a few of the simple things. That I always want to remember about this summer. The moments I want to hold on to. That make childhood so beautiful.
I hope you are all having an amazing summer too! We still have well into September so don’t let Labor Day fool you:)
Enjoy!
