Summer soaking

I am always so excited when July 4th rolls around. Really though, it's more of a bittersweet feeling. Not only does July 4th signify that half of the calendar year has been spent, but I get a tinge of apprehension feeling as though I better soak up the remainder of summer before I see Halloween costumes and Christmas trees on the shelves come August.

This year, the family was experiencing the joys of a stomach bug on our lovely Independence day which left us with little room to be, well, independent. In short, we needed to stay home and have a low-key afternoon and evening. Our little girl ended up curled on the couch around dinner time and between that and our fire ban in the city, it was a very quiet evening.

That said, I feel like I need a re-do of that day. Anyone want to join in and humor me? I mean, can't we celebrate America's birthday a little belated? Besides, I am sure we can find a ton of patriotic garb and decor at more than half off now!! ha.

Here is a short list of remaining summer wants and needs:

-More days poolside. Some for just myself, some with the kids, and some with my honey. 
-S'mores on the back deck. Yeah, we purchased a fire pit this year. Did you read above about the fire ban? So, this one is a want for sure, but I'm not willing to pay $600.00 to the city for roasting a couple marshmallows. 
-Camping at the Sandunes. I would love to do this one! Brings back childhood and highschool memories. I think we'd have a blast, regardless of a little (or a lot) of sand everywhere. 
-White water rafting trip with my sister, brother, and their spouses. Family, you read that right! Expect an email SOON! 
-Family ice cream dates at sunset. 
-Hiking and nature walks. 
-Get a blow-up pool in the backyard. Every year my kids go nuts for that, but this year we're a little behind. I like it because everyone can be in the water and I don't have to have my super hyper tension mama mode on as much as I do at the local pool. 
-Family photos. I am so sad to say we haven't had intentional (as in professional, or somewhat professional..:) photos taken of our family since before Baylor joined our family. Terrible! 
-Winnie the Pooh movie. Okay, so this isn't very outdoor and summery of me, but I am seriously excited about the Pooh movie coming to theaters! I think I may actually be a tad more giddy about it than my kids, and definitely more than I've let on to my husband. Can't wait! 

I am sure I'll find more to add to my unofficial list, but for now I think that's a pretty good start. Until then, maybe I'll go hunt down some poppers so I can get my 4th of July fix. Have a happy day!