Every summer starts the same way—the kids get out of school, and I immediately start thinking about all the memories I want to make before September rolls around.
Some of those memories are the big ones. Family trips. Fun day trips. The things we’ve planned and looked forward to, but if I’m being honest? When I picture summer ending, those aren’t always the moments that come to mind.
I think about wet bathing suits hanging over the deck railing. Popsicles for breakfast. S’mores after dinner. Hearing five kids laughing outside while I look out the kitchen window
I’ve learned that the magic isn’t only found in the big moments. Sometimes it’s just found in having nowhere to be.
One of my favorite traditions is our annual trip to Wildwood!
Kieran grew up going there every summer. When we started dating in 2007, I also started going. Back then, that was our “big” vacation. We didn’t think much about it. We were just two teenagers going down the shore.
Now we’re fortunate enough to take our kids on bigger trips, but every year we still find ourselves back in Wildwood, and the older I get, the more I realize why.
It’s not really about the destination. It’s about the tradition. It’s about giving our kids something they’ll remember year after year, just like we do.
Right now, I see the school year coming. The backpacks will come back out. The alarms will start going off again. Life will get very busy.
But for now? I’m holding on tight.
One more pool day. One more late bedtime. One more movie night. One more family walk. One more chance to hear, “Mommy, come jump on the trampoline with us!”
The school year will be here soon enough. Until then, I’ll be soaking up every last bit of summer!
And I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message and tell me your family’s favorite end-of-summer tradition or activity. Maybe I’ll add it to our bucket list :)
Follow along on our family adventures @felishalynchxo