The Vance's: bucket list (continued!)

We checked off a few more fun things from our summer bucket list last week! First one, blueberry picking. We've made this an annual tradition the past few years and I always have such high hopes driving out to the fields. And then, I'm quickly brought back down to reality. Ha!

I'm not sure what year was harder....the time I took Simon as a 2 week old out in the blistering heat with 2 small kids during Matt's first day back to work (seriously, could I have chosen a more ambitious trek?) or this year. You know, the year I'll always remember the delirious 2 year old who became completely inconsolable and ended up dumping my giant bucket of berries on the ground as we walked back to pay. Whew! But, we made memories and that's what summer is all about, right?!

Carter had his best year yet! Usually he either gets bored, hot or tired and then eats all the berries he picks. But he actually contributed to the bucket this year and picked a solid pound himself!

The calm, cute toddler...before the frantic meltdown.

We met up with friends again which was so fun. These kids love each other and we are so happy they are also our neighbors. So fun growing up together having these memories.

Later in the week we took a break to just relax. Such cute brothers!

And then, the zoo!! Taking 3 children to the zoo alone is no easy feat but they were amazing, no one fell in an animal habitat, they learned a little and had a lot of fun! Success!

We got home from the zoo and quickly packed up to head to the beach house for the weekend. We don't get up there often enough in the summer but found ourselves with a schedule free weekend and wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather. And it was gorgeous! We spent Saturday down by the water while the kids played and explored.

And we were even able to pick some wild blackberries down by the beach to bring back home for a special afternoon treat....blackberry milkshakes! Yum!

The next morning Simon woke bright and early (typical) so I brought him with me on my morning run. It was the most beautiful sunrise by the beach. I just love this place!

We stopped by the park on our way home and even had time later in the afternoon for a visit to the local farmers market. The kids grabbed some fresh fruit as a snack and I took home some delicious heirloom tomatoes to make a homemade caprese salad for dinner.

The library has been a weekly (well, twice weekly!) tradition this summer too. All 3 kids just can't get enough books! It's not a problem, I suppose, except Carter is flying through chapter books so quickly we just can't keep up. He's finished a few series already and is finding new ones to start. Love our little readers!

And finally, another beach trip. Because, it's just the theme of summer 2017. We went back to our favorite local beach on Monday and spent the day swimming, playing in the sand, visiting the touch tank and getting an ice cream treat. Such a fun day we already have it on our calendar to go back next week!