Summer 2021 was one to remember! We had so many wonderful moments together as a family; this recap was so fun to pull together. Let me share our top 10 fondest memories with you.
It’s hard to believe that I am typing out a summer recap. Where did the time go?
Summer 2021 was definitely one to remember. Our family made many wonderful memories together, whether on vacation or doing some fun things in our hometown of Birmingham, AL. This summer recap of our top 10 fondest memories is so enjoyable to pull together and share with you.
As I share mine, be thinking about your own fondest memories. They may look different than mine, but the practice of pausing, remembering, and reflecting on the good things is such a great way to approach the new seasons and open the door for gratitude and thankfulness.
Every year my mom gathers all of her granddaughters and us daughters for a ladies’ tea. She plans out a full brunch menu, fun games, and a craft. You can see that part of the fun is dressing up and wearing wide-brimmed hats! It is so special.
This year was once again full of happy memories together.
Want to try out some of her delicious recipes? I’m sharing 3 of my favorites below:
I had the honor to take two different trips to Auburn this summer (my alma matter) with my two oldest daughters. While there, we toured the campus, drank some Toomer’s Corner lemonade, and did some shopping! I had so much fun retracing my old steps; “fingers crossed,” they’ll be making their own memories at “The Loveliest Village on the Plains” soon!
War Eagle!
My husband spoke at two different youth camps this summer, and we were blessed to attend them. We loved hearing him preach and had a wonderful worship experience too. Our children enjoyed seeing the camp spots where he preached.
We still haven’t stopped talking about this trip! I shared a full blog post on the 7 Best Things to Do in Jackson Hole with Teens. When we hopped in the rental car that first night, drove to the Snake River overlook, and watched the sunset over the Tetons, it was something we will never forget.
Want some tunes to listen to while your family’s on summer vacation? Check out this Ultimate Christian Playlist for your Summer Road Trip!
We’ve been in North Carolina for many summers during the 4th of July, but we’ve stayed in Birmingham the last two summers. This year was really fun watching our neighborhood resort (Ross Bridge Resort by Marriott) put on an awesome fireworks show and have live music, too.
Paul almost got out and danced but opted out at the end, haha!
Abby had a big birthday this summer: #16! She celebrated having brunch at a lovely, historic hotel in downtown Birmingham at Roots & Revelry (highly recommend) and ended the day at one of our local favorites, Little Donkey.
Most of all? We gained another driver!
The beach is always good for us; our family loves it! With Andy having one of his speaking engagements in Destin, FL, we were able to join him and stay the week there at the beach.
We love all parts of 30A and have a full travel guide for families here. I also have recently shared a post on five beach essentials for families here.
This was one of the last summer events, and we were so thrilled and blessed to attend a live Living Proof Ministries event with Beth Moore as the speaker. My oldest sister and I took our teen girls, and it was truly a joy to grow deeper in our faith together and start the new school year with our hearts and minds refreshed.
Speaking of preparing for the new school year, I share 5 Back To School Tips For Parents that I hope you will feel encouraged to check out before your kiddos start again.
We have spent many summer days and hours at our local neighborhood pool. Whether swimming with our family or hanging out with friends, these have been familiar times playing and relaxing here.
Our neighborhood hosts an awesome Farmer’s Market every Friday evening, from 4-8. I’d be lying if I didn’t say we go for the food trucks mainly, haha! But, man, the food is so good, and with live music, it’s even better. Paul enjoys throwing the football on the lawn with friends too. It’s always the perfect way to end the week and is free!
Looking for more free things to do in Birmingham, Alabama? Check out this Summer Family Guide: Top 7 Free Things to Do in Birmingham, AL.
As I’ve shared our summer recap, have you had some memories triggered of your own? I’d love to hear in the comments below a fond memory you have from the summertime.