Summer Happenings

Finn finished school up about a week and a half ago, and I started my summer break a couple of days before that. But, in Portland, summer weather doesn't really start until the second week in July. Don't get me wrong.... we have definitely had some nice days this year, but, as I write this, it is 58 degrees and raining. Not exactly what you think of when you think summer, right?
It just means that we have to be a little more creative to stay busy during the first few weeks of summer... we can't just head to the park or the pool, or spend all day playing in the yard.
So, what have we been doing? Here is how we have been keeping busy lately:

• We had a big adventure to the Portland Aquarium. It's relatively new and we had not yet been. Overall, I was a little disappointed, especially for the cost, but we still had fun. Finn's favorite was the moon jellies while Phoebe and I both loved the octopus.

• We took a swimming trip to a local soaking pool (a hot tub deep enough to swim in).

• Lots of bike rides and dogs walks around the neighborhood.

• Play dough, painting, and oil pastels. Finn does some pretty amazing stuff, I must say.

• Lots of watching the baby ducks. You knew I was going to say that though, right? 

• We made a paper mache volcano, complete with eruption.

 

• We have made a lot of these muffins using gluten-free flour, honey instead of sugar, and adding chia seeds and flax seeds. Yum! 

• Playing with these hydrating beads. I saw them at a conference for kids with sensory issues, and was promised that they were non-toxic, biodegradable, and totally safe. They soak up water and grow, are really fun to play with, and shrink back up once they dry out.

• Working in our garden.

• Lots of play dates.

• A hike through the woods

• Story time at the library 

• Seeing John Prine at the Oregon zoo (and the kids staying up way past their bedtime!)

What have you been doing this summer? We have a long list of adventures that we are hoping to get to, but we are also looking forward to warmer and drier weather in the weeks to come! In the meantime, I think I need to come up with some more craft ideas for times we are stuck inside!! Any suggestions?