School ended and we dove headfirst into summer! This past month we have gone to Vacation Bible School, quite a few swim meets and practices, and Girl Scout camp. What a fun month! Here is our life lately June 2024 and what we have been up to.
Books I’ve Read
- How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn– When James Sidwell, Marquis of Riverdale, offered to help Elizabeth Hotchkiss find herself a husband, he never dreamed that the only candidate he could propose would be himself. I enjoy listening to Quinn’s books when I run. This was cute and pretty light. 3.5/5
- Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid– The Six were well on their way to fame when Daisy Jones joined the group. This follows their album and the mystery behind their infamous breakup. This was fascinating and I loved the documentary style telling. 5/5
- The Idea of You by Robinne Lee– The last thing Solène expects is to make a connection with one of the members of the world-famous August Moon when she takes her daughter to a concert. I watched the movie and had to read the book. What a message about motherhood. 5/5
- Mad Love by Wendy Walker- They were madly in love. The perfect couple. That was the story everyone in South River believed…until Gin Talcott and Adam Archer are found shot in their bed. This was a really good mystery that kept me guessing until the end. 4/5
- Homecoming by Kate Morton– Christmas Eve, 1959. A local deliveryman discovers a family murdered. Many years later Jess, a journalist, finds a connection between her own family and this once-infamous scandal. I love the way Morton weaves her stories and keeps you guessing. This was fantastic. 5/5
Recipes I’ve Made
- Wonton Taco Cups– They were very tasty and easy to make. Avie helped to fill them. My muffin tins are a bit larger so I used 2 wonton wrappers for each one and it was perfect.
- Key Lime poke cake- Claire made this and frosted it with whipped cream and we all enjoyed it. It’s a slightly lighter dessert and has great flavor.
- Banana Cinnamon Roll Cake– I doubled the recipe and I’m so glad I did. It does not have an overly banana flavor and tastes exactly like a cinnamon roll. We frosted ours instead of icing. It was delicious.
- Smoked Pulled Ham– Matt had been wanting to smoke something and made this. It is a nice alternative to pulled pork. I really liked the seasoning!
- Butterbeer Cookies– I had to use caramel syrup because I couldn’t find butterscotch, but these were fabulous. I doubled the batch to have extras to bring to swim meets.
- Pizza Rolls– These are incredibly easy to put together and SO GOOD! I didn’t even blend the cottage cheese and it didn’t make much of a difference.
- Blackstone Tortellini– We actually used pierogis for this since we had some in the freezer. The entire family really enjoyed this quick and easy meal.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Sheet Cake– This was so yummy! I think Claire or Avie made it (sorry it was over a month ago). It had great flavor.
- Chili Garlic Chicken Fried Rice– This was a tiktok recipe that is higher in protein. I liked it, but it wasn’t anything too memorable.
Currently
- Loving- We just purchased some much-needed new patio furniture. It looks so good!
- Looking forward to- There are so many fun things I’m looking forward to! I’m meeting up with the Blonde Squad in July for the Laura Geller luncheon and again at the end of July for a weekend away. I’m also looking forward to our family vacation in early August.
- Savoring- I’m doing my best to savor summer. It already seems to be flying by.
- Celebrating- We will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary at the end of this month.
- Remembering- This summer has me especially nostalgic about when the girls were younger. They both seem so much more mature and older lately.
- Family update:
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- Aveline- Avie is really crushing it this swim season. She started swimming the fly and some relays as a 6 year old. She has so much drive and loves going to swim practice everyday. She also got to attend Girl Scout day camp this week and has been having so much fun.
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- Claire- Claire has been working hard training for a Splash & Dash race with a swim and run portion. It’s hard to run in the heat, but she is rocking it. She is currently attending her first sleep away camp and I can’t wait to hear about it!
- Matt- Matt was swim judge again this season and already got all his meets done so he can sit back and enjoy now. He’s debating being a USA swim judge for the club season, too.
Our giant lily
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- Me- I’m excited to finally be racing again this Saturday. It’s been a wonderful swim season so far. Both sets of grandparents and Matt’s sister and her family came this past weekend to see the girls. It was so fun!
onto middle school
JUNE GOALS
- Go to an estate sale- I found one I’m kind of hoping to go to later this week.
- Add window trim to living room window– Done! It looks amazing and really elevates the space.
- Get a pedicure– I wish I could have done this, but Avie accidentally stepped on my toe about a month ago. Long story short- it’s not pretty and I’m embarrassed to go get a pedicure now! Oh well.
- Have a date night- We have one planned for Saturday night to celebrate our anniversary.
July Goals
- Clean bedroom and dining room chandelier
- Get gardening done- There are a few plants I need to move around in our yard.
- Get my work physical done
LINKING UP WITH WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY, OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS
