long days of summer | Priscilla Baierlein Photography

summer goals & a look ahead at the year to come

Of all the seasons, summer has to be my most favorite. I love all the things that happen in the summer…having both Bret and Steff home, days playing in the backyard, watching my garden take off and grow, bike rides and family walks, pool time, roasting marshmallows over a fire, sitting on our deck and talking with old friends, our annual trip to the beach, photographing friends play in sprinkles and cuddle in the tall grasses of a field, water balloon fights, playing with friends…just all the things. I love them. I won’t lie…some days are harder than others and filled with a bored cranky kiddo and a momma who is trying to get a little more work done. But none of that hides the beauty of it all.

This year we have decided to marry my love for summer and my love for planning. My friend and mentor, Abbey Kyhl, has created a wonderful free guide for what she is calling an “almost unplugged summer”. You can view more information and download it HERE. We took that guide and used it to plan our summer. Usually we spend our days trying to figure out some sort of plan, squeezing in work here, play here, and probably too much screen time in between all of it. It leads to us all being READY for summer to end when it’s all said and done…and, sadly, not getting to do most of the things that bring us all so much joy…you know…those “bucket list” items.

We are determined to make most of this summer different. Armed with our “almost unplugged summer” guide and our very loose, flexible “schedule” we came up with (involving Bret and I rotating special time with Steff while the other is working), I’m hoping it’s a summer of fun and getting what needs to be done actually done.

For fun and possibly accountability’s sake…here are my business and personal goals, our family goals, and our bucket list for the summer…

my business and personal goals…

• stick to a work routine that involves getting up early before everyone else does

• blog and post to social media as regularly as possible

• create and share a complete guide to photographing your love filled life

• birthday favorite things give away

• 8 sessions each month

• promote and prepare business for fall

• work when I’m working and mom when I’m momming…be present and intentional

• get back at my health and self care routines

• enjoy as many adventures as possible, but also snuggle and watch movies on the couch and relax in our backyard

• enjoy time with Bret when he’s home and Steff isn’t…don’t sit behind the computer the whole time

our family goals…

• create a routine that works for all of us and allows for spontaneity too

• stick to chores and self care

• read as often as possible

• play outside as often as possible

• screen time is okay between breakfast and lunch once chores are done

• enjoy each other at least a little bit every single day

• say yes to playing with friends

• all the popsicles all the time

• work through the positive parenting solutions course

our summer bucket list…

• red river gorge

• camping

• big pool with friends

• beach

  • donut date on the beach

  • kayak or paddle board

  • golf

  • fossils

  • sunsets

  • shaved ice on the beach

  • beach “hike” to the end of honeymoon island

  • fireworks on causeway

  • sunset festival

  • caladesi island

• sunsets

• backyard fire and roasted marshmallows

• picnic

• museum trip for steff’s birthday

• sleepover for steff’s birthday

• garden

• visit maw and paw

• fishing

• bowling

• drive in movie

• play in the rain

• family walks

From experience, I know every single year we wish away our days before the beach. Then, when we get back, it feels like summer is over. It goes by so fast. I just want to hold on to every thing I can and be as intentional with my time as I can. And, also, there are days like yesterday, when I just want to start over. For the day to be washed away, the tears and hurt feelings to be erased. Those days, those moments, are inevitable. I’m not sure if you’ve heard this, parenting is hard…and it’s beautiful. It’s so damn beautiful.

So, what do you want to do this summer? How do you plan on holding on to and surviving each and every day?

So much love,

Cilla

PS…Have you reserved your love filled summer photo session? It is my absolute favorite time to photograph all families! And…yes…you can even use them for holiday cards too! Only 8 sessions booked each month. Reserve yours by email me at priscilla@priscillabphotography.com or by clicking HERE.