As we close the chapter on summer 2017, I can't help but look back on all of the amazing memories it brought with it. It seems just like yesterday I had a 3 month old, was celebrating my 30th birthday and we were just trying to keep cool in the heat and humidity of summer 2016.
This summer, our 16 month old was able to enjoy summer like any other toddler. And while the weather this summer wasn't much to write home about (hello, rain), we made the best of it and fit in some pretty amazing activities and memorable family time. But, before we dream of all things fall, let's take a quick look back at To & Fro's summer 2017.
June
Although technically still spring, June brought a lot of outdoors adventures. Morley’s first camping trip to Pinery Provincial Park near Grand Bend, ON was a huge success. She loved being outside and getting dirty, and mom and dad enjoyed watching her love nature just as much as they do. The Pinery holds many camping memories from when I was younger, including two summers spent working as a Naturalist in university, so I was happy to introduce her to a place that means so much to me.
In case you missed it:
Preparing Your Vehicle for Summer Family Fun
A Family First Camping Trip
Celebrating Canada150 in Toronto
Fostering a Love of Animals in Children
The Mother of All Worries
July
The start of July rang in the must anticipated Canada 150. July also meant a getaway to our family cottage, on the northern Bruce Peninsula. We spent five glorious days disconnected from the "real world", relaxing with family in one of my favourite places on earth. A highlight of the week was our trip on the glass bottom boat to Parks Canada's Flowerpot Island.
In case you missed it:
Raising a Future Leader
Good Times Outside this Summer
Benefits of Outdoor Play
The Best Hashtags for Outdoors Lovers
Time for Mom
August
August started off on a high note with a visit from our Alaskan pals. We played tourist in our town and showed them the sights, sounds and smells of the concrete jungle that is Toronto. We cheered on the home team at a Blue Jays game, gave them the taste of the Toronto/Ontario craft beer scene with stops at Mill Street, Steam Whistle and Amsterdam (safe to say it doesn't come close to Alaska’s), and enjoyed each other’s company. It has been three long years since we’ve seen each other last, and we can’t wait to do it all again when we take a trip up to their turf in October.
We spent our first weekend away from Morley. She spent some quality time with her grandparents while dad and I hit up The Big Feastical at Burl’s Creek in Oro Medonte. MEC provided us with all of the gear we needed from amazing weekend filled with camping, good food, good drinks, good company and good times outside.
And last, but definitely not least. no summer is complete without a visit to the Ex, or CNE. This year, Morley and I visited twice. The animals in the Farm Building and the Food Building topped Morley’s list. Can’t go wrong with festival corn on the cob!
In case you missed it:
All Aboard to Flowerpot Island
The Perfect Visit to Flowerpot Island
Good Times Outside Our Comfort Zone
Family Travel Made Easy with Happytrails from MEC Review
Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat Blogger Collaboration
Check out more of our summer adventures on To & Fro's Instagram.
And now, here we are. The first week of September.
As much as I love the sunshine of summer, I am so happy to live in a place that experiences fall. While it means the weather is getting colder, the changing colour of the leaves makes me happy.
Stay tuned for what To & Fro has in store this fall - Alaskan adventures, fall family traditions and so. much. more.
Stay tuned for what To & Fro has in store this fall - Alaskan adventures, fall family traditions and so. much. more.
So long sweet summer, bring on the fall!
What were the highlights of your summer? I'd love to hear!
