I’m so excited to be linking up with Holly from Pink Lady and Patty for their Monthly Musings series. This month’s theme is all about summer vacations...and you know I’m all about that life! Whether we’re loading up the car for a road trip, soaking in the salt air at the beach, or planning a porch-sitting kind of weekend at the lake, summer is truly my favorite.
Let’s dive into this month’s questions!
1. Share your summer trips for 2025.
We just got back from the most incredible week in Colorado Springs, CO! We were there for a hockey camp at the Air Force Academy...what an amazing opportunity that was for Mason. The camp was the main reason for our trip, but the bonus was that we got to spend the week with our dear friends, the Browers, who so graciously hosted us. Truly, such a blessing.
I’ve shared a few posts from our Colorado adventures already and will be posting more throughout the week. You can check those out here:
Next up? Over Fourth of July, we’re renting a lake house just across from my parents’ place and two of my aunts’ lake houses. We’ll be there with Nate’s whole family, and Mason is bringing one of his hockey buddies. I’m planning a fun 4th of July scavenger hunt for the nephews (more on that soon), and my mother-in-law and I are cooking up some festive dishes for the long weekend. Fireworks, good food, lake days, and all the red, white & blue!
Then in mid-July, we’re headed to the coast! We rented the same beach house we stayed at before because it was perfect for our family. You can peek at that house here. I can already see myself relaxing on that front porch with a sweet tea in hand!
2. How do you manage the post-vacation laundry?
Oh goodness. You mean after we haul it in and pretend it doesn't exist for 24 hours? Kidding... kind of.
Honestly, I usually try to tackle it right away. We keep all of our dirty laundry in its own designated bag while we’re away, so the second we get home, I just toss a load in while we’re unpacking. It helps ease us back into reality...or at least makes it look like we’re trying.
3. Most memorable summer vacation.
Whew...how do I even narrow this down?
We are a vacation-loving family. Whether it's a quick weekend getaway or a full-blown cross-country road trip, I just love that time together. Some of my favorites have been:
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Our cruises (no cooking, no cleaning, all the sunshine!)
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The time over 27 family members vacationed in Panama City Beach and stayed in the same condo complex. So much fun!
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Our Jeeping adventure through Colorado and Moab (that scenery!)
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Beavers Bend trips — that place holds so many sweet memories for our family
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A Port Lavaca beach trip where Nate and I had the best time just being us
If you're curious, you can scroll through all of our vacation memories here.
4. Do you cook or eat out on vacation?
Totally depends on the vacation!
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Cruises are my favorite for this reason alone...no cooking, no dishes, and food available nearly 24/7. Yes, please!
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If we’re RV’ing, we usually do simple cooking or bring meals already made.
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When we rent a house, we usually do a mix of eating out and cooking. We love trying new restaurants (especially if it’s a beach town — you have to go to at least one seafood place), but we also enjoy cooking as a family and gathering around the table.
I’m a proud overpacker, and I’m not even sorry about it.
I like options, okay? I’m a woman of moods — something I loved on Monday might feel totally wrong on Thursday. And don't even get me started on shoes. Nate, on the other hand, packs exactly one shirt, one pair of socks, and one pair of underwear per day. And even typing that gives me a little anxiety.
6. Beach, lake, or mountains?
Honestly? All of the above.
But if I had to pick just one… I’d say the mountains. There’s something about that fresh mountain air that resets my soul and makes me feel so close to God. That said, the beach will always have my heart too. There’s nothing quite like sandy toes and saltwater breezes. And the lake...well, that’s family. With my parents, aunts, and dear family friends all on the same street, it’s a guaranteed good time any time we head that way.
7. Road trips or fly?
Road trips all the way...Nate and I love the uninterrupted time to talk, listen to music, and just enjoy the journey. There’s something special about spotting little towns, quirky roadside attractions, and new-to-us diners along the way.
But... we're not against hopping on a plane either if it means more time to explore our destination!
8. Favorite vacation activities?
Oh, this is such a fun one! Some of our faves:
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Thrifting in new towns...I love finding treasures with a story
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Sightseeing and trying to fit in all the things
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Exploring town squares, backroads, and historic spots
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Visiting local diners, especially if they’ve been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives
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Mason is our cheeseburger and milkshake connoisseur, so we’re always on the hunt for places he’ll love
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On beach trips...shell hunting, beach shops, boat tours, fishing trips, touristy everything, reading my Bible with the view of the ocean, barefoot walks in the sand
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On mountain trips...scenic drives, hiking trails, driving up to the summit, spotting wildlife, and taking in all those views
We stay on the go from sun up to sun down...and love every second.
9. Best packing tips?
Okay, listen. I’m not the person to come to for minimalist packing advice. But I do suggest packing cubes! They help keep everything in its place and make it easier to get dressed each day without your suitcase turning into a disaster zone.
Also...if you think you might need it... just bring it. Says the chronic over-packer.
10. Favorite road trip songs?
Lately we are loving all things Forrest Frank. His music is such a vibe...uplifting, worshipful, and catchy all at the same time. It's impossible to listen to his music and not be in the happiest, most joyful mood. We also love some good old Texas Country (especially if we’re heading southbound on I-35 — it’s tradition to play Pat Green), and we’ll always have a Worship Playlist ready to go.
That’s a wrap on this month’s Monthly Musings!
Now tell me… what kind of summer traveler are you? Mountains or beach? Fly or road trip? Overpacker or packing ninja?
Thanks for stopping by Hall Around Texas...and be sure to hop over to Holly’s blog or Patty's blog to check out what everyone else is sharing too!
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