Summer Bucket List

It's approaching my favorite time of the year; SUMMER in Michigan! 

CJ currently has a daily count down for camping, bonfires, and swimming in the lake. Well, to be honest, CJ has 10 count downs going for my birthday, Easter, flag football, and whatever else you can think of. This kid is a mathematical wiz and will tell you the exact number of days for all his countdowns ( he did not get it from me, haha!). 

There is something about summer that makes everyone happy. The boys love being naked, peeing on everything, swimming, playing in sand and mud, and going a million miles a minute. When I think of summer, I think of sunshine, kids laughing, Clark and I enjoying a beer and just being at peace. It seems like time just passes us by the way too fast, and I want to savor these moments with my boys. Eventually, they are going to be too cool for mom.  

Cameron is turning 5 this summer! I've registered him for kindergarten (insert a mom who can't hold it together). Cameron is our artistic, sweet-natured, and soulful son. I joke with Clark that he was our stoner baby, just always observing the world around him and laughing. He has this calm demeanor and is always present no matter what he is doing!

Connor just turned two and has developed this personality that constantly has our family on our toes. Not only does Connor look precisely like Clark, but he is just as funny as Clark. I'd like to argue that he gets some of his fun personality from me, but Clark said my jokes suck. LOL! Whatever CJ and Cameron are doing, Connor is right in the thick of things with them. I'm pretty sure I'll be losing my shit a lot more this summer. #boymom

Now for the real reason, I'm writing this blog. I'm searching for things to add to our Summer 2021 Bucket List, the holy grail of bucket lists. If your kids are anything like my boys, they are always on the go. I'm always trying to create fun memories with our family, and what is a Michigan summer without a bucket list, am I right? I wanted to keep a running list of what our family likes to do in the summer; inspire you, and hopefully, you can inspire my family with some new ideas!

Summer Bucket List 2021: All things food, travel, and summer activities!

Food

If you know my boys, you know that they love to EAT, and lets be honest, so do me and Clark! Food is life in this family!

1. Reese's campfire s'mores (there goes all the weight I just lost!) 

2. Fresh Strawberry Cake: any birthday's out there? I made this for Cameron's 2nd birthday. I think we were all licking our plates after this one

3. Eat at a restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Fun fact: Clark and I (well the back of my head) are in an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featuring our local Meat Southern BBQ! 

4. Try a new ice cream flavor every week

5. Visit a local Farmer's Market

6. Eat from a food truck

Travel

For summer fun, our family loves exploring and going to new places around Michigan. 

1. PJ Hoffmaster State Park: If you are looking for a place that has good hiking trails check out Hoffmaster. Last summer, our family hiked 16 miles in a weekend. The boys LOVED it!

2. Kitch-Iti-Kipi: We went camping in the UP when I was pregnant with Connor and decided to do a road trip to Kitch-Iti-Kipi. It did not disappoint!

3. Binder Park Zoo

4. Mackinac Island: Clark's Aunt Annie and Uncle Tom live on the island! Aunt Annie owns a cake shop and creates beautiful cakes for weddings on the island. If you are in the market for a wedding cake check her out! Annie's Cakes

5. Petoskey: My best friend lives in Petoskey and we make a trip up to visit every summer. The town is beautiful and the boys love searching for Petoskey stones. 

6. LeDuc's Blueberries: If you love berries as much as Cameron and Connor you will need to head to LeDuc's Blueberries in August. We make a trip with my mom and stepdad every year and eat half of them on the way home!

7. Michigan Adventure: All three boys inherited Clark's love for adventure and thrill. Michigan Adventure did not disappoint! If you are a veteran, check out the military discounts! 

Summer FUN

1. Go to a baseball game and eat all the hot dogs

2. Enjoy a bonfire with friends

3. Watch fireworks on the beach

4. See a movie a Drive-In Theater

5. Make our popsicles like Blippi

6. Tie Dye a shirt

7. Water gun painting 

8. Make a bird feeder

What is on your bucket list for the summer? 

I will be updating this as our family thinks of new activities to do or places to visit. Now it's time for you all to comment with all the fun things on your summer bucket list and maybe there is something new our family can try. I can't wait to hear from you!