1. Infinite possibilities: This is the phrase that James and I used to use when we were dating, and we had “free time”. We were in college, and usually our schedules were packed with things. . . classes, practice, intermurals, homework, road trips. . . you name it. I remember when we had an unexpected “snow day” or a day off from student teaching or some other event that got cancelled. . . and we would always be super thrilled about the fact that we literally could do a million different things because there were infinite possibilities with what to do with our new free time. And that’s the same as summer. James has just a few more days left (Brayden is done today!). Sure, we have some events scheduled, and I have sessions/weddings scheduled, but there are infinite possibilities with what we could do for the next two months.

2. Sunshine! Sunshine = Happiness in my book. Tan little boys running around with no shirts on. Sunshine through the trees. Sunshine all around. My favorite.

3. Free activities! There are so many free things to do around these parts. Fishing at the Fish Hatchery. Story times at the library and kids programs on weeknights. Throwing rocks in the lake. Going to the beach and the other gorgeous local parks. I think this year I want to make a list of all the great activities so we can make sure we do them at least once each without forgetting about them!

4. Drive in movie nights at the Chases! Last year we had a drive in movie night at our house a couple of times. We put our projector on the front lawn and set up a big paper roll on one of my photography backdrop stands. The boys just love it.  And it brings out the little kid excitement in me too 🙂

5. Road trips! We aren’t sure what our plans are for this summer yet, but we’re trying to plan some sort of road trip/vacation to visit a few different family members and throw in a few day family vacation as well. Lots to research and checkout, but we’re excited about the possibility. We haven’t gone on a “vacation” in over three years!