Summer is officially upon us, which means every parent is asking the same question: What on earth will I do with my kids for three. Whole. Months?

I asked myself that question a few weeks ago. Then my answer came to me: Camp! Send the kids to camp! It will be so much fun!

And then I researched camp and I discovered that camp would cost our family approximately $1000 per week. Ummm…NO. Not gonna happen.

Enter Plan B: Camp Mommy! Camp Mommy is just like regular camp, except that Mommy is the counselor, and the other campers are your siblings and the stray neighbor children, and the field trips are all taken in the family minivan. And it costs not-$1000/week. That part is important.

Camp Mommy is just as fun as regular camp, in fact, it may be even funner (it’s so fun we even get to make up words to describe it!)–and it takes advantage of resources you already have available in your community.

Here are a few exciting activities you can choose from if you decide to create your own Camp Mommy:

1. Summer kids’ movies–many movie theaters offer free or greatly discounted kids’ movies in the summer months (for instance, Cinemark theaters nation-wide host “Summer Movie Clubhouse”)
2. Free museums–Many museums offer free admission days at least once a month (just Google “free museum days” for your city and you should find a good list of local options). Also, if you have an account with Bank of America, thousands of museums offer free visits with your Bank of America card on select Saturdays. My kids love visiting museums even if they aren’t specifically geared toward children–I just plan on going for as long as the kids are interested, and it’s a good excuse to explore a new subject or see a new part of town.
3. Hiking–Get out there and explore a new trail or nature walk! Bring plenty of snacks and water to bribe the kids with when they become “too tired to walk”.
4. Kids Bowl Free–exactly what it sounds like! Sign your kids up for this program (available at bowling alleys nationwide) and your kids can bowl 2 free games every day, all summer long, for FREE!
5. Go shopping at the Dollar Store or the thrift store–These stores are my favorite places to find affordable new (or, at least, new to us!) toys, coloring books, puzzles, and art supplies. Give each child $5 and see what treasures they find!
6. Look at the stars–Go outside on a starry night and gaze at the stars (there are lots of cool free apps to help you find constellations!). Or, if you’re feeling super-adventurous, drive out to a local observatory. Many observatories are open and free to the public, and the summer is a great time to see stars and planets.
7. Outdoor movies–Most cities and towns have public outdoor movie nights (locally, check out the movies on the beach in Santa Cruz or San Jose’s “In The Park After Dark”)
8. VACATION Bible School–I haven’t tried this one yet, but I think I need to. I have a friend who recently posted photos of her family vacation out of town–and while they were on vacation, she signed her kids up for a Vacation Bible School at a local church. What a fun way to have your kids spend a few hours in the morning…and what a nice break for Mommy and Daddy while you’re on vacation!
9. Michael’s Art Camp–my sister told me about this, and it’s got to be one of the best deals out there. For just $5, you can drop off your kids at a local Michael’s craft store where they get to create themed projects to take home. More info is available on their Camp Creativity website.
10. Get on a boat–many waterways offer affordable boat rentals in the summer. In the South Bay, check out Lake Vasona where you can rent pedal boats, Stand Up Paddle Boards, or canoes by the hour. In Seattle, my top picks are UW or Agua Verde (stop by for a margarita after your strenuous paddle).
11. Buy a zoo membership–In my experience, this is always worth the money. Most zoo memberships pay for themselves in 2 or 3 visits (I’ve even bought memberships to zoos when we are on vacation in the same city for a week or more so we can stop by for little visits every day!). Plus, most zoo memberships include a reciprocation program where you can visit other partner zoos, aquariums and museums for free or discounted rates.
12. Drive-in movies–if you are lucky enough to live next to an operating drive-in movie theater, GO. They are a dying breed, and we need to expose our children to their grandeur before they become extinct. Local Mommy Campers should check out West Wind Drive In in San Jose–arrive early so your kids can burn off some energy in the bounce house and buy movie treats in the café before your double-feature begins.
13. Library events–We visit libraries every week. We go to story time, participate in the free summer reading programs (my kids have already earned free tickets to the children’s museum and free books), watch magic and puppet shows, play at Lego club, and read with service dogs. We bring home books and movies and games by the bagful and the truckload. I ❤ libraries!
14. Beaches–lakes, rivers, oceans…wherever you have water, go there! Your kids will entertain themselves for hours, no screens required.
15. Discount days at local attractions–many local attractions offer discounts on their off-peak days or hours during the summer. My favorite local deal is Retro Nights every Monday and Tuesday night at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk where we get to play carnival games and go on rides, all for $1 each.
16. Check out a new park–chances are there are a few (hundred) parks within driving distance that you’ve never been to. Pick one, pack a picnic, and spend a day exploring!
17. Visit a craft store–pick out a project to work on at home. On our last visit to the craft store I was torn between a DIY tie-dye kit, paint-your-own race cars, and puff-paint hats.
18. Join a pool–you may be able to join a local pool or cabana club for just the summer months (or at least get a free trial for a day or 2 so you can check it out before you commit).
19. Cooking–Give your kids a cookbook and let them pick out a recipe they’d like to try. Go shopping together for the ingredients and spend the day in the kitchen! No picky eaters will show up for this meal, guaranteed.
20. Paint your own pottery–check out a local ceramic painting studio and let your creativity flow! Small pieces usually start at about $5.
21. Shop the deal sites–go on Groupon or Living Social to see what local deals are available. I’ve found trampoline parks, museums, and outdoor adventures for us to try out, all at savings of 50-70%.
22. Have a picnic–pack up some goodies and head out to a favorite spot for some fun time al fresco.
23. Learn a new skill–summer is the perfect time to introduce new skills and allow time for practice, practice, practice. First on our agenda: tying shoes and doing laundry.
24. Go geocaching–create your free account and download the free app from geocaching.com and head out on a real life treasure hunt!
25. See a performance–many children’s theaters and local performance groups offer incredible shows in the summer time, many for free.
26. Collect critters: get an empty bucket (or pick up a butterfly net at the dollar store) and head outside to see what little critters you can find. This week we’ve found ladybugs, lizards, frogs, butterflies…and LOTS of spiders!
27. Write a letter–Send some cheer to a loved one. Go through the entire letter writing process with your child: choose a recipient, write a letter (date, greeting, body, closing, signature), include a fun extra (one of those art projects they painted earlier in the week will be perfect), address the envelope, and let your child place the stamp in the corner. Bonus field trip opportunity: a visit to the post office!
28. Splash!–Visit a local splash park…or set up a sprinkler in your own yard.
29. Visit a pet store–my kids love going to the pet store just so we can look at all of the animals. If you time your visit right you can even be there during feeding time to see what all of those turtles and birds like to eat for breakfast. Some stores will even do free behind-the-scenes tours to see what it takes to care for all of those animals.
30. Read–When in doubt, read. And then read some more. And then read again. And for all of the summer, and all of forever, read, read, read!

Now it’s your turn! What are some of your favorite summer adventures?

In honor of the monumental fact that we will NOT be moving this summer (as I mentioned in an earlier post, this is only the 4th summer in over a decade that we’ll actually be staying put), I thought it would be fun to reflect on all of the amazing places I have already lived. The places I’ve called home range across regions, state lines, and even continents, making for quite the variety of locations. Each of my former homes have their own unique personalities–their own quirks and highlights that outsiders may not be attuned to.

As such, I’d like to share with you my highlights reel–the best each city has to offer. As a bonafide insider (or, in most cases, at least a former insider) I have discovered many of the hidden gems in each of these places. Read on to see what my perfect day would be in every city I’ve ever lived in.

Starting, now, at the very beginning…

Phoenix, Arizona

I was born in Scottsdale, a suburb of Phoenix. And, although I haven’t lived there since I was a baby, we still have plenty of family in the area and I’ve visited often throughout my life.

My perfect day would be in mid-April when the weather is still mild and the cactus are blooming. I’d wake up decently early and head over to Camelback Mountain for a hike before the day heated up. Once at the top of the mountain, I’d take in the sweeping views of the city and the desert below.

After all of that physical exertion, I’d be good and tired…and hungry. I’d stop for lunch at an authentic taqueria for some queso and tortas before heading back to my hotel (I’m staying at the Royal Palms–go big or go home). Next, I’d check in to the hotel spa for my Quatro de Palma full body massage–after all, I did hike already today. After my massage I’d lounge in the sun by the pool for a bit sipping an ice cold prickly pear margarita.

When dinner time rolled around I’d peel myself off my lounge chair and head over to Malee’s for some out of this world Thai food. I’d order 5 or 6 dishes and then I’d just sit there for as long as it took me to down them all. The food is that good and I know I wouldn’t regret it (ok, I’d definitely regret it, but it would still be worth it).

After dinner I’d head out of the big city to my grandma’s small desert town of Cave Creek for some late-night entertainment: wild west desert-style. Once in Cave Creek I’d head over to the Buffalo Chip Saloon to take in the spectacle that is amateur bull riding while listening to the live bands.

After watching the bull riders get punished in the ring, I’d return to my plush hotel bed– thankful that I still had each and every one of my bones still in tact.

Seattle, WA

I have spent most of my years living in the greater Seattle Puget Sound area. Although I’ve lived in four different cities in the area, I’ll concentrate my efforts on the larger city for which the region is actually known. After all, nobody probably wants to hear the finer points of the cities that I’ve actually lived in (even though Federal Way has such a nice ring to it…).

My perfect Seattle day is in late August when the days are long and warm and…perfect. I would start with a hearty breakfast at Portage Bay Cafe. I’d order the Oatmeal Cobbler French Toast and then I’d head straight over to the breakfast bar to douse the whole plate in all the fresh berries and whipped cream my plate could bear. Then I’d lick off all the berries and whipped cream and I’d go back for more. On repeat. Until my belly burst or they kicked me out of the restaurant, whichever came first.

Next, I’d roll myself out of the restaurant and head over to Agua Verde on Lake Washington to rent a kayak or a SUP. After paddling through the Montlake Cut, I’d make my way into one of the secluded inlets with leafy tree branches stretching over the water and turtles sunning themselves on logs and lily pads…and I’d take a nap. Just a little snooze to reward myself for all of that grueling paddling through pristine blue waters. After my nap I’d make my way back to Agua Verde and I’d stop by their cafe for some chips and homemade salsa and an ice cold horchata.

Now it’s lunch time, so I’d drive over I-5 to Fremont so I could stand in line at Paseo for approximately infinity minutes. And it would be worth every single one of those infinity minutes because at the end of it I would eat the world’s most glorious Cuban sandwich. Heaven on a bun, slathered in garlic aioli. I’d take my sandwich down to Gasworks Park so I could sunbathe and watch the sailboats on Lake Union while I ate my lunch licked my fingers clean.

After lunch I’d head downtown to take in the sights and sounds of the city. I’d wander through Pike Place Market and stop for some cheesecake at the The Confectional (P.S. Apparently all of my “perfect day” activities revolve around stuffing my face full of food. Now you now the secret to my perfectly toned post-baby body. You’re welcome.).

Now that it’s late afternoon–and I’m exhausted from my endless eating throughout the city–I need a break. I’d walk back up to Westlake Center and explore some of the shops before booking myself a 60–no, a 90-minute–massage at Ummelina Day Spa.

After my massage I’d catch an Uber over to Canlis for the best dinner in Seattle (Disclaimer: I’ve never actually eaten here because reservations are impossible to secure and the meals cost a bajillion dollars, but it’s on my bucket list and everyone tells me that I must go and I’m a lemming so we’ll just go with it.)

My day would end with a bonfire on Alki Beach in West Seattle surrounded by all of my friends and family–and that would truly be the perfect ending to my perfect day.

San Jose, Costa Rica

Between my Sophomore and Junior years in college I studied abroad in Costa Rica–and even though my time there was short, the country still captured my heart. I found home among the palm trees and the crashing surf and the pura vida, so I’m including it here on my list.

My perfect day would be in late October, during the dry season but before the tourists arrive for their winter holidays in the Caribbean.

I would wake up in a beach bungalow on the Pacific side of the country, maybe Playa Sámara where the sand stretches for miles or Manuel Antonio where the monkeys run rampant. I’d drink jugo fresco de morado (fresh-squeezed blackberry juice) and eat gallo pinto (rice and beans doused in salsa Lizano), grilled sweet plantains, and mangoes plucked from the tree outside my front door.

After breakfast I’d snorkel in the pristine blue waters, take a quick zipline tour through the rainforest, then take a nap in a hammock while sipping a piña colada.

In the afternoon I’d magically transport myself to Volcán Arenal so I wouldn’t have to drive on the narrow, treacherous roads that are the only way to actually cross the country. Once at the volcano I’d check in to my suite at the Tabacón Hot Spring Resort. Then I’d head downstairs to bask in the dozens of earth-heated hot spring pools while watching the red lava flow down the side of the volcano in the distance.

I’d end my day with a moonlit walk on the beaches of Tortugero where I’d witness the hatchlings of giant sea turtles push their way from their sandy nests into the breaking waves.

Cork, Ireland

In 2013, when our boys were just 11 months and 2 years old, we decided to move halfway around the world to Ireland. Sure, why not. Looking back at this time in our lives, I think we were absolutely NUTS-O, but I suppose if you know me then you already knew that anyway. And I wouldn’t trade our time in Ireland for anything, so maybe crazy is good.

We lived in Cork, the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland (Although “largest” is a relative term. People there are still outnumbered by sheep, about 2:1.). The perfect time to visit Cork is late May when the weather is glorious (or at least as glorious as one can hope to find in Ireland) and the tourist crowds are still small.

My perfect day in Cork would begin with breakfast at the Mahon Point Farmer’s Market where I would buy freshly baked almond croissants, rich hot chocolate (made from melted handmade chocolates and milk fresh from the cow over yonder), and local Irish strawberries. I’d eat scones with jam and clotted cream, and sip cup after cup of Barry’s tea. I’d sit at one of the outdoor tables surrounded by daffodils and produce stands, listening to live music and contemplating my next move.

Next, I’d head over to Fota Wildlife Park to visit the free-roaming kangaroos and giraffes, the tigers and the howling monkeys. From there, I’d continue on to Cobh, the quaint seaside village that was the last port of call for the infamous Titanic. In Cobh, I’d go through the interactive Titanic Museum, stop by the little red history museum, and marvel at the gorgeous cathedral on top of the hill.

In the afternoon I would drive out to Bllymaloe House for a late lunch at what is probably–no CERTAINLY–the single best farm-to-table restaurant and culinary school in the world. I would eat whatever they cooked that day (because that’s all there is to eat)–hot-out-of-the-oven breads; meats that, earlier that day, were still wandering in the grassy paddocks behind the manor; fish that were plucked from the sea mere hours ago; vegetables from the on-site Garden of Eden; hand-churned ice creams…you get the picture. And, since everything there is served family style and all-you-can-eat, I’d just keep eating and eating and eating and eating.

After one of the most incredible meals of my life, I’d take the short drive over to the Ballycotton Cliff Walk for one of the most incredible hikes of my life. As I’d wander through the cliffs over the sea I’d marvel at the sheer beauty of the sea and the force of nature.

To end my day, I’d return to the City Centre for dinner and craic at a Local. I’d eat steak with grilled onions and tomatoes. There would be live music with guys sitting around tables in the dark pub strumming their guitars and fiddles and bodhrán drums and we’d sing along between sips of icy Bulmers Cidres. We’d stay until way too late but I wouldn’t care, because this is Ireland. And tomorrow we’d eat a Full Irish and life would go on.

San Francisco Bay Area, California

Our most recent adventure has brought us to the technology capital of the world, Silicon Valley, in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is actually our second stint living in the Bay Area (we lived here for two years pre-children while Jon completed his Master’s degree), and it really is starting to feel like “home”.

Every day–literally every day–is perfect weather in Silicon Valley, so it wouldn’t matter what time of year my perfect day occurred. My day would begin with a run with good friends to the top of The Dish (a looming hill behind Stanford’s campus with giant satellite dishes at the crest). I’d take in the gorgeous view of the campus, San Francisco Bay and the cities beyond before making my way back down for brunch at Cafe Borrone (Acme Pan De Mie French Toast topped with fresh berries and vanilla bean whipped butter. And a mimosa. Or two.).

After breakfast I’d drive over “The Hill” to the beach in Santa Cruz where I would lay out my blanket, pull out my book, and drift away to my happy place. I’d just lay there in the sun, listening to the waves crash at my feet. All. Day. Long.

If I had the energy and motivation I might walk over to The Boardwalk to go for a ride on the historic wooden roller coaster or indulge in a mint-chip waffle cone, and I’d definitely grab a slice of surfer pizza from Pizza My heart.

Once I was thoroughly rested and rejuvenated by the surf, I’d drive back over The Hill for an out-of-this-world dinner at Alexander’s Steakhouse in Cupertino (you get to hand-pick your meat and nosh on amuse-bouche while you wait for your meal to be prepared–and they reward your patience with fresh-spun cotton candy at the end of your meal).

I’d end my perfect day with a visit to The Mountain Winery in Saratoga for a concert while we sipped red wine under the moonlight.

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Thank you for coming along with me on my perfect days.

Now excuse me while I recover from jet lag and go on a diet.

 

 

 

 

 

As parents we have to make so many decisions. Starting before birth, our primary role as parents is basically just making one decision after another for our offspring–and always hoping that it’s the right one. It’s a huge responsibility, and one that I do not take lightly.

The biggest parenting decision we’ve been facing the past couple of years has centered around school choices. After months of turmoil last year, we finally decided to give homeschooling a try. I knew that it was the right choice for us this year. I wanted to give David another year to learn at his own pace and develop a strong foundation. Last year I was not yet ready to send my inquisitive, active then-4-year old son to a big school five days a week.  Homeschool was a great option for us this year and I know that all of us will always remember this crazy, glorious year fondly.

Another factor in our homeschool decision was my own curiosity. I just wanted to know what homeschool was like–to know if I could actually do it. Homeschool was an interesting option for me, but I wasn’t sure if I’d want to do it forever. Because of this, I knew that it was a choice we would re-evaluate each year.

Which brings us to now. After a fantastic year of homeschool, we’ve decided that it is time to move on…at least for now! Next year David will be attending Kindergarten at our local elementary school and Jacob will *hopefully* attend  a local preschool (He’s currently on wait lists because apparently getting into preschool is about as strenuous as college admissions!). It’s been a bittersweet decision–we’ll all miss certain aspects of our homeschool–but one that I am confident in and excited about.

Over the course of these past 8 months I have seen such growth in my boys–academically and otherwise. I know that they will both be successful in their new schools. I also know now that I can homeschool–and if we decide to return to homeschooling again in the future, I’ll feel confident having already worked out some of the kinks and having gone through the initial learning curve. We have had a great experience with homeschool, and if it becomes the right choice for us again in the future we’ll be ready to give it another go.

Next year David will be attending our local elementary school–a bit of a hidden gem among the hype and rigor of typical Silicon Valley schools. It’s a tiny school (there are only about 85 students in 7 grades) with a long history (it’s been around for over 125 years and the original little red schoolhouse still sits on the property).  The school truly is its own little community, and we can’t wait to be a part of it!

The Kindergarten class that David will join has only 13 students, which allows the students time and space to do magnificent activities like weekly bread baking and gardening. I’m considering going back to Kindergarten just so I can join in the fun! David is very much looking forward to meeting new friends at “Big School” in the fall, and I’m thrilled for him.

While the boys are off at school next year, I’m looking forward to spending more one-on-one time with Hannah and having extra time for my other endeavors. In fact, the biggest change I’ll be making next year is that I’ve committed to take on a new role at my church. Starting in June, I will be taking over as the coordinator for our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. This is a decision that I’ve been praying about for over a year now. Last year the timing just wasn’t right but, with a more open schedule next year, I am ready to take on this new challenge. I am very much looking forward to leading this incredible group of young moms, and I think it will be a great fit for me!

So, there you have it: the inevitable change that comes with time and decisions. As we embark on this next great adventure, I look forward to seeing how God will work in our next stage of life–through the ups and the downs that will surely come with it. I will move forward confidently, however–confident in the hope of what lies ahead. Confident in the journey that God has set before me, wherever that may lead me.

This page has been a bit silent lately. I’ve been meaning to write–I’ve been WANTING to write–but I just can’t. In fact, there are a lot of things I’ve been meaning to do and wanting to do lately–but I just can’t. I am in a season of “I Can’t” right now, and it’s frustrating and exhausting and lovely all at once.

I can’t because my hands are full. Literally. I have a 5-week old baby who loves to be held. Like, as long as she’s being held she is a silent piece of angel magic, but the moment you set her down she screams herself into a tyrannical sweaty ball of anger. So I hold her. I hold her when I’m cooking my boys breakfast. I hold her when I’m packing my husband’s lunch. I hold her when I’m reading stories to my children. I hold her when I’m walking the dog. I even hold her when I’m sleeping. I can’t, because I’m in a season of holding.

I can’t because I am busy. We have *attempted* to start school up again and that means there are stories to be read and projects to be made and questions to be answered. I have a husband who works so hard for his family, and he’s in a season of  working long hours. His busy means we’re all extra-busy. It’s important work, it is work that has to be done, and it is a lot. I can’t because I am busy.

I can’t because I need rest. Making a baby, birthing a baby, caring for a new baby is hard work. It is tiring. It means that instead of doing some of those things I want to be doing, I have to say no so I can chillax for 5 minutes. I can’t because I need rest.

So, even though I haven’t stopped by in awhile, know that I’m still here…enjoying my season of I Can’t. This season, like all others before it and the ones that are yet to come, will be a fleeting moment in the timeline of Me. Some day I will look back at this season and wish for it again–for the exhaustion and joy that comes with it. There are so many I Can’t’s right now, but there is one I CAN I will accomplish: I Can embrace this season.

Whatever season you find yourself in, my friend, embrace it. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride, because it will all be over before we know it!