Hi friends! I can’t believe we’re in August, but here we are. I’m joining Coco and Deborah for their virtual coffee today, while also sharing a fitness update for a fitness linkup, so I’m excited to share what’s going on over here. Here’s what I’d tell you if we were chatting in real life (most likely on a patio because it’s patio season in Cleveland!):
We Threw a 100-Year-Old House Party!
Our home turned 100 this year, and we celebrated with friends and family. We hosted an open house/backyard bash with about 75 people. It was a great mix of friends, neighbors, families from our kids’ school, B’s family and kids running around everywhere. We had a DIY taco bar from Cilantro (so good), bubbles, temporary tattoos, sidewalk chalk, lots of sporting equipment, drinks, and I baked a bunch of desserts. It was supposed to storm but we lucked out and the weather held out! It was one of those days that just felt so much fun from start to finish. I wish I had taken more photos, but I was too busy enjoying it all. Maybe I love hosting more than I realized?
Summer Is Flying By
If you know me, this will come as no surprise – I’m not ready for summer to end. I love the slower mornings, the warm weather, the way it’s lighter in the mornings. I’ve been running more on the trails and paths near me, something I can’t do in the winter when it’s too dark. There’s something about being surrounded by trees and nature that just feels good for the soul!
Birthday Season = Complete!
With my kids’ birthdays in May, June, and July, summer is basically one big celebration. We had Guardians games, outdoor movie nights, trips to the Zoo, SkyZone, and so many treats. It’s a whirlwind, but a fun one. I’m always a little sad when GM’s bday is over because it’s so much fun to celebrate everyone!
Some Music in the Mix
This was the first summer FW is taking piano lessons at Musicologie (he took last summer off), and it’s been going really well! He’s been learning some Beatles songs (which makes my heart so happy), and while it’s definitely a challenge to get in practice time when the weather is so nice, rainy days and no school have helped. It’s been such a sweet addition to our summer routine.
Summer Fitness Wins
Fitness-wise, this summer has been one of my best! A few weeks ago, I hit my highest mileage week (almost 50 miles!), and July ended up being a nearly 200-mile month. I’ve also been swimming laps while the kids are at their swim lessons and I’ve continued weightlifting a few times a week. I’ve alao got in a few strollwe walks and runs with GM! It’s been a great balance, and I’m feeling grateful for the time and energy to move.
Fall Sports Are Coming
After softball and baseball ended, we had a bit of a break from the usual sports/activities chaos (just swimming lessons in the evenings), but that’s about to change. My son starts flag football and soccer next week, and in a few weeks my daughter will resume ballet, cross country and soccer too. I’m not quite ready for the schedule shuffle, but I do love cheering them on from the sidelines.
Summer Reading
I’ve been reading a lot this summer, and it’s been so nice! One Golden Summer by Carley Golden was the perfect beachy, feel-good read. I’m definitely going to check out more from that author. Got any recommendations?
A Little Travel, A Lot of Cleveland Love
We didn’t travel much this summer, just Memorial Day weekend in Atlanta in May, a week in Boston in June, and a quick trip to Albany (now!) to see my brother who’s visiting from Germany. But honestly? I love summer in Cleveland. It’s my favorite time to be here.
So that’s me. What about you? What’s been bringing you joy this summer?
Linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher for the Fit Five Friday linkup and the Ultimate Coffee Date hosted by Coco and Deborah
Questions for you:
- Any summer reading recommendations?
- Is summer lower key for you, too?
I Crashed The Web 
wow. You are one busy lady. my running has slacked off but other things have kept me busy. you are in Albany and I didn’t meet you?? Only kidding. next time.
wow. You are one busy lady.
my running has slacked off but other things have kept me busy.
you are in Albany and I didn’t meet you?? Only kidding.
next time.
yes!! A quick trip. One of these times we will stay longer!
Your summer sounds incredibly busy (to me) but so fun. I haven’t been enjoying the heat, but I am enjoying the laid back vibes… which will all come crashing to an end when school starts. Oh well- it can’t go on forever.
Your “house birthday party” sounds like SO MUCH FUN! Yes, I think you should embrace hosting more- you’re obviously good at it.
you all have been busy this summer! what a fun way to celebrate your home with a party.Love it! Swimming is such a great compliment to running and everything else. Enjoy the rest of your summer
you all have been busy this summer! what a fun way to celebrate your home with a party.Love it! Swimming is such a great compliment to running and everything else. Enjoy the rest of your summer
Sounds like you’re having a fun summer so far! And great job with your fitness!
You’ve had a great summer! I well remember all the busyness of summer with kids’ activities, etc. We had two July birthdays in our house, so once July hit, it felt like a fast-forward to back-to-school afterwards. The 100-year celebration is a clever idea!
It looks like you had an amazing summer. Ours was awful in some ways and wonderful in others. I”m kind of ready for it to be over so we can move on to the next things. We are back in marching band season, so it’s going to be wildly busy for the next few months.
I love the idea that you threw a party for your house. 100 years old – it must be fabulous!
It sounds like you’ve had/and are having a fabulous summer! So many birthdays and so much fun!
Our sons have long been out of the nest and I work part-time so all seasons are low key for me these days. 😉 However, I am always so busy doing house projects, working in my garden, etc.
Wow! You did so much this Summer. I didn’t do half of what you did. 🙂 I love the idea of celebrating your house. The celebrations looks like a lot of fun!
Your house party sounds like a blast! You sound like a great host too!
I had a pretty low-key summer but have a LOT of travel on tap this fall.
Aww, that’s such a fun excuse for a celebration! Happy birthday to your house! The food looks so good + the kids look like they had a blast! :]
Great job on hitting so many miles in a single week!
I haven’t read One Golden Summer yet but it sounds like a good/light read! I read God of the Woods (by Liz Moore) earlier this year and it felt like a good summer read (about a young girl who disappears from a summer camp). Funny Story (by Emily Henry) was a cute read too!