This summer is about freedom.

If you're feeling the pressure of providing the "perfect" summer for your kids (no shame- I am/was too!), but you feel the tug in your heart to just let it go, but then you kinda don't know what that would look like? If you have all of the grand ideas with a lot of moving parts (or let's just say you are maybe hearing about everyone else's grand ideas and are feeling guilty about not having that for yourself or your kids...), but your soul is yearning for a slower pace...let me paint the picture for you.

This is NOT about overachieving. This is not about the Instagram perfect highlight reel. This is NOT about running yourself ragged and being exhausted all summer. This is about providing an amazzzzzing nostalgic summer that brings about alllllll those 90s childhood vibes.

**but the amazing bonus is that we live in Hampton Roads, lots of beaches, lots of summer vibes, aaaaand OBX is an hour away - how great is that?!**

A swimmer in a blue swimsuit glides underwater against a turquoise backdrop of clear tropical waters. virginia beach photographer family

Summer fun idea that feel like a REAL summer

  • Eat a popsicle on the front step (bonus points if you get to chase down the ice cream truck!)
  • Let your kids run around the neighborhood barefoot
  • Go to the beach and don't worry about all the sand (you'll get it later- just enjoy the day!)
  • Read a book at a park under a tree with some little snacky snacks
  • Catch lightning bugs in a jar (and release them of course!)
  • Playing board games with the fam on a rainy day
  • Grill some delicious hot dogs and serve up some fresh cut watermelon - I always tell my kids "It's not summer until we are surviving off of hot dogs and watermelon!"
A casual outdoor scene at a house with people bonding and spending time together in the backyard. chesapeake virginia family photographer

I'm sure you're catching my drift.

This isn't about STUFF. It's about being present. It's about living in the moment. It's about enjoying the sunshine and just soaking every moment in. It's about recharging and a quiet rebellion against the hustle culture of go go go go and go some more. Be bored! It's the great mother of invention!

What are some of your ideas to enjoy this summer?


This summer, I don't want you to merely check things off of a list. I want you to make memories! I want you to remember your summer with so much joy and gladness.

And hey, if you want your summer to live forever in photos, I can help with that. Just send me an email and we'll get the ball rolling.