We started our day outside in our back yard.

It was such a nice way to start the day! Also I love the rainbows in this photo.

We attended a library story time for the first time in a year and a half.

It was held outside with plenty of room, the kids loved it.

Emmy missed Cory so much since he has been back in the office so we grabbed our lunch and had a picnic at Cory’s work. Cannon was sad that he didn’t get to go into the building to see the spaceship. But we did enjoy seeing Cory and some of his coworkers outside the office.

We spent the rest of the day running errands and playing at home.

Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Corn and Tomatoes

We had this shrimp pasta for dinner and it was amazing!

It has been very nice that we are having a bit of cool down this week. June was hot for us, but nothing like what has been happening in the North West! I feel for everyone up there, Portland hit 116 degrees!

It has been nice to spend the evenings outdoors when earlier this summer it was too hot to be outside past 11 AM

This is what our week looks like.

I did some “back to school” shopping for Cannon. I can’t believe how big he is getting and that in less than two months he will be going to Kindergarten .

The women at Western States seemed to handle the heat better overall than the men and it was an amazing race. Women’s Running has a great article about it:

At Western States 100, Women Really Showed Up—and Made History

How do you feel about running in the heat? I still hate it 😉

Anyone else feeling like summer is half over already? It’s not really, but middle of next week it will be, the weeks are speeding by way too fast! Before all we are talking about is back to school I though I would share some of our summer favorites.

I just picked up these Team USA shirts to celebrate the Olympics.

I posted these summer essentials before when we were running off to swim lessons every morning. I love my Yeti mug because it’s huge and it keeps my coffee hot. I love the kids Hydro Flak water bottles, they are cute and they keep their ice water cold longer than any other bottle we have tried. The white bottle in the middle is not my favorite, I will be looking to upgrade soon.

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We have been living at the pool this summer and have loved Cat and Jack swimsuits from Target.

The best summer shoes we have ever tried are Natives. They are light and fine in the water, I think they are so cute. Emmy often wears Cannon’s hand-me-downs but this year we got her a pink pair.

I have been living in my Birkenstocks, they are so comfortable and supportive.

When we need to wear masks in the heat we really like these “active” masks from Old Navy. They are comfortable and lighter then other ones we have tried.

Lastly I love this candle for the summer. We burn candles all year and this one has a nice summery scent.

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What are you loving this summer?

We had a great little weekend!

Emmy “read” me this entire book, it was precious.

It rained….a lot, and we needed it!

Started watching Le Tour de France.

Finally hung some art in Emerald’s room.

Watched a bit of Wester States, it was an exciting year!

We were very grateful for some sunshine for Cannon to enjoy his birthday gift.

Cannon chose homemade banana cake, and I was happy yo make it for him.

And we played in the yard, it was simple and good and reminded me how lucky we really are.

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How was your weekend?

It’s been a big day and I don’t have the luxury of just watching sports all day, I have been keeping an eye on Western States today.

Jim Walmsley just came in almost 90 minutes ahead of the competition. The women are still out there in a heated competition.

Hoka One One and Buff has sponsored an amazing live feed!

Check it out!

I can’t believe we are closing out our 4th week of summer! Over a third of the summer is done and I feel like it’s still just started.

We have been up to our usual summer playlist.

Visiting the library for books and DVDs (for car trips) I am excited that they have started story time back up outside and can’t wait to attend.

We read books.

I started prepping for Cannon’s birthday party this weekend. It’s just a small party for family since we had a little pool party for him on his birthday but it’s still fun to put together party favor bags.

We relaxed and watched Disney’s Luca (very cute).

I had to clean off our chalk board, I loved this one that my mom mad for Emmy’s birthday but it’s past due to have one up for Cannon’s birthday.

We went swimming a bunch

And we watched a thunder storm….

Then danced in the rain!

What did you get up to this week?

We are busy celebrating 15 years of marriage.

Still one of my best life choices, the years are flying by. Here’s to another 50+ years!

I saw this posted and thought it was a good reminder for our kids and pets this summer:

Our Humphry got sick on our on our camping trip and it was very scary since he has had such bad health problems in the past (and we will never really be in the clear with him). Luckily it was just a bacterial infection of some sort. Some meds and he seems to feel much better!

I am so so excited about the sports coming up in the next couple months! We don’t watch sports often but some of my favorites are all coming up! The track Olympic Trials are going on now. Western States 100 is this weekend!

AND Le Tour de France starts on Saturday!!

I am so excited, I love watching the tour, although this year I am sure I will miss most of it. The year I got to watch almost all of it was in 2016 when Cannon was a new born.

I was on maternity leave, he was my only baby and was just sleeping and nursing all day. We sat and cuddled with the tour on in the background all day. You can watch this years’ Tour on NBC’s Peacock.

Lastly the Summer Olympics start next month and I am excited to see all the best athletes in the world doing what they love.

What is your favorite sport to watch?

While International Travel is still limited, traveling domestically is on the rise! Below are some of our local favorites:

Ouray, Silverton & Telluride

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Manitou Springs

Steamboat Springs

Leadville

Vail

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Dillion Ice Castles

ROYAL GORGE – CAÑON CITY COLORADO

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Great Sand Dunes National Park

A few that are on our list for this year include: Rocky Mountain National Park, Aspen, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and some quality time in Leadville.

What’s on your bucket list to visit this summer?

Where have you been in the continental United States that you loved?

We were so lucky to get to go on a camping trip to celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with my parents and brother.

We decided to stay in Steamboat Springs because none of us had spent much time there and we all love exploring new places.

This was taken on a stop on the way out, potty breaks are a lot more fun in the RV.

We all went on a hike together to Fish Creek Falls, the views were stunning.

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The kids liked the big payoff of seeing the falls.

We also hiked down to the bottom of the falls so the dogs could get their paws wet in the river.

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We had four dogs with us and they all get a lot of attention.

We tried to go to the botanic gardens but it was closed for an event, it looked beautiful through the gates. We will try to go again when we are back in town.

We did find a couple playgrounds to play at!

We visited Steamboat Lake and took the kayak and SUP out.

We played mini golf for the first time and the kids loved it!

The Yampa River ran through our campsite so we spent time skipping rocks and watching people tube by.

Cory took the kids on a bike ride along the river path, the kids loved riding off road in the bike trailer (also they love snacks).

We celebrated Father’s Day with BBQ hamburgers, Mom’s famous potato salad and treats from a local bakery. It was so nice sharing this time with my entire family. Cory’s father passed when he was ten and we miss his presence in our life so much. If you are missing someone on holidays (or any day) our hearts are with you.

This morning we packed up and drove home, it was a good long weekend.