Not Nice Spice
I didn’t set out with some intentional goal of making the summer memorable, or think of all the developmental benefits my kids would receive, or even make out a schedule to tick everything off. Instead I, very last minute, saw a social media ad for “Goat Story Hour” at our local library. I quickly brushed it off since it would be a lot to get everything together, our butts out the door and be on time. But then it hit me—we do the same low-key nothingness everyday. Which can be nice with little kids. They get to explore at their own pace and aren’t spending half their day in a car seat. And yet, somehow it was starting to come across as lazy parenting. So with messy hair and uncoordinated outfits, I threw some apples and granola bars in my purse and dashed out the door. And that’s how we began our summer adventures! Laundry piled up, both clean and dirty, dishes were a hit and a miss, almost zero was accomplished on the weekends, but I got to witness these little cuties light up at the simplest new experiences. I realized that a spontaneous something is better than a perfectly prepared nothing. Our Summer Adventure List:
![]() Thankfully it doesn't take much to make these kids happy. They waited in a 30min line while eating their lunch and were thrilled with an admission sticker and glasses! The event was a dud to say the least and the line to get a picture with Daniel Tiger was insane. So I did what any mother would do who just rushed out the door- I didn't leave without my picture! Albeit not the most ideal. We made it work! ![]() I've never been berry picking and I honestly didn't know how the kids would fair. We had a few days without crazy hot temperatures so I just went for it! We met some friends and the kids had a blast! There was a fun playground and animals to watch. The next day we made gluten free blueberry muffins- so delicious! Both of their face were covered in berry juice, too! ![]() I didn't even know it was open farm days until the morning of and we jumped in the car thinking we'll just check out one (Local Roots, our favorite!), but we kept going! We visited a buffalo farm and a goat farm. Both kids survived (barely) without naps until late afternoon and we squeezed in a late lunch at our favorite BBQ spot. It was so nice to spend time together without a schedule and with big smiles. ![]() Who knew sunflower fields are everywhere?!?! I asked a Facebook mom group for some suggestions and a whole bunch came up. It was the end of the season and the weather just barely held up, but small crowds made it easy with two littles. They ran around and, despite a few meltdowns, had a blast! Definitely checking out other fields earlier in the season next year. ![]() Okay, this was not my most favorite excursion buuuut Chickadee was dying for a playground and thankfully there was a small swim area at the lake because it ended up being HOT! I used Beauty Counter's sunblock and let them run wild! Little Dude just kept running back and forth through the edge of the water and Chickadee clawed her way through the less than fabulous sand for an hour. We ended with a car picnic lunch and both immediately zoned out when we drove away- success! ![]() So thrilled to discover Creatures in the Wild has an art studio right down the street from us! They have open art Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday so I took Chickadee while Little Dude was napping and the Stud was getting quality soccer time. We had so much fun!!!! Kids can come in and explore, do what they please and in any order. I love how they've set up the indoor studio and outdoor flower, veggie, play garden. Chickadee was nervous going to a new place but didn't want to leave at the end. Thankfully our gluten free bakery, The Cookie Connection, moved their store front just a town over. Best of both worlds!
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Kate FrancesWhen you don't know what else to do, then it's time to write. Then write a little while longer for good measure. Archives
February 2020
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