This is the End…

Well you blinked --- and now summer is almost over. Personally, I cannot believe the last few months went as fast as they did. And yet, here we are, once again, frantically searching for back-to-school sales and trying to squeeze in as much fun in as little time as possible. It sure seems like this happens every year…

But, even though the warm days of summer are numbered, there’s still plenty of time left to have some fun. After all, you can always: go swimming, take a bike ride, check out a local park, play an outdoor game, head to the beach, host your own party, or enjoy something as simple as eating (or making) ice cream. But why stop there?

If you’re into music, be sure to check and see what summer concert tours are rolling through a town near you. Or maybe pack up the car, load a cooler and head to a nearby theme park for a 1-day or weekend getaway (because nothing says “summer” like a 300 foot roller coaster!). If that sounds like too much excitement, consider taking a family camping trip -- there’s no better way to escape the stress and hectic pace of everyday life. You can even have a campout with the kids in your own backyard!

The key here is to get creative and make the most of the time that remains. If, for example, you and your significant other typically eat dinner at a restaurant once a week, perhaps consider heading outdoors and having a romantic picnic instead. And when it comes to family dinner, paper plates and picnic tables are a great substitute for the kitchen table and dishes (and it certainly makes clean-up easier, too!).

To me, summer is about making as many memories as you can. As much as I love some of the other seasons, there’s just something magical about this time of year. So make sure you get out there and enjoy the remaining days of summer and all of its fleeting beauty --- it’ll be gone before you know it. Oh, and be sure to take lots of pictures, too!

Feel free to share your favorite summer memories, stories, and thoughts with other members in the comments section below.

National S’more Day

Wow is it hot here in the mid-west! The “dog days” of summer have arrived. One of my favorite summer activities is to go camping with the family. It’s so enjoyable to get away from our hectic daily routines and enjoy the serenity of nature.

Gathering around the campfire at the end of the day is my favorite part. Of course, you can’t have a campfire without indulging in the traditional campfire treat – S’mores. There are variations on this classic dessert, but all you really need is a Hershey’s chocolate candy bar, graham crackers and a gently toasted jet-puffed marshmallow.

So in honor of National S’more Day, we want to hear your favorite camping, campfire and S’more stories.