Summer Bucket

I'm going to take a break from all the running and surgery recovery stuff today because summer is in full force and I'm intending to take full advantage of it! I live in a very hot climate in Southern California, so "enjoying" summer isn't always reality. Sometimes the enjoyment comes from not stepping outside into the 112 degree heat! But there's something about that feeling of summer. It reminds you of carefree days of childhood and you can't help but want to recapture some of that same feeling even as an adult. So I have had a little mental "bucket list" of things I want out of this summer...and I'll probably add to it, but here's what I have so far:

• Beach Trips
• 2-3 Mountain Hikes including the end of summer kicker hike to Suicide Rock
• Beach Hike
• Camping
• S'Mores
• Homemade Ice Cream
• Spend time under the stars - heck, maybe even sleep outside under the stars like we did as kids!
• Reading at least one "beach" read (AKA - a less than serious novel! haha)
• Reading at least one classic
• Refresh my music playlist
• Visit a museum
• Picnic lunch (or dinner) in the park
• Take more pictures documenting the fun (I'm horrible about taking pictures it seems...LOL)
• and even more!

I know this list will probably continue to grow, but that's the stuff off the top of my head. Those are mostly things that make me FEEL summer is here. 

I already got several items marked off this past week when I had a little stay-cation at home with the family.

First Summer Mountain Hike

I truly enjoy hiking and what could be better than hiking in the mountains, especially when the air down in the valley is hot and muggy, but up in the mountains it is cool and light? Me, my mom and my sister hit our favorite trail - The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail - in Idyllwild, CA on June 28 in celebration of my sister's birthday. We started early and pretty much had the trail to ourselves until the very end. The air was cool, crisp and clear and the vegetation was still nice and lush. I really wish I could share with you the SMELL of the hike because it was amazing! We passed what I believe was several groupings of honeysuckle and the amazing scent was enough to knock you off your feet. Absolutely heavenly! 

Upon arrival the sun was still working its way above the mountain

That's Suicide Rock - the End of Summer Kicker Hike for 2013 - this is my motivation to hike LOTS this summer!

A view of the valley down below

Does anyone know - is that honeysuckle?

A little trickle still flowing...

Beach Trip

Joshua living it up like a Beach Bum

I'm hoping that there will definitely be more to follow, but I headed to the beach with the two girlies, my friend Kathy and the little Joshua for a day of fun, and not so much sun, at Carlsbad State Beach. It was an overcast and somewhat muggy day, and even ventured on chilly for a short period of time when the breeze picked up a bit. But the weather definitely didn't stop the girls from getting in that freezing ocean! They are definitely mermaids or something because they love the water even if it is brain-freezing cold. They splashed until they were blue and then would take a break just to head out again a short time later. And Joshua? Well, he had a lot of fun from his towel which he would hardly venture off of! 

We all survived with minimal "sun-kissed" looks (AKA sunburns) and capped it all off with what we decided was a new tradition - In-N-Out. It was an awesome day and will hopefully be followed by at least a couple more beach trips this summer.

Homemade Ice Cream

Sorry no pictures to show here of the actual ice cream...just know it was delicious Mint & Chip that was dreamy-creamy and oh-so-good! I have the Kitchen Aid Mixer attachment and it works fantastic. I have made several batches in previous summers and am looking forward to doing more of this in the future...I definitely want to try a nice butter pecan and maybe go old-school chocolate or vanilla. 

Source

All in all, I would say my summer is off to a great start and I am certainly looking forward to marking off items from my bucket list...but not just for the sake of marking them off. I want to make memories, breathe in the heat and cement relationships in summer sand!

So, tell me, what is on YOUR summer bucket lists?