What's Up Wednesday in June; 2022

I'm back to my What's Up Wednesday posts on a Tuesday!  Sorry if it feels like I'm all over the place when it comes to blogging this year but I'm trying to find that perfect life/ work balance that I feel like I'm missing.  I really needed to take a step back from blogging after having blogged nearly every day for the last 10 years.  


What We're Eating This Week: Once we got back from vacation in mid-June I've been trying to cook super healthy meals.

Rainbow veggies with pasta 


I made Weight Watchers 2-ingredient bagels and have been eating them with veggies, eggs, and occasionally a piece of bacon. 


Lots of salads-- topped with chicken, shrimp, tuna, fruit, and light dressing.


Crustless vegetable quiche, roasted veggies, and those 2-ingredient bagels again. 



What I'm Reminiscing About: In trying to plan the details for our Disney vacation I can't help but think of all the great Disney moments we've enjoyed through the year (most of them before blogging so I don't have much in the way of online photos to share!) but my boys have had some amazing experiences on our trips.  Ian was once approached by one of Cinderella's step sisters during a parade and they chatted for a bit. We all took part in a flash mob at Hollywood Studios one time.  They were often called on for Turtle Talk with Crush or pulled up on Stage during stage shows.  

It's where Evan learned to swim without a life jacket

They all had a chance to battle Darth Vader



We met every character (multiple times throughout all our trips)

Found new favorite rides and tried out rides that they were scared of






What I'm Loving:  I bought this sweatshirt from an LL Bean outlet store on vacation and I love it so much I bought it in 2 other colors plus the matching jogging pants!  Thank goodness for LL Bean bucks. 





What We've Been Up To:  It was a busy month with Alec's school year coming to an end and lots of award ceremonies & his National Honor Society induction.  My husband and I enjoyed 4 days away in New Hampshire hiking, resting, and eating.  Alec went to his first karate tournament and placed in both events he went out for-- forms and board breaking. 

tournament

picnic lunch with the hubby


family kayak ride


Alec's culinary award

Where we stayed in NH




A few more awards


Another award ceremony

My uncle came to visit from Florida

Hiking with friends

honor society induction


And we found out Ian made the Dean's list at his college!  

What I'm Dreading: Nothing! 

What I'm Working On: I made graduation and Father's day cards this month.


It has a cute little pocket inside for holding cash or gift cards.





What I'm Excited About: Summer vacation is finally here and I am loving not having a schedule or to get up early and drive anyone around-- I shouldn't have to much this coming school year either as Alec has his license now.

What I'm Watching/Reading: I feel like June turned into movie month! (starting with the end of May) we watched: Top Gun Maverick (in theaters), All 3 Fantastic Beasts Movies (HBO max), Vacation Friends (Hulu), Jim Gaffigan Comedy Monster (Netflix), Ricky Gervais Humanity (Netflix), Horrible Bosses 2 (HBO max), The Adjustment Bureau (Hulu), Father of the Bride (remake on HBO max), Sahara (Paramount+)




So far I've read 10 books this month and while I read some good ones, I don't think any of these will make it into my favorite books of the year... but I could be wrong.   




What I'm Listening to: The washer, dryer, and dishwasher all running after a busy morning of housework.

What I'm Wearing: Some of shorts, capri pants, and sundresses mixed into the usual pants and sweaters! 














What I'm Doing This Weekend: We have our huge family 4th of July cookout at the lake this weekend.  

an old group photos of all the kids


What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month: Our big family trip to the Smoky Mountains! We'll be staying in Sevierville at a lovely cabin and my sister and her two boys plan to join us for a few days.  I can't wait to see them!! 

What Else is New: We test drove a car Alec's last day of school... and bought it last week!  With 2 of the three boys having their license I was able to downsize to a Blazer (5 seater) and since we're passing the Traverse on down the line to Alec we still have a larger car for those rare occasions we're all going to the same place at the same time. 



Linking up with: Spread the Kindness,










Comments

  1. DaraJune 28, 2022 at 8:43 AM

    Looks like you had a great month.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kari June 28, 2022 at 9:27 AM

    You've been very busy! It looks like you've had a lot to smile about. ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tamar SBJune 28, 2022 at 10:14 AM

    So much going on! Your meals look delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tanya June 28, 2022 at 2:36 PM

    Congrats on the new car - love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne June 29, 2022 at 2:54 PM

      I can't remember the last time I had a new car and while I resisted buying one for a few years I am just LOVING it!

      Delete
  5. NicoleJune 28, 2022 at 3:06 PM

    Looks like a busy month but filled with lots of great moments! Those Disney pictures are so fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne June 29, 2022 at 2:55 PM

      Aw, thanks! I always had a small point/shoot camera wrapped around my wrist at Disney and captured some pretty neat moments with taking photos over my shoulder! LOL.

      Delete
  6. aprilJune 28, 2022 at 11:53 PM

    Amazed at the sheer amount of reading you accomplish on top of all this other. You are obviously not addicted to your phone, and I am impressed. #goals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne June 29, 2022 at 2:56 PM

      Nope, I am actually pretty awful at even remembering to make sure I have my phone on me. Though I have started using it as a camera more often so I'm getting better at not leaving it on the counter.

      Delete
  7. HollyJune 29, 2022 at 6:43 AM

    What a great month! Love love that sweatshirt on you and love all of the awards ceremonies- you should be proud!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne June 29, 2022 at 2:56 PM

      Aw, thank you! I am so proud of them and all their accomplishments.

      Delete
  8. AnonymousJune 29, 2022 at 6:56 AM

    So much goodness in each post. Your meals look delicious. Regine
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne June 29, 2022 at 2:57 PM

      Thank you! Trying to get in as much healthy eating as I can before the next vacation.

      Delete
  9. Amy from www.coffeeandcocktailsatthecasa.comJune 29, 2022 at 7:30 AM

    You've had a great month! So much good stuff and congrats on the boys' accomplishments and your new car purchases. The lake for 4th will be so fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne June 29, 2022 at 2:58 PM

      It is usually a lot of fun celebrating the 4th at the lake... as long as the weather cooperates! Last year we were in sweatshirts and pants huddled around space heaters as it rained all day and was so so cold.

      Delete
  10. Lindsay's Sweet WorldJune 29, 2022 at 9:45 AM

    Aw I loved your trip down memory lane at Disney World. I can't wait to see your recaps from your upcoming trip! We're already ready to go back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne June 29, 2022 at 2:58 PM

      I'm just crossing my fingers everything works out with flights, car rental, etc. But I am really looking forward to navigating through the parks with teens and no stroller!

      Delete
  11. Memphis BridgesJune 29, 2022 at 12:32 PM

    Congratulations on all the awards and what fun Disney memories!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Megan RussellJune 29, 2022 at 8:06 PM

    I feel like I'm almost busier now that it's summer, hauling kids around! I love your new car.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne June 30, 2022 at 12:55 PM

      Our summer is looking busy when I glance at the calendar but so far our days are feeling relaxed.

      Delete
  13. Sparkles and LattesJuly 1, 2022 at 11:47 AM

    I always forget that you have an LL Bean outlet store. I really want one. I haven't been into blogging much either. I was worried that I would get far behind with this surgery, but I needed the break from it all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 1, 2022 at 3:06 PM

      We have a few of them up here in New England! Plus many of their regular stores sprinkled around too.

      Delete
  14. AnonymousJuly 1, 2022 at 2:15 PM

    I love seeing your Disney pictures! So sweet to see the younger pictures of everyone!
    Lauren (not anonymous)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 1, 2022 at 3:07 PM

      Thank you! It's amazing to see how much they've grown. I have such vivid memories of those trips that I find it hard to believe it was so many years ago.

      Delete
  15. NatashaJuly 1, 2022 at 7:13 PM

    This looks like a fun month and I love all the Disney reminiscing. We're going to have to buy a new car in the next couple of years (if not sooner) and I am dreading it. Ugh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 1, 2022 at 8:41 PM

      I put it off for two years! I do love the new car once I have it but hate having to even think about what I want to drive or what features I want. I usually leave the bulk of the work up to my husband.

      Delete
  16. onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.comJuly 5, 2022 at 10:21 PM

    Looking slim and trim, my friend. Love the maxi dress and denim jacket. And the aqua top with the cowl neck and sleeve interest are my faves. Congrats for the various awards, induction in the honor society and Dean's list recognition. Your sons do so well, mama!! Did you like Between 2 Kingdoms? I did and didn't. Had to hoped to love it but it missed the mark.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joanne July 6, 2022 at 5:56 AM

      Aw, thank you! I'm feeling slim and trim though the numbers on the scale don't agree. But I try to eat healthy 95% of the time and just let it go the rest. I am so proud of my boys and how hard they work! I enjoyed certain aspects of Between 2 Kingdoms but also found that it was so hard to read through even knowing she would be in remission at some point.

      Delete

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