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Every year, before school is out, we sit down as a family and put together a Summer Bucket List: all the adventures and activities we hope to enjoy as a family before school starts up again. This year we put “family picnic by the lake” on that list and although summer vacation hasn’t yet begun, I got a little excited and jumped the gun this past weekend with a surprise afternoon picnic for the boys. I loaded up all their favorite fruits and sandwiches and cheese and crackers. Then, before we headed out, Sawyer and I tried our hand at some fun lemonade recipes – ya know, to make our picnic feel more fancy. We started with our favorite, all natural Simply Lemonade® from Simply Beverages™, which doesn’t have any added preservatives, colors or artificial flavors. We LOVE this lemonade on its own and we’ve even been known to throw some in a blender with ice and make frozen lemonades. But for our picnic, we decided to come up with some fun and refreshing recipes by adding yummy ingredients to Simply Lemonade. Since Sawyer was my helper and berries are his favorite, we came up with a berry blend that was perfectly sweet and delicious! For a more tart and refreshing flavor, I came up with a sparkling mint and honey lemonade that Ben and I loved.
Sparkling Summer Refresher
Ingredients:
- 15 ounces Simply Lemonade®
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 10 mint leaves
- 6 ounces sparkling water
Combine Simply Lemonade, honey, mint leaves and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until well combined. Then add the sparkling water and stir. Be sure to add the sparkling water AFTER shaking so you don’t shake out all the carbonation. Makes two 10 ounce servings. Pour and enjoy! 
Berry Bliss Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cut strawberries
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 20 ounces Simply Lemonade®
Combine Simply Lemonade and ice in a cocktail shaker. In a small bowl, drizzle the honey over the berries then use a fork to mash the berries. Pour the berry mixture into the cocktail shaker and shake until well combined. Makes two 10-ounce servings. Pour and enjoy! I packaged the lemonades in mason jars with lids to make them easy to take on our picnic. 
We’ve learned to manage expectations as parents. So often we’ve made big plans, had big hopes for our adventures with our boys, only to be disappointed when the adventure ended with tears and tantrums. Now we work on living in the moment. We take each adventure minute by minute. Soaking in all the goodness, feeling gratitude when the boys are kind to each other, counting the smiles and giggles, making memories while trying to forget the meltdowns.
A few weeks ago Wesley asked me if I remembered the first time we took our puppy, Maverick, to the beach. This “adventure” was nearly two years ago and YES I remembered.
I remembered because it was a miserable outing.
We got lost on the way to the dog-friendly beach.
It was way colder than we dressed for and the wind was blowing sand in our ears and eyes.
The boys cried and whined nearly the entire time and Maverick got the leash tangled around every other dog there.
I remember feeling stressed and exhausted.
Wes: That was a really fun day. We should go again.
Sawyer: Yes let’s go to the doggy beach again Mommy!
I almost corrected them but a fleeting thought made me pause. They didn’t remember the sand in their eyes and shivering until their teeth chattered. They didn’t remember the tears. Nope. Their memory was a good one. They remembered taking their excited puppy to the beach for the very first time. And they wanted to do it again.
Me: That was a special day, wasn’t it! Let’s add that to our Summer List!
I’ve talked on this blog before about being the memory makers for our children–about how I feel it’s my responsibility as their Mom to make opportunities to build the memories that will be the foundation of their childhood. I’m a realist and I know that not all of those memories can be positive. But I also know that children are inherently optimistic and what we may see as a sandy, miserable day at the beach, they see as an exciting adventure with their puppy.
I prepared for our picnic this weekend as if it were another trip to the windy dog beach. I managed my expectations. Surely they would spill their drinks, fight over the last strawberry and complain that I didn’t pack dessert. But you know what?! Our picnic adventure was dreamy! The sun was shining, the boys were sharing, the food was yummy and the drinks refreshing. We chased the ducks, threw the football and tried to catch unsuspecting fish with a net…and while I sipped my lemonade, I gave thanks for the gift of this day: a day that the boys and I will BOTH look back on with fond memories of childhood adventures. 
What’s on your summer bucket list? Tell me in the comments for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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Be sure to visit the Simply Beverages™ brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
Sandy A
We are visiting our daughters and families this summer, and on our list is to see as many museums, zoos and botanical gardens as we can in the cities they live…
Kristin
Taking my son to the zoo, and then also riding the merry-go-round when we get there…not sure which is more exciting for him. 🙂
christina lipscomb
LOVE those bowls you have your food in – where are they from?
Shannon
Hi Ashley!
I’m not entering anything…
Just want to make sure you know about the great off-leash beach at Rincon Point. It may be a bit far, but it’s totally worth it.
I don’t have a dog, but I walk there sometimes on Sunday mornings. The people and dogs are so nice!
The boys will love the tide pools at low tide, too!
Shannon
(P.S. Love the pink hair! Zack’s wife recently added some pink, too!)
Ashlee
We’re having baby #4 in about 3 weeks, then we’ll see what we can get done on the list for camping, picnics, hiking, swimming and other adventures!
Elena
going camping is on my list
Elena
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/739888869663903744
Julie Wood
On my bucket list is for me and the kids to take a vacation. I have not been on a vacation in years and we are going to California! It is going to be so much fun seeing my family!
Julie Wood
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/739896206801801216
Mami2jcn
I’d like to introduce my baby girl to the pool.
Mami2jcn
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/739928945240477696
Jessica To
We want to go to a water park and a professional baseball game this summer.
Rosa Osorio
Going to move close to my daughter and grandchildren. I cannot wait……
Kristen
On our bucket list is a beach trip with my daughter and plenty of swimming!
Natalie
This summer my bucket list includes training for a marathon, traveling to Georgia to visit family, painting my bathroom and kayaking!
Natalie
tweet https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/739970080839192577
Margaret Smith
Taking our kids fishing and camping with family.
Margaret Smith
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/739982190423986176
Kelly D
I would like to take my kids to the beach this summer.
faith heimbrodt
I am so excited my oldest daughter is coming home from Boulder to visit for a few days this summer and that will be my favorite part of summer!!
Jessie C.
Family camping trip is on my summer bucket list.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C.
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/740006669573193728
Steve Weber
going camping and seeing 6 DMB concerts is on my bucket list this summer
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
Steve Weber
tweet-
https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/740053946354520064
Lisa Brown
taking a road trip to Oregon is on my bucket list.
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Lisa Brown
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/740150641163571204
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Mita
Hiking and Camping with family.
Elle
I want to explore more trails and nature walking paths and maybe go camping.
Robin
Going to the beach!
Amy Tong
My summer bucket list is take the kids to the parks, beach, maybe a short road trip, sleep in, have summer BBQs
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Amy Tong
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/740351273912782848
amy [at] uTry [dot] it
Hannah
Visiting my brother and sister-in-law and their brand new baby girl in Japan is on my Bucket List, and I just booked my ticket to leave in a couple of weeks! So excited to see them and meet my sweet little niece! 🙂
heather
Water skiing is on my Summer bucket list this year.
shelly peterson
I would love to make it to the beach this Summer.
cshell090869 at aol dot com
shelly peterson
tweeted https://twitter.com/cshell202/status/741829574879649792
cshell090869 at aol dot com
Madeline
Our summer bucket list includes a week-long trip to Williamsburg, and also camping with my in-laws.
Madeline
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/742027880297725952
Natalie
Taking our girls kayaking for the first time!
natasha Lamoreux
https://twitter.com/Natashalamoreu1/status/743181539937259520
natasha Lamoreux
My bucket list has taking my kids to Disneyland!
Erika
Hanging out with my daughter during swim lessons!
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Darby
We have the same kind of day out planned for a day this week when my husband is off of work! Lunch at the park to discuss what we want to do this summer. I have a feeling our bucket list will include going to the splash pad, one on one dates with each of our 3 kids, beach time, strawberry & blueberry picking, visiting our local farm (they have the best mini donuts!) and going to get ice cream a jillion times. Your berry lemonade recipe sounds amazing! Just added the ingredients to my shopping list.
threekidsandalatte.blogspot.com
Jeffrey
I’d like to take my kids to Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world. They are both little thrill seekers and I think it would be a blast!
Jeffrey
I posted at tweet: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/745353610855391232.
OFG
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/746076320824721409
OFG
I don’t have a bucket list, but my goal is to go outside every day for an hour. Rain or shine.
Kathleen
I plan on finally taking that romantic vacation with the hubby – no kids allowed!
Stefanie Gladden
I would love to have a big bbq with friends and family this summer!
Kristen
A family and friends camping trip is on my list…..I hope we can get everyone together.
Kristen
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/750048760277770241
Allison Swain
Going camping is on my summer bucket list.
Thanks for the chance to win
Allison Swain
TWeet
https://twitter.com/allisonrswain/status/750092571704262656
Tamra H
Taking a trip to NYC is on my Summer bucket list! Looking forward to it!
Tamra H
tweet: https://twitter.com/Twenteries/status/750766310443720704
Judith VanAlphen
Just got back from camping with my 3 teenage granddaughters. In August going east to visit family.
Judith VanAlphen
https://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/752616624931246080
Nicole Larsen
Lots of camping on my summer bucket list this year
Nicole Larsen
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/753352826307223552
Chris
Loosing some weight is on my bucket list for summer – and I am doing okay so far!
Margaret Smith
On our summer bucket list is going fishing and camping. Haven’t gotten to do either yet. Thanks so much.
Margaret Smith
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/759473322610585600
Jenna
On our bucket list is to go to mackinaw island and ride our bikes around the entire island now that we have no littles with training wheels this year.
Kristen
Our summer bucket list includes lots of learning and lots of fun! We’ve already crossed off times tables for one kiddo and tying shoes for another! It’s so fun to see them excited about learning something new!
Candice Cheeks
One thing we did this summer was explored lighthouses! The zoo and splash pads are other favorite memories!!
Tina M
road trip to Yellowstone with my son.
Tina M
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/761014138898358272
Rebecca
We plan to spend a lot of time at the lake. Drinking ice cold lemonade is always delicious too!
Rebecca
https://mobile.twitter.com/Michael64263870/status/763171434654998528
Cynthia C
I’m still hoping to get to the beach before summer is over.
Barbara Montag
On my summer bucket list – I want to go water skiing!
thank you
Barbara Montag
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/767954651207438337
maria cantu
Go to disneyland.
Susan Smith
Our Summer bucket list was spending time at the zoo and the pool.
Susan Smith
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/768566709762396160
Stephanie Phelps
On my summer bucket list is to take a cruise!
Ellie Wright
On my bucket list was a weekend getaway for just myself and my husband.
katherine
Take a trip to Niagara Falls
katherine
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/771299664259940352
sandra
going to the beach with family
Betty Curran
I’ve already crossed off the main item on my summer bucket list although it’s very small one. My grandson and I spent a lazy afternoon at the lake with our fishing poles. No fish dinner, but a great time together.
Betty Curran
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/772045214806446081
Linda
To take a trip to the beach is on my bucket list!
Linda
Tweet https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/772239835734024192
Thomas Murphy
I want to go on a camping trip.
Thomas Murphy
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/772541499967930369
Kerry
Camping by the lake!
Kerry
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/772610496495255552
Seyma Shabbir
Visiting Universal Studios orlando was on our bucket list and we did it!!
Seyma Shabbir
https://twitter.com/SeymaShabbir/status/772649447893397508
Debbie B
we visited Las Vegas this summer and had a great time
Debbie B
i posted a tweet here:
https://twitter.com/purplepanda1966/status/772656063229284353
Erica Best
state fair and picnic with my family
Erica Best
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/772814306413010948
Elizabeth pergande
I keep cool by drinking lemonade! truckedford(at)gmail(Dot)com
Elizabeth pergande
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/772821861193224192
kjasus
going to the ocean is on my bucket list
kjasus
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/772832989663428608
Tammy Shelton
https://twitter.com/QueenB_Tammy/status/772857738099617792
Tammy Shelton
We crossed off everything on our Summer Bucket List. Disney World, Sea World, Camping & lots of Beach Days!
Jerry Marquardt
Cooling off in the pool and doing some swimming is on on my summer bucket list.
Jerry Marquardt
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/772858743218278400
Wanda McHenry
My summer bucket list is to keep on working in my yard to make it more beautiful every day.
Wanda McHenry
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/772876227715751936
Tabathia B
Going to the beach, amusement park and visiting hershey park
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/772889795785793536
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Kathryn C
#SweepstakesEntry- comment
road trip to New Jersey to visit my mom for two weeks
kacor7@hotmail.com
Anastasia Falling
My summer bucket list has one last bbq on it! Let’s hope we make it 🙂
Anastasia Falling
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/772979399863873536
Mallo
I want to explore more trails and nature walking paths and maybe go camping.NFL Snapback Hats
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