My most memorable summer activity both from when I was young and from recent years is going to CAMP!

I've been a high school leader in the area for a few years and have taken kids to camp for a week every summer. It's a full 7 days in the woods with zero cell reception, lots of mosquito bites, scream-singing, mud fights, and the insanity that is hundreds of people throwing giant pool floaties over a net at the same time: 



I have many favorite moments, but some highlights include:
- seeing our kids forget about their problems at home and just have FUN 🤪
- one word: milkshakes 🍦
- spending quality time together and seeing friends become family (awwww) 🤩
- high schoolers off their phones! It's a magical thing ✨
- literally dressing up as a ROLLERCOASTER 🎢 (Side note: highly recommend this as a group costume... the people LOVE it).

I'm heading to Santa Cruz for camp in a week with a group of girls and even though I'm hoping for a tan (🤞) I'm sure I'll come back with a sunburn. Nevertheless, I know I'll come back with some good memories!

And with that, I'll leave you with this "vintage" camp pic from 10 years ago (looks like we were losing the game or something but apparently 2009 Olivia never missed a chance for a photo op 😘).

To be entirely fair I’ve had some truly awesome summers. From spending whole days on the beach in southern California to midnight light-saber battles with my siblings; I gotta say summer is that season that never disappoints for great memories. But I think the absolute best was last summer. My sister had randomly asked me if I wanted to join her and her family at the lake. I thought it was a great idea because I was upset. I don’t remember why I was feeling down, but I welcomed the break. We meet up at Safeway got some Starbucks and essentials; then we were off. She had the best spot picked out and our children had a blast. Water was the right temperature and we were thoroughly engrossed in the silly conversations that were had. I can’t put my finger on why this was the best summer memory. It might have been because I had gotten a good amount of sun and the best tan of my life, or it could have been because my children had the best time running around the shallow water in their life vest, It could have even been the easy conversation flowing because at that moment in time; for those few hours all that mattered was the people, the laughs, and the water.

Basically, remember rule 32#: Enjoy the little things.

-Columbus from Zombieland.

Most memorable summer vacation: Nashville Tennessee with the Fam!

 Leaving Sac.

For these 2 little guys (my nephews) and their dad (my brother), it was their first time on an airplane! Not to mention my low number of flights myself but I was the experienced flyer on this trip.

Once in Tennessee we got to tour the Jack Daniels distillery and learn all about Jack himself and the small town of Lynchberg TN. (Fun Fact: Lynchberg TN is actually a dry state but Jack Daniels distillery is right in the middle of it. Only alcohol sales in the county come from the gift shop of the distillery.)

 My Brother

 Gentlemen's Jack.

I could go on forever with all the pics and moments but I'll save you all the time..... just know it was an awesome trip!

 Cooter's Dukes of Hazzard Museum and Shop

 Broadway St. (aka Honky Tonk Row)