Summer Bucket List

I mentioned in my summer must haves post that my friend Emily does a summer bucket list with her kids every year. I loved that idea and decided to do one for myself this summer! Davis is too young to tell me what he’d like to do, but I have a pretty good idea that he’d like to play, get in the water, and be outside. I can manage that list for him 🙂 and I’ve added some things for myself, as well!

I’ve mentioned a bunch of times that exercise really makes me feel better mentally as much as it does physically. I was so exhausted and burned out from this year of teaching that I was having a hard time motivating myself to move when school was in session. Now that it’s summer, I have the time to exercise, and one week in, I’m already feeling SO much better. It manages my stress and anxiety, and of course releases endorphins to help me have better days. On top of that, I know it’s keeping me strong so I can play with Davis and live a longer and healthier life. I put this as my number one because it makes such a difference for me!

Most of the other items on this list are pretty self-explanatory, but number 3 is really exciting for me. I told Andrew I would love to build an office inside our closet in the playroom upstairs. It’s a room that we currently have a desk and filing cabinet in, but it also doubles as a playroom for Davis and a place where guests can stay on the pull-out couch. If we have another baby, we’ll lose our guest room, and then the playroom will become the only place for guests – so I’m thinking ahead and trying to maximize space usage! Of course I started pinning away; here is all of my cloffice inspiration. We have a double door closet in that room and I love a small space. I’ll probably need Andrew’s help on this project, but I’m really excited about it.

The Scoop at Willow Oak Farms is a cute new ice cream place really close to our house. It’s on a farm and it has a playground, picnic tables with umbrellas, baby goats, and great ice cream. We have been there a few times but I think it would be fun to take Davis during the day when he’s not at child care, or on the weekends for a play date! The Splash Pad is a great place to take kids in the summer and it’s free for children under 2 years old (and only $2 otherwise). It’s a huge water play area outdoors; I used to go there with the kids I babysat for, and we would have a blast. I know Davis would love it! We’re going to the beach this summer with my family, but I would also love to go for a weekend together with just Andrew and Davis, too! And with my girlfriends! Honestly, any chance I can get to go to the beach, I’m there! Davis has never been to the zoo, so I’d love for us to do a day trip for that, too. I should add the aquarium! Dang it.

For myself, I’d love to get a facial from my friend Lindsey who wrote this guest post about skincare. I love to be pampered but usually don’t book many appointments, because $$$. But I’m putting it on my summer bucket list so it has to happen! I also have been seriously considering starting a small business and I am looking into the details of applying for the LLC and all the logistics. I will share more if anything comes of it 🙂 Finally, I really want to go on a few dates with my mans. Andrew and I have never been huge “date night” people, but we always did everything together before having a baby, and now we hardly ever get away together by ourselves for even a meal. Our anniversary is July 22, so hopefully we can at least do something for that, right?! Haha! But I would love to plan a few easy things we can do and find someone to watch Davis for us.

Whether you’re working or not, I think a summer bucket list is such a great way to hold yourself to some fun and productive goals! I am already thinking of a bucket list for fall, because I am a nerd and I love fall weather and vibes more than anything. Picnics, hikes, taking Davis to the pumpkin patch……okay, okay, let’s get through this season first. What’s on your summer bucket list?