June 2020 Check-In

For me, the end of the school year and start of summer is always very ceremonious. I count down until that day when my kiddos exit the bus for the last day of the school year, entering into a summer of extra family time, sunshine, and adventure. 

But 2020 had different plans, no? It feels like summer started back in March, when quarantine began and life as we knew it, halted. So, maybe that's why it feels like we have gotten extra time out of summer this year? Usually, our June days are chock full of swim team and all-star baseball practices, with trips to the pool and camps thrown in between. But this year, our summer days are void of swim team and baseball with just one camp to speak of to date. BUT we have managed to enjoy our quieter summer, spending lots of time together and lots of time with friends. And somehow, some way, June is now on it's way out while July marches in. Before it's exit though, here's a look at how our June 2020 unfolded: 

There were LOTS of days spent at the pool (at one point, we had gone 13 days in a row - ha!)

There was time spent with friends of all ages 

There were date nights with dear friends (with no group photos to show for it) ;) 

There was an outdoor camp for Raleigh and some of her sweet girl gang 

There was a father-son day trip to Pennsylvania

There were our weekly therapies, along with the resumption of dance, for our Bels

There were long awaited grandparent reunions 

There were trips to get ice cream and snowballs

There were (mask-required) doctor appointments (as well as a few virtual doc appointments, too!)

There was a fun Father's Day weekend 

There was the re-opening of my beloved Barre3's doors <3

There was a 16-year anniversary weekend trip to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, just the two of us

And, of course, our BLOMPS Beach trip

And now, July is upon us and with it, some fun plans and some no plans, and I am excited for it all. Let's see where the rest of this summer takes us. It's sure to be a wild one...

BLOMPS Beach 2020

Whelp. June is zipping by, and we are now back from my favorite BLOMPS Beach trip to date! That says a lot, seeing as how it is always one of my favorite weeks of the year. But. This one was just...extra special. 

And here's the crazy thing: the forecast was terrible the first half of the trip. We're talking cool temperatures and lots and lots (and lots) of rain. I was worried it'd be a bust. But it was just perfect. Those first few days, we flew out onto the beach whenever there was a break in the rain and then warmed ourselves in our hot tubs when the raindrops emerged again. We cozied in and played card games and got ice cream and souvenirs and just had the best time despite the rain those first few days. 

And then, the second half of the week, the weather was divine: sunshine and temperatures in the 80s, which meant we didn't feel like we were going to melt 5 minutes after walking onto the beach and our feet weren't being scorched by hot sand, yet the ocean was still warm enough to swim in and boogey board in, which we did lots of. In short, it was SO good for the soul. I have been working through some things and this was just what I needed: time away with so many of the people I love and trust and value most in the world. 

And that being said, here's a lovely little photo dump of our time at Topsail Island, North Carolina, last week. Some of the highlights: 

Every year, the first evening, as soon as we all arrive and quickly unpack, we let the kids run onto the beach, fully clothed, and just have at it. 

The mornings started with little feet running up and down stairs and into and out of rooms; eating "Party Muffins" while watching ipads; snuggling and laughing, as soon as little eyes opened often way too early each day. And the days often ended the same way, too. ;) 

Even when the weather tried to dampen our spirits, it did just the opposite! We had so much fun, even when the ran fell. 

And on those overcast, cooler days, when the rain halted, we headed straight to the beach! 

So, not surprisingly, when the sun shone beautifully those last three days, we enjoyed every.single.second. of it! We were out early and stayed out all day!

We made great use of the pool, which is usually where we ended our days. 

And I snuck in some one-on-one time with each of my Lu Crew peeps, too. <3

Grown-up time was definitely a favorite time, whether chatting on the beach or staying up way too late for the kind of conversations and games that had us laughing until we cried. The.Best. 

It was just...everything. Everything I needed, and then some. I left Topsail Island with a full heart...

 

...and so many happy memories. I am so very thankful for these people, and this time together. Until next year, BLOMPS Beach... <3