2019 Summer To Do List

We've never really done a seasonal bucket list before, but figured this is the time to start. My schedule is more flexible than ever and our kids are at an age where it is much easier to get out and about and enjoy activities as a family. I had a couple things around town that I wanted to try and I added some of our favorite places we like to go. It was fun to get Cora involved in making the list and seeing how many pool/sleepover combinations she could come up with. I'm looking forward to seeing if we can fit all of this in our 11 weeks of summer break. I'll be updating with links as we complete activities.

+ Pool (purchase passes)
+ Bike Riding
+ Cincinnati Art Museum (Burning Man Exhibit) Phase 1 and Phase 2
+ Ault Park and hiking
+ Highfield Discovery Center
+ Zoo Trip
+ Sharon Woods, Gorge Trail, and Root Beer Stand
+ River walk and Smale Park (carousel?)
+ Lemonade Stand
+ Taft Museum (Patrick Dougherty sculpture)
+ Cookout
+ Bike Riding
+ Sleepover with Grandparents (double sleepover)
+ Picnic
+ Parade (4th of July)
+ Louisville trip
+ Farmers Market
+ Movie in theaters (or drive in?)
+ Dye hair mermaid colors
+ Face paint
+ Play date
+ Sleepover with aunt and uncle
+ Paint inside play cottage
+ Vacation... Cottage!

Cora's 6th Birthday Celebrations

Cora Jean is someone that loves a good party... which is fitting because she was named after my grandma that loved parties. Cora talked about having a birthday for months, so she was extremely excited when the day finally came.

We did a joint birthday party with my aunt and uncle. We stuck with the birthday brunch because it is fairly easy to do and Saturday mornings are a perfect time to have a party and celebrate without eating up the entire weekend. We had bagels, smoked salmon, fruit, veggie tray, and a variety of drinks.

On her actual birthday, Ben took Ida on some jobs with him so I got lots of one-on-one time with Cora. After school, we stopped by the elementary school plant sale and headed over to my sister's for dinner with the family.

For Cora's friend party, we just did a simplified lunch version of the family party. I made a veggie tray, ordered some pizza, and made a big jug of lemonade. Cora loved getting to run around and play with her friends. She was excited to see each friend and ran around the entire time. Later that day, she told me she wanted to start the whole day over again because it was so much fun.

See Cora's previous birthday posts here: birth, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

Life With Cora : 6 Years

Cora turns 6 years old today!!! A lot has happened since she turned 5. Cora finished preschool, started Kindergarten, lost 5 teeth , went on vacations to the cottage (Cora is obsessed) and Tybee Island, and has made a friend everywhere we go. 

I could not gush enough about this girl! There has been some sass, like most kids, but Cora is so sweet. She is thoughtful, and smart, and sooooo funny. She makes me laugh out loud on a daily basis. Lately, she has been working on knock-knock jokes and practicing her delivery. Not only is she practicing knock-knock jokes, she is practicing reading and writing and drawing. She pulls out her sketchbook any chance she gets to sketch her sister or clothing ideas or some form of cat teenagers on skateboards. Each drawing is better than the last and it is so fun to see what her little imagination comes up with.

We spend a lot of time outside. Going on walks and playing in the backyard. Cora is always up for outdoor time. She isn't afraid to dig in the dirt, pick up bugs, and lend a helping hand. I'm looking forward to this year's gardening season as we expand our space and she is able to help out more and take some ownership of some space.

Cora is such a great big sister to Ida! They are not without their squabbles, but most of the time they get along really well. Cora is quick to help Ida when she needs it. She is always looking out for her little sister. I love their sweet little relationship. 

Happy birthday sweet Cora! I am the luckiest mommy in the whole world to have you as a daughter. I can't wait so see what 6 has to offer. I love you so much! xxoo!

See Cora's previous birthday posts here: birth, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th.