Summer '26: "The Summer of the Squishies"

 Back to School is here!  It feels like this Summer was a blink. Working 3 days a week put a strain on me... trying to keep up with housework, control the chaos, and also manage to have some fun.  It was a summer of lots of sister bickering and J testing his limits and independence.  At times it felt like I was on an episode of "Survivor".  But survive I did, and I'm here to tell the tales. 

** Special note of appreciation for Grandparents stepping in to help this Summer while I adjusted to re-joining the workforce.  The kids made some wonderful memories and checked off several summer bucket list activities.  I am so grateful.

Magnolia Plantation Fairy Trail was a hit for all 3.  I loved how interactive it was, like a scavenger hunt.

Someone told us to play peacock mating sounds on our phone to get them to display the feathers...it worked!

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Riverdogs Game... J's first!

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First sleepaway camp was a success!  Camp St. Christopher was the perfect, close to home option.

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We had several picture perfect beach days this Summer.  

One of our favorite beach games this year was playing "Catch the Kite" where they chase its shadow.  

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Schuler Farms peach picking and produce stand.

We made our traditional peach ice cream for the Fourth.

Fresh okra, corn, and tomatoes...

...for a backyard cookout celebrating America's 250th.

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Lots of library visits.  The girls started carrying purses this Summer...looking quite grown.

Speaking of growing up...MB celebrated turning 7! 

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The girls have mostly outgrown playgrounds at this point.  But there are a couple that they still enjoy.  One of which is this tiny park hidden in a neighborhood.  Something about the large boulder...they love it.

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We spent a lot of time at Summit... We bought Summer Jump passes and definitely made good use of them.

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And last but certainly not least, I dub this "The Summer of the Squishies".

A glimpse of our "collection"

:)

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I hope to catch up soon with some Back to School happenings.

Have a great weekend!

xLaura

Hello, Dollywood!

We have settled back in from our Summer vacation and I wanted to share some photos.  This year we went to...Dollywood!

I think we got a good taste of the park, though my kids weren't into any thrill rides.  It was a long day and we all slept well that night.

The Gazillion Bubble Show was a fun break from the heat.

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We spent one day at the theme park, and the next at the waterpark.

I think I preferred the waterpark.  It was nice to cool off and it was more manageable with young kids.

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We stayed in Sevierville and we enjoyed visiting Little River Gem Mine.  It felt like a true roadside mountain spot, and the kids loved it. 

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One day we rented a pontoon boat on Lake Douglas in Dandridge, TN.

This was a highlight for all of us.  I could have spent the entire trip at the lake and exploring the quaint town of Dandridge.  But when Dolly calls, you answer.

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Last stop, Buc-ees.

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I'm so glad we got to check Dollywood off our list!

I think J could have used another year to really enjoy it, but overall it was a good experience.

Summer is passing so quickly, will share more of our adventures soon.

xLaura

 

Springin' into Summer

 Hello, Happy Friday and Happy Summer!

Yesterday was the last day of school and we are headed down to Folly this afternoon.

Here's our Last Day vs. First Day.  3K, 1st, and 3rd grade!  I almost forgot to snap this pic yesterday morning and I think you can tell my crew is over it.  It was a big year for all three and I know they are ready for a break. 

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And I wanted to share some scenes from our Spring.

A few notes:  I quit using social media early this year, in an effort to spend less time on my phone and "practice what I preach" with my kids.  Anyway, it's interesting how it's changed the effort I take to get "the perfect shot".  I'm much less likely to pull out my phone than if I were planning to share it in a post.  Also!  I stared working part-time this Spring and the weeks are going by that much quicker.   All to say, it's been MONTHS since I've posted some snaps of the haps.

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St. Patrick's Day Parade '26

One of my favorite annual events.  We opted out of marching with our school and instead enjoyed from the sidewalk, catching alllll the candy and swag.

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Father Daughter Dance <3

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Strawberry Picking!  Will be time for peaches before we know it.

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Soccer x2

J and MB each enjoyed the Spring season.

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Easter Happenings

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Spring Break Lemonade Stand.  This year we took it to the Greenway and I printed my venmo QR code.

Only pic I got, but they did well and the girls used their money on dumpling squishies.  I was talking with the Wonderworks employee who helped us and she was telling me about the chaos of dumplings and other viral toys.  Reminds me of the old Black Fridays.    

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Earth Day cookies for J's Show and Tell.

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Mother's Day!

School picnic with MB, Breakfast, and a day at the Beach.

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Always shoutin' out Costco and East Bay Deli Kid's Night.

Don't think I'd survive without them!

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And last but certainly not least...

I have a whole post that I want to write about my BFF weekend to celebrate our 40th Birthdays.  We had a "Golden Girls" night which was *iconic* and I didn't get a single photo throughout the weekend.  I am hoping to get more from my friends soon, but K did snap a video and here is a screenshot.

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Have a great weekend!

xLaura

Friday Highfive: Spring Thrift Edition

Hello, Happy Friday and Happy Spring!

With a quiet January and February behind us, the weather is heating up, and weekend plans are full.  I hope to share some recent happenings soon but for today: some Spring outfit inspiration, Thrift-style.  This morning I had a few minutes to try on some of the warm weather pieces I've acquired over the past several months.  I didn't have the time to go all in on accessorizing (and fashion photog I am not), but I still wanted to share. 

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{1}

Purple is my favorite color, and this silky floral poncho was a score.  The teal tassel necklace can also be worn as a belt; I think it's fabulous.

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{2}

This dress begs for a day spent wandering a small village on the Amalfi Coast, exploring local markets with a straw basket thrown over the shoulder.  For me, it will be more like grabbing dinner at Santi's after a beach day on Folly. 

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{3}

I am still working on this one.  I fell in love with this fringe bandana scarf, but it has been harder to style than I expected.  I threw it on with this easy cotton dress but I'm still playing with it.

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{4}

I love a flirty skirt.  I picked this one up on my thrift road trip to Murrels Inlet last year.  Also, I have to shout out this Kate Spade basket bag I found in the back room of a bargain shop years ago for $5.  Like all of her early pieces, I find it timeless.  

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{5}

I think this is my next date night look.  I am posing to try and show that the sides of the top are tied together.  Another pop of color here and it's a 100% from me.

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And one more to keep it real...

{6}

This is what I am actually wearing today.  I am setting up the waterslide for a little playdate this afternoon and it's going to get messy. 

 Heading to pick up a frozen pizza and some popsicles now.

Have a great weekend!

xLaura