Backyard Favorites For A Staycation Summer

Summer break has officially begun! So far we only have one week of travel planned in the south with my family. I actually love our summer time in our backyard (and front porch!), and we have slowly added some fun things to make it feel like a true staycation!

Adirondack chairs - We got these last summer for our campfire pit area, and we have loved them. They can fold up if you want to store, but they are do not wear very easily!

Badminton Set - This is such a fun family game, and pretty easy to set up and take down!

Pickleball Set - We have a flat area of our driveway that fits this pickleball set really well. It has been so much fun to play with the kids on summer nights.

Rocking Chairs - This was one of our first purchases in our home, and we use them morning and night throughout the summer. I love their classic look!

Sand and Water Picnic Table - This was a birthday gift for Augustine, and the little ones have gotten hours and hours of use out of it! We just use this play sand. Easily converts to a picnic table when we have backyard dinners.

Water resistant Hammock - We tried a few netted hammocks in the past, but they would break down over time or grow mold due to rain. This water resistant hammock and stand have been a great addition where the kids love to star gaze or read!

Kids’ Swing - This has been a favorite for years, as it fits a few kids and swings low to the ground. It hangs from a big old tree in our backyard and it’s always in use!

Spike Ball - My teens love this one, and play it with friends and cousins often. It’s easy to get out and put away as needed too.

Blackstone Grill - This was a father’s day gift last year for Gabe. We used it all summer long for everything from pancakes to smash burgers. The size has been fantastic for our large family!

Mason Jar Solar Lights - Solar rechargeable fairy lights in mason jars to turn any backyard into some summer magic:)

We are gathering with family tomorrow, so of course I have summer dinners on my mind! Here are some we love that work well for larger gatherings too:)

7 Summer Dinner Ideas to help you through the week!

Sunday: Smashburgers, Fries, Fresh veggies

Memorial Day: 50 Stars BBQ Chicken, Avocado Salad, & Lemon Blueberry Bars

Tuesday: Caprese Sandwiches + Fresh veggie sticks

Wednesday: Fiesta Potato Bowls

Thursday: Southwest Chicken Wraps

Friday: Sausage Ricotta Honey Hot Pizza + Salads

Saturday: Teriyaki Chicken Salad

Lastly, wanted to pass along a poem in honor of Memorial Day that was a new read to me. A beautiful reflection this Memorial Day…

by Moina Michael, November 1918

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We’ll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.

Have a wonderful May week ahead,

Anna

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