5 Summer Loves
Linking up to  Heather,  Clare, & DC Trio Courtney, Cynthia and Mar!
Hey guys! I decided to hop on the “5 Things” link-up this week and share 5 things I did this summer or really 5 of my favorite experiences this summer.
1.Family vacations with the Scotts and Millers (our extended families).  One of the perks of living at a family camp is having our family come to us in the summer and we get to experience family vacation alongside them! 
2. Rock ‘N’ Roll 5K along the shoreline in Chicago. This was a really cool experience and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to participate in this unique race!
3. Beach time with Layla. She’s loved swimming and playing in the sand this summer and I’ve loved going with her! Â It’s been so fun enjoying the lake and other camp amenities we have like the splashpad, kids programs, and playgrounds.
4. Going to the Elkhart County fair! As a 4-H kid I’m a sucker for fairs. We had a sweaty, but great time at the Elkhart Fair in Indiana. Layla was fascinated by all the animals.
5. Having my friend Bethany visit for a weekend was also a highlight for me. Although we see each other every 6 months or so this was the first time in a while where there was nothing else going on and we got to just hang out together.
So those are some of my faves from this summer…..it has been a fun one, but not without its challenges. Nate had knee surgery and that was pretty defining and the recovery has seemed long, but thank God, he is almost 100% again. Layla has grown and she is so dynamic now, but also constantly testing her boundaries, as toddlers will do.
Sometimes we bring expectations into summer that are hard to fulfill: relaxation, family bonding, super-fun times, trips, vacations, and just wanting to make  unique memories and traditions. Like anything, summer is what you make of it. You can choose to be overwhelmed and stressed or bored and resentful; or you can choose to look for the joy in every moment (good & bad) and cultivate thankfulness in your heart. It’s not easy, but the latter is how I’m trying to live my life.
What is one of your favorite memories or experiences from this summer?Â
Looks like you had a fantastic summer with family! And that 5k in Chicago looks so awesome! What great scenery! I’m not too far from Chicago and would love to run a race there at some point. Have a great weekend!
It was really fun! I’d love to do the half marathon there as well! Such a great location!
lots of advantages living at a camp! that’s so awesome!
We are super-spoiled! I didn’t mention that we eat culinary prepared meals there most of the summer too, it’s been kind of hard to get back in the swing of cooking regularly again. #firstworldprobs