Praises of a Wife and Mommy

It was so hard to make this list during Covid-19!   I am not sure we will be able to do some of these activities.    What did you put on your list for summer? 

Not every holiday destination is perfect for kids. Some are more adult-oriented with little to interest small kids, pre-teens or teenagers. It’s true that trying to get the kids away from their PlayStations and smartphone devices to look around and see the world is a little harder than it used to be, but natural wonders and interesting activities designed for kids work well. Here are three  wonderful vacation spots to take the kids this summer.  Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon in Arizona is a spectacular gorge that runs 6,000 feet down in parts and spans 277 miles in length. You can go with the kids and stare at it, but it’s also fun to be more active in the area. Biking at the South Rim using rented bikes from Bright Angle is one option. Another is to go on a managed hiking tour through the canyon led by qualified Rangers. Learn about lizards, see fossils, and take in this foreboding landscape as you explore more of it on foot.  Choose some  events  that  ru...

Oriental Trading Summer Party!!!   The kids are home on summer break and you might have heard the phrase, "mom, I'm bored!"   As parents we probably hear it often but Oriental Trading has so many fun items to help entertain the kids or even throw a fun summer bash for them! First, I'm sure they would love some glow in the dark sunglasses to add some fun in the evening when maybe they are out by the bonfire or catching fireflies.   Plus Oriental Trading has so many fun outdoor games to choose from.   I found this really affordable LaCrosse set as well as a giant snakes and ladder game.   I think all little kids will find it fascinating to take an indoor game and bring it outside!   Last but not least they have jumbo dice so you can play any dice game outside like Yahtzee or doubles!  There is so many more items that Oriental Trading has to offer including more glow in the dark items, other summer games fo...

My gal is doing coaches pitch softball this year and enjoying it!   I know we have many skills to work on but she is improving each and every day!   I am so proud of her!  

The summer is never complete without a trip to the beach.  My daughter was so jacked to wear her life jacket!  I bought them last fall and she has been itching to wear it.  She sure used it and was out in the deep end for a good portion of our trip.  My son on the other hand would not put his on.  He was more satisfied with a pail and shovel, no interest in the water until the very end.   I am enjoying exploring all the new areas in our new state but I was sad that this particular beach was not free.  There was a $3-$4 fee but they did offer paddle boat rentals which might be a date adventure with the hubby.  :)  I should not complain about the price since one of the people we were with paid the whole bill... BLESSED!!  

I actually thought since spring was so cold and icky that summer would not get very warm but its the opposite.  We have had a hot and humid summer and we are loving it!   I snapped this picture because my son has really started copying his sister.  This photo moment is adorable just like them.  I LOVE YOU KIDS!  

Yes, those are the two cutest kids you have ever seen.  :)  We had a smaller pool that was used as a ball pit for the balls but we got another hole and since I have taped up several holes I thought we should try to find a pool that did not need to be blown up.    We filled the pool up and got the balls in and the kids sure had a blast throwing the balls out of the pool and aiming for the big grey container.   Easy entertainment and easy clean up. 

I remember being a 5 year old and running into a swing just like the picture of my daughter.  What a sweet childhood memory of my own and one I hope my daughter will remember.   To my Sweetest Daughter, I think with each day that passes my love for you continues to grow.  God has shown me his love for me by the love I have for you.  :)  You are a great little girl and a smart one too.   As a mommy I try my best to protect you from the world.  I pray that one day you might read this and think "my mom did a great job of teaching me about DADDY GOD and his love."  I pray for you daily and I am excited to continue to watch you grow and be your mommy.   xoxoxo

It was 8:00 am and we were outside blowing bubbles on this sunny spring day.  My kids will not tolerate being in doors when the sun is shining and I am cool with that!  We need to get as much sun as we can!   I love you kiddos so much!  xoxoxoxo

We finally hit 70 degrees this weekend!!!  Spring has been so cold and miserable but the last weekend in April it finally showed up and we sure hope it stays.  One thing to remember when the warm weather shows up is sunscreen.  Buying sunscreen today can actually be scary when you realize all the chemicals that are in them.   No need to fear when you order all natural sunscreen from Sun Grubbies .  This weekend was my first weekend to use Tropical Sands All Natural sunscreen.  The sunscreen protected us from sunburn while we were outside for majority of the day.  The face stick was easy to apply and rub in.  The regular sunscreen has a fresh citrus smell.  I learned quickly that this sunscreen can go a long way. My daughters arms were a little white from using a bit too much.   Thank you Sun Grubbies for sending me product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid for this ...

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                  Sun Protection Zone is the maker of clothing and accessories that help to protect you from the sun while outdoors. You can read my full review here for the Girls Zip Hoodie Rash Guard I absolutely love it. Thank you to Sun Protection Zone for Sponsoring this giveaway. Praises of a Wife and Mommy has not reviewed these products but is helping promote the giveaway.  I hope one of my readers will win!  :)  I firmly believe we do need to make sure we protect our skin from the sun, so be smart this summer.   One winner will receive an item of their choice from their website. Open to US residents only , ages 18 and over All entries will be verified and the winner will be notified by email. Please use the Giveaway Tool below to enter, Good Luck! Entry -Form This blog, Praises of a Wife and Mommy is not responsible for the shipment of this prize and did not receive any...

A summer cannot be completed without a trip to one of our favorite parks in Wisconsin.  We headed to  Eau Claire Dells , the beauty is stunning.  God sure made it beautiful!    We enjoyed swimming, hiking, climbing, eating, and a playground. :)   Look at that lil model!  :)  She loved being in front of the camera.  :)     The kiddos decided it would be more fun to bury daddy since the water was so cold.  Lil man may have gotten sand up daddy's nose but daddy was a great sport.  :)

Currently I have the laptop out on the patio and little Titus is sleeping in his UV protection thing and Selah is doing sidewalk chalk.  We are going to be in the 90's with humidty at 100% - so its going to be a hot couple days! Last night we went to a fun park and went swimming, went hiking, and just enjoyed the beautiful creation God gave us. Here are a few pictures capturing some good memories from last night.

Well our waterpark opens today... one day too late!  Yesterday was  a beautiful hot n humid day.  Thankfully we have a friend who invited my daughter over to play in the kiddie pool.  :) So here is a couple pics from the first swimming day of summer.