PLAY: Party!

Our sweet Finn has just turned two.  It is hard to believe!

And as his birthday approached we wanted to be sure to make is special.

However, he is not a huge cake eater.

first piece of cake on his 1st birthday - gagging ensued.

So as we got ready to celebrate his 2nd birthday, I started to think outside of the box just a bit.  For as much as he does not love cake, he is thrilled by ice cream. We decided to have an ice cream sundae party.  We had several types of ice cream and all the toppings he could dream of.  He was able to create his own huge and sloppy sundae and he enjoyed every bite of it!

not only did the birthday boy have ice cream, but he started his day with a birthday breakfast!

In thinking about celebrating his birth, I started to dream up all of the different types of summer parties I'd love to throw.

Whit recently mentioned a melon party.  Wouldn't it be lovely?

I would also love to throw a grill only party.  We are fortunate to have a grill that has a burner on the side, and there are so many fabulous ways to grill appetizers, sides, main dishes and even desserts!  It would be fun to do all the cooking outside!  

Martha Stuart has some really amazing summer party ideas.  One of which includes:

A garden pitch-in!  Everyone brings a dish with a the star ingredient being from their garden.

For the last few summers, we have been invited to a "Redneck Crawfish Boil and Slip n Slide Party."  It has been a blast and has been a refreshing change from the average backyard party. 

Growing up, my mom used to let us have Scavenger Hunt Parties.  She would make a great list and we would go around the neighborhood until we found everything on the list.  It was always a blast and we ended up getting lots of exercise, too!

What are your favorite summer party ideas?

PRAY: Summertime

I love how much quieter our schedule becomes in the summertime.

I love warm mornings spent in grubby clothes going for a run, and doing yard work and heading to the pool.  I love not feeling rushed to get ready for the day.  I love the carefree long days.

But one thing I do miss during the summer is my weekly Bible study.  I have a wonderful study that meets during the school year that provides me with amazing fellowship and helps to keep me grounded.  And I miss it dearly over the summer.

This summer, a dear friend and I are planning to read a book and study it together.  While it won't be a formal Bible study, it will be great to challenge one another and help hold each other accountable.

There are so many options for studying the Word.  There are books that have study guides to help you along the process.  Or consider just reading a book with a friend and discussing it weekly.  There is also a wonderful online community of women coming together for Bible study here.  Check it out!

How do you challenge yourself spiritually over the summer?

PLAY: Free

We recently attended a polo match at a local vineyard.  The backdrop was picturesque and the entertainment was wonderful.  It was the perfect way to spend a warm spring afternoon.  And the best part was that it was free!

I think we often get stuck in a rut of thinking that entertainment comes at a cost.  However, there are so many activities that can be enjoyed without spending a dime.

Some of my favorite local activities (that you probably have in your city) include:

- Going to a park with a picnic.

- Enjoying a hot afternoon at a spray ground.

- Going to the library with a list of books you'd like to read in hand.  And if you have kids, enjoying story time at the library.

- Our city pools have several free days each summer where admission is waved.  

- Going on a strenuous hike.

- Having a lemonade stand.

- Hosting a pitch in cookout or picnic. (Just a small cost if everyone contributes!)

- Enjoying farmer's markets.

- All comers track meets (these sometimes cost $1 to participate in)

- Join a book club!

- Going to local museum exhibits.

- Start or join a playgroup.

- Going to a beach, lake, or river for a swim!

- Many cities have free outdoor summer concerts.  We adore these!

This is just a small list that might give you some ideas of some inexpensive summer entertainment.  

What are some of your favorite free summer activities?