A girl and a boy in their swimsuits playing with water guns in a driveway.

1. The kids have been enjoying some low-key, relaxing summer days this week. Not much on the calendar, so we’ve been at the pool, the kids have been having water gun battles in the driveway, slow mornings and afternoons, etc. Long live summer break!

2. Did you do any shopping this week with Amazon Prime Day or Target’s Circle week? I mainly bought school supplies, as well as a texturizing spray, my favorite leave-in conditioner, a rash guard for Joseph, some extra measuring spoons, and an electric flosser (will report back on how I like it!). Today’s the last day to shop, and in case you missed it, I shared some of my favorite things a couple of days ago. Enjoy browsing!

3. I was so intrigued by this article on Emily Henry’s books, mostly because it mirrored my experience with her books – I really loved Happy Place but was very meh about The People We Meet on Vacation. I’m currently reading Funny Story; so far, I’m liking it!

4. I feel like I’m behind on my ice cream cone consumption this summer; anyone else??

5. Love this >> Theologian and philosopher Saint Augustine on doing what you can for who you know:

“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”

6. Earlier this week, the kids asked for a “waffle Wednesday”… of course, yes! We’ve made pancakes every Saturday morning since they were toddlers, and for a while, we also had Waffle Wednesday. However, they are out the door early on school mornings, so it’s not very feasible during the school year. But summer waffle Wednesdays? Yes, please! (Also, I prefer waffles to pancakes 🫣)

7. Three great snippets from The Imperfectionist.

8. A bit related to #7 >> The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No

9. Are you watching any sports? Our house has been into Wimbledon and the Tour de France (Joseph especially LOVES watching cycling!).

10. TGIF! Our big guy turned 12 last week!

Dog staring at a tennis ball cake with the number 12 in candles lit in it.