After weeks of hot, dry weather, we've finally had a few cool rainy days in Seattle. It feels like I finally have my home back! The cool, wet weather has reminded me that summer will be over before I know it, which made me think I should check in on my summer to-do list.
Make ice cream - Not yet. Any good recipes would be much appreciated! I might also want to actually buy an ice cream maker before I try this one...
Camp on the Olympic Peninsula - I also haven't done this one yet. I've got a wedding to go to one weekend in August, but I should be able to get a good camping trip planned for one of the other three weekends!
Hike in the North Cascades, maybe this trail? On that subject- hike more! At least once a month! I haven't made it for a hike in the North Cascades yet, but I did go on two hikes in June and one so far in July. I'm hoping to go on at least one more hike before the end of the month!
Bake lots of seasonal pies, especially this one! - Two so far, and I expect to bake at least two more in August.
Kayak in Puget Sound or Lake Washington - During the middle of our heat wave, Andy and I made it out for a calm, cool, morning paddle on Holmes Harbor. It was a much shorter trip than I would have liked, since sitting at a computer all day hasn't exactly done wonders for my upper body strength. Getting out on the water was a good reminder that I need to get back into a regular fitness routine. That way, the next time I make it out kayaking, I'll be able to go as far as I want!
A friendly seal popped up in front of the kayak just before we turned around
Get temporary tattoos to share with a friend, like these! - Even better, I got to share them with my sister-in-law and niece!
Showing off my awesome temp tats
The temporary tattoos were a huge hit with my niece
Spend time adventuring outdoors with both my nieces - Andy and I spent a week at my family cabin near Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in California with my sister-in-law and her family, so I got lots of quality outdoor adventuring time with one niece. Adventures with my sister's tiny new baby will have to wait until she's big enough for her baby carrier, but hopefully we'll get at least one in before the summer ends!
Dropping rocks in the creek was definitely the favorite activity
Searching for bugs. There were many new ones to find around the cabin!
Roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire with friends - This one might be out until the fall with the dry summer we've been having. Campfires are not an option with a statewide burn ban!
Play mini golf - I made plans to go with a friend on a sunny Saturday in early June, but when we got there and saw the 20+ person line for the first hole, we decided catch up over beer on the patio at a local brewey instead. Definitely need to reschedule this soon!
Picnic in a park - Not yet...
Drink lots of homemade iced tea
- I've made three pitchers so far!
Take a road trip
- While it only took two days each way, during our drive to and from California this month, we found a beautiful campsite, had some—thankfully—minor car trouble, got into a fight over nothing because we were I was hungry, and ate some delicious food at a tiny brew pub in Northern California. That counts as a road trip, right?
The beautiful view from our campsite on the Deschutes River on our drive down to California