After several weeks away from the online world (I did check my email), it honestly feels like I don’t have all that much to say anymore — Dave might disagree!
My time offline was a fantastic, much-needed break and I feel fortunate that we can make it happen almost every summer.
I suppose I do have a few content ideas in the cobwebs of my “work brain”, but today it just feels right to share a little recap of our summer and a Dekker family update (a throwback, 2012-style blog post with no keywords or sharable images!)
Our Summer:
The month of June was filled to the brim with art camps, basketball camps, volleyball camp, football camp, swimming lessons, piano lessons, and lots of swimming in our own pool.
The weather was unseasonably warm in May and June and our pool water hovered around 85º — my ideal swimming temperature.
We invited dozens of friends, family, and neighbors over to swim each week — my grocery bill reflected all these extra meals and snacks!
Along with our many daily impromptu pool parties with whoever happened to stop over, our shady outdoor living spaces provided the ideal location for several large gatherings for my family, Dave’s family, our church, James’ birthday, each of the kids’ new classmates, and my Grandma’s 91st birthday.
Literally, hundreds of people were blessed by our home and pool this summer. Our family was also blessed with all the extra company (seriously, the kids just LOVED it!)
Outside of our own backyard, we enjoyed various day trips to Lake Michigan, our local county fair, friends’ lake houses, a WhiteCaps baseball game, the zoo, Rebounderz, bowling, free movies at Celebration Cinema, etc.
And while we mostly stuck close to home this summer, we did venture out a few times.
First, we visited Dave’s relatives in Wisconsin, to celebrate his grandma’s 90th birthday. We stayed with his cousin… literally in the middle of a giant cornfield (so fun!)
Then we got a free hotel stay right here in Grand Rapids, due to a conference Dave attended.
It was only a 20-minute drive, but we had so much fun walking around downtown, visiting the art museum, staying in a “very tall hotel”, swimming in the hotel pool (which was apparently more fun than our pool), and enjoying the sunset from the rooftop sports deck while playing cards and eating yummy snacks!
A HOME + FAMILY UPDATE:
Dave and I continued to plug away at various yard projects throughout the summer — although this year was pretty minimal.
We created a digging spot for the kids (an out-of-the-way space they can dig and make holes and piles with dirt and rock) which has been a big hit with our own children and with neighbor kids.
Dave did some irrigation work to help drainage around our pool and driveway and I “manned” the vegetable garden. We did not expand the garden as we hoped to earlier this spring, but our plants sure are producing!
I hosted a book club with a few local blog readers. We read Jennie Allen’s book, Find Your People and I think we all really enjoyed our time together, the conversations, and lots of yummy food!
Our family jumped on the pickleball bandwagon and now have an unofficial pickleball court on our patio area — it’s so much fun!
NOTE: This is the pickleball set we purchased… it’s currently on sale!
We finally decided on a home phone option (we’ve been mulling over ideas since I first shared about it last November). I’ll do a full blog post about it soon, but for those of you who have been patiently waiting, we went with Tello.
We pay $5 a month for unlimited texting and 100 minutes (no data)… they have many other plans to choose from too.
We’re using my old iPhone for now, but you can buy phones through Tello too. So far… so good!
I believe you can get $10 off if you sign up through my link!
Dave started his 17th year of teaching Math a couple of weeks ago… with a new Computer Science class that he’s pretty excited about.
We celebrated our 16th anniversary this summer (I’m still growing out my hair… this picture is from June 30).
Nora is in 5th grade, and excited to be the big fish in the pond this year!
She had a wonderful summer spent organizing activities, games, skits, and crafts for her siblings, friends, and neighbors (she is SO creative and can be a great leader when she uses her skills in positive ways).
Pickles are still her favorite food… thankfully, I’ve been able to preserve dozens of jars already this summer (here’s my recipe).
Simon is in 3rd grade and started football last week (our first real team sports experience).
He loves it.
Dave and I currently don’t share his love, but we’re letting him try it for the season… only 8 more weeks to go.
Simon spent his summer being the classic “middle child”, happily going along with whatever plans everyone came up with — sometimes crafts with Nora, sometimes sports with James, sometimes swimming with Clara, sometimes bike riding with neighbors. He also made at least 3 dozen paper airplanes.
James is in 1st grade — in school a full 5 days each week for the first time!
When he wasn’t too busy growing like a weed or losing teeth, he spent his free time recruiting siblings, neighbors, friends, parents, and grandparents to play pickleball, basketball, kickball, wiffleball, football, soccer, and any other sport he could convince anyone to play with him.
He’s trying to sweet-talk Dave and me into letting him play in a basketball league this winter.
Clara is in Young 5’s which means she gets to ride the bus and pack a lunch a couple of days each week! Wow… how did that happen!?!?!
She is our social butterfly — afraid of no one, friends with everyone. In fact, I only have a couple pictures of her by herself this summer because she is ALWAYS with a “friend” (even if that person doesn’t realize they are her friend).
The night before school started, she exasperatedly said, “I just don’t know how I’m going to do a WHOLE day without a mom.”
Thankfully, she made it through her first full day of school without any issues and we were happily reunited when she got off the bus in the afternoon. 🥰
SUMMER RECIPES:
I made LOTS of food over the summer — for our family, for pool parties, for the freezer, and to use up all our garden bounty.
Here are a few recipes I made on “repeat” this summer:
- Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
- Apple Cinnamon Zucchini Bread
- Zucchini Crisp (tastes just like apple crisp)
- Peach Crisp
- Homemade Refrigerator Dill Pickles
- Monster Cookies
- Finger Jell-O
- Zoodles (lots of zoodles!)
- Baked Beans
- Grilled Veggies
- Baked Sandwiches
- Chicken Ranch Wraps
- Pizza Sliders
- Stromboli
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Sourdough Pancakes
- Overnight French Toast
- Slowcooker Oatmeal
- Egg Casserole
All in all, it was a gloriously FULL and BUSY summer — in the best sense of the words because it was full and busy with all the things we chose to fill it with.
Although our bedtimes were often significantly later than “normal”, we have many good memories to look back on.
Thanks for sticking around while I enjoyed time away from the online world!
Natalia says
It feels so refreshing and “back-to-normal” to read your email and blog, again! I love the updates about your family and I am especially intrigued by the digging area. What a grand idea!
Andrea says
haha — yes, the digging area! Just a bunch of dirt for them to dig in without ruining our flower beds 🙂
Brenda says
Are the flowers in your wash tubs, zinnias? Did you plant them from seed?
Andrea says
I have several washtubs with flowers (yikes!) but the ones behind Nora’s pickle picture are zinnias (dwarf ones)… and yes, I planted them from seed. The ones I planted last year actually did A LOT better, but I think we may have neglected to water them as much this year and it hardly rained at all this summer!
JoDi says
So glad to hear about your wonderful summer! You really packed in a lot of fun. Nice to see you back. School started last week here, so I am playing catch up on emails I haven’t had time to read! I’m off to read your September favorites next!
Andrea says
Oh good –glad you’re back to checking emails again 🙂
Thanks for your kind words!
Charlotte says
Glad you had a fantastic summer, Andrea. Nice to see you again!
Jenny S says
Amazing timing! I was just thinking I hadn’t seen anything from you in a while! Looks like your family has had a great summer! So glad to see you backM
Andrea says
I’m still here — glad to be back 🙂
Lekshmi says
I was waiting for your email from mid August. Glad that you are back. An old reader here since Nora was born. My son is just one year older than Nora. You have written the most about her in this blog and that might be the reason she is more close to my heart. Happy to hear that all of you had a great summer time.
Andrea says
Thanks so much 🙂 Wow you’ve been around for awhile!
JJ says
Andrea, your grandma is so cute! That is awesome your kids have 2 great-grandparents to celebrate with!!!
It looks like a lot of fun, adventures, and memories were made!
Clara’s comment was just too cute!
Super cool that your kids were able to bring in their own water bottles and snacks to the movies. I’ve never heard of that!
Loved reading your post!
Andrea says
yes, we each still have one living grandparent — pretty fun!
And the movies were fun. We only had 2 to pick from, but the kids have only seen 1 other movie in the theaters so it was definitely a fun experience!
Hope you guys had a great summer too!
Fran says
You were missed but glad you had a wonderful summer . I can’t believe how big your children got…I’ve been here since Nora was born …looking forward to seeing your emails and blog ❤️
Andrea says
Awww… thanks Fran. I appreciate your long-time readership!
Lisa Marshall says
Although I am super glad you took some vacation time, I was so excited to see your email this morning. The kids are getting so grown up.
Andrea says
yes, it’s good to be back! Thanks for the encouragement.
Chris says
I agree. 🙂
Kimberly says
I’m glad y’all had a great summer!! Thank you for the update.
Shelly says
You & Your family are beautiful! How did those children grow up so quickly? Nora looks like a little lady & Clara is not far behind. And your boys…….oh my ❤
I’m happy you were able to enjoy your summer with your handsome husband & extended family as well. You deserve it. Thank you for sharing your life with us & bless you
Andrea says
Thanks Shelly 🙂
Jolynn Van Wienen says
They are all looking so old!!! . Glad you had a great summer!!
Andrea says
Thanks Jolynn — they are looking old to me too! Nora is almost as tall as I am 🙂
Debbie says
Welcome back Andrea! It’s always so fun to read and see pictures of your family. Your summer adventures are simply simple and exciting. Clara’s comment for her 1st day of school is so sweet. The kids are growing, developing their personalities, and they are blessed with wonderful parents as well as extended and spiritual family. Your 1st day of freedom with all kids in school sounded so relaxing. I would have added a foot spa or massage myself because that always makes me feel like the day is laid back and all about taking care of me. Your yard space is so big and functional too. Having a pool and a pickleball court is fancy! So glad you’ve maximized your yard this summer with friends and family.
Andrea says
haha — I’m not a “touchy” person so a massage sounds awful to me (but I know I’m weird!)
and yes, the pickleball court was definitely a fun addition to the yard this year!
Pascale Forest says
I’m the same way, Andrea. Glad I’m not the only one.
Happy to hear you had such a fun summer offline.
Toni Burton says
Now that all of your kids are in school full time I would love an update post on before/after school routines, how you handle any extra activities, screen time, etc 🙂 just an idea!
Andrea says
Well, Clara still isn’t full time… but a couple of full days (which is so much nicer than 2-hour preschool!)
We usually don’t do any screen time outside of Saturday mornings and Sunday movie night — but we have tons of neighbor kids to play with and lots of outside activities so our kids rarely even ask to watch TV (we don’t have tablets or phones/computers for them)
As for routines… we’re just getting back into our groove, but hopefully I’ll have a few tips soon. And we ARE doing a few extracurricular activities this year (I’m already sort of regretting it as we’re feeling much busier). We’ll see how it all works out!
Kristi says
Sounds like a great summer full of fun memories made for everyone!! Glad to have you back online!!
Andrea says
Thanks Kristi!
Allison says
Hello! Glad to read your update. Could you share more about Clara’s “Young Fives” grade. Is that like traditional kindergarten? Thanks!
Andrea says
Hey Allison — young 5’s is for kids who have already don’t preschool but are too young for Kindergarten. Our school’s cut-off is September 1 and her birthday is Sep. 25, so she’s not old enough for Kindergarten this year, but SO ready for school. So she goes part time… but gets to ride the bus!
Robin says
Glad you are back! Thanks for sharing your family with us.
Andrea says
Thanks Robin — and you’re welcome 🙂
Connie says
Glad to see you back and that you had a great summer! Missed reading your blog. Your kiddos are all so big, beautiful and handsome!
Andrea says
haha — thanks Connie. I’ll pass your compliments along to the kids!
Sharyl says
The kids are sure growing up. How did that happen? So glad you had time to soak in the summer. Always good to catch up. Enjoy your time to exhale.
Andrea says
I know — how did they get so big!
Thanks for your encouragement!
Doris says
Welcome back. You were missed. Your personal information pages was just what I was looking for to finish my estate planning.
I’m an 80 year old widow that enjoys reading about the fun things you and your family do.
Andrea says
Oh good — I’m glad that printable was helpful for you to get all your papers and information organized. I’m sure you have peace of mind knowing all your ducts are in a row “just in case”
Glenda says
What a wonderful summer you had. I am looking forward to checking out your recipes. A break from the social media world is always wise. Enjoy the next season arriving.
Andrea says
Thanks Glenda — yes, try the recipes 🙂
I’ve technically been away from social media for 2 years now — this was just a blogging break. But either way, it was fantastic!
Jamie says
I’m curious what you thought about the book especially with your perspective of simplifying the schedule. I heard a recommendation of it on the radio and checked it out from the library and am reading it now.
Andrea says
Hi Jamie,
Are you talking about the Jennie Allen book (Find Your People)?
I did really enjoy it — especially reading it within a book club group. However, I’m not thinking of how it references “simplifying the schedule” so I don’t know how to answer your question (maybe I’m missing something!)
Jamie says
Yes! Same book. Sorry, I wasn’t very clear. I was just curious if the topic of keeping life more simple vs. the deep friendships/doing so much together in life (big time commitment) might have come up at your club. I thought the book had some good ideas, but it also made me feel a little overwhelmed, so just curious if you all discussed that balancing act. Maybe it was just me thinking about it while reading. I seem to constantly fluctuate between wanting to reach out to people but then get overwhelmed and focus on things at home because I’m so busy with my own large family.
Andrea says
Hey — OK so that was actually something we talked about A LOT!
All the people in the book club were introverts and we also mentioned how much time it would take from our schedule to incorporate that much “togetherness” with friends and other people!
We also talked about the fact that Jennie Allen has a VERY different lifestyle than we do — she has employees and staff that do lots for her. She has cleaning ladies, older children who don’t need childcare, and a much larger budget to do more extravagant things (like go on a girls weekend whenever she wants).
So everything in the book didn’t really relate to us, but the ideas were still sound and we took a lot away from it!
Hope that makes sense!
Jamie says
Yes, thanks for the thoughts! You are right – different lifestyles and personality makes a difference but still some take aways from the book. I’m glad it wasn’t just me that got a little overwhelmed!
Cathy says
So glad you were able to take some time off! I was actually just starting to wonder if I would be blessed again with your emails.
It is a joy to read your family update, and see all the many adventures you’ve all had.
We also enjoy using Tello for our cell phones. We love the price, and service. We’ve never had any issues. My husband and I and three of our kids!! Best bang for our buck.
Andrea says
Thanks Cathy — glad to hear you have good things to say about Tello too!
stacie says
Sounds like it was a great summer!! Your kids are getting so big! Love all the space in your yard to entertain! Did you purchase that dress you had in at Thred up? What are plans while all the kids are out of the house on some days?
Andrea says
Thanks Stacie, The dress (pink and white stripe) was from a thrift store… it’s from Old Navy though.
No big plans for anything different now that the kids are in school — Clara is only a couple of days a week, and I do a ton of volunteer work for church and the kids’ school, so I’ll just have a little more breathing room in my schedule (hopefully!)
Tari says
Nice! Welcome back. I’m so glad you enjoyed your summer immensely. It looks like it was a great success.
Jenn says
So great to see that you guys had such a fun, connected (offline!) summer. Can’t wait for what’s to come now that you’re back online 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks Jenn — it’s good to be back!