Ah, another weekend with energetic young boys approaches and it looks like the sun will be shining and the temperature will be a rare perfect 60-degrees. We are in an extracurricular lull before baseball season starts up, and right now, all of our required activities are weeknights. So (well, in addition to getting a 5th grade science fair project ready to go), we’re trying to find ways to fill our time with healthy and fulfilling family adventures. We’ve got some big ideas but, most likely, we’ll be hiking.
I am also working on cultivating our calendars for upcoming months and it is exciting! We’re planning family trips to Washington, DC, Niagara Falls, and Colonial Williamsburg. Meanwhile, I have a gift certificate for a yoga retreat (the hardest part is trying to decide which weekend program to pick!), we’re finally getting a wine country tour in our area booked (we’ve talked about doing that for awhile, so it’s nice to actually make it happen), and Mr. Family Trip already has some mountain biking weekends with friends written in ink on the calendar.
It feels so good to get back to the life we want to lead, the one less focused on moving and settling and more focused on our goals and relationships. (Note: I really never want to move again.) I am still trying to find my groove in our new town when it comes to friendships and community involvement, but I have made a conscious effort to release any stress and expectations I am creating in my own mind and heart about this. All in due time…
Meanwhile, while we look ahead, let’s also take a moment to share some awesome things from the past on the Internet!
Our favorite Instagram we’ve recently shared:
Our Family Friday Five picks this week include:
1- This post, which isn’t new but just recently came across my desk again. Numbers 1 & 2 are tough! (Although, as I have explained, I have issues with number 3 and don’t necessarily agree with that.)
2- I love these earrings! They are such a playful nod to summer and warm weather.
3- Coronavirus! How can it NOT be on my mind? But I think my favorite breakdown of the risk, the affects, and what to make of it all is on MMM here.
4- While not in my budget, I can’t stop thinking about these leggings made from recycled water bottles. After our Grand Cayman experience, the idea of sustainability and reducing our plastic usage has been on my mind a lot.
5- We frequently do a family pizza and movie night on Friday nights, but to be healthier and save (a lot of) money, we make our own. In the past, it’s been super-easy to make dough with my bread machine. But, alas, after 13 years of marriage, the Cuisinart bread machine is not working properly. I found Mel’s Kitchen Cafe quick & easy pizza dough recipe and am not sure I’ll go back to bread machine pizza dough even when/if the Cuisinart gets fixed!
From the archives:
I hope you all are ready to create some great family memories this weekend! If you’ve been to any of the places listed above, give us your feedback and thoughts.
Get out and enjoy, and remember: the best trip is a family one!
I need to try that pizza dough recipe! It’s been a while since we made some from scratch and maybe the 5yo would finally approve. So far I’ve been told the pizza serve is not good. LOL But she will eat pizza served at daycare …
Have a great weekend! And, next time I’m up that way, I’ll plan better so we can make a stop to say hello. 🙂
Yeah, The Bug is always asking for Papa John’s over my pizza. ALWAYS! 🙂
And yes, I would love to see you! Just that thought makes me happy.