As we welcome home summer, there are traditions that our kids (in college or grown and on their own) love to come home to.
I am so excited to be joining my sweet friend Chloe of Celebrate and Decorate for a Summer Home Tour!
She’s pulled together several blogging friends to give you inspiration as we welcome in the season. You can find links to all participating at the bottom of this post.
If you are coming over from Craft Klatch and her 10 Inspiring Summer Home Tour Decor Ideas welcome to my blog White Arrows Home and our lakeside log cabin, Camp Paradise.
Welcome to Camp Paradise
Way up north in Wisconsin beside a gin clear lake sits our cabin home where we are raising our five children. Two are out on their own, one in college and two in high school.
It’s a big transition each year as they grow up and the hustle and bustle of our home abs and flows with how many of the kids are home.
My kids are my joy and I love when they come home and visit!
Each time my kids come home I want it to be special, feel relaxing, include their favorite foods, traditions and activities.
In preparing for this post, I asked my oldest daughter (who currently lives in Germany) what does she love most about coming home in the Summers.
She quickly responded with these things.
I hope they encourage you as you think about welcoming home your kids as well.
Family Dinners
Lingering around the dinner table is one of my favorite moments.
The conversations, the laughter, the story telling can go on and on.
At our table it helps if you are fluent in Seinfeld!
We often talk in quotes from our family’s favorite show as well as several favorite movies!
Does your family do the same?
I shared ways to keep everyone gathered around the table longer in THIS POST if you need some tips.
The Surprise Details
The Back Patio
A few years ago we built a larger back patio with space for gathering and eating.
It was such a great investment.
We spend a lot of time sitting and visiting here, but also napping, reading, sharing an afternoon snack.
Grilling
We have several grill stations around the house so we can cook wherever the kids are hanging out.
If they are playing foursquare or basketball on the front driveway we can grill by the garage.
If they are out back, we can grill by the patio.
Steaks, burgers, k-bobs, bacon wrapped scallops… anything on the grill is the meal request in the summer.
Backyard Games
Another project we did soon after we moved into the cabin was turn the natural and wild backyard into place where the kids could play.
It was again, an amazing investment that has paid off.
They spend so much time playing Cross Net, kick ball, Spike Ball and other favorite games.
A big “Olympic” tournament of games always happens when they are together too, complete with costumes!
Campfires
Sitting around the campfire with or without s’mores is essential.
It is such a peaceful way to end a day together.
Everyone will peel off to bed as the night progresses.
I’m usually last, never wanting to leave a memory making moment or a great fire.
Quiet Spaces For Any Activity
We love spending a lot of time together, but also some quiet time on our own.
Some of my kids love reading, some puzzles, some naps.
I intentionally style spaces where there is room to gather and room to be quiet in any activity.
Being Able to See the Stars
At the lake, we get an amazing view of the stars at night when it’s pitch dark and the look above is twinkly.
I’ve actually fallen asleep on the dock before star gazing because it was so beautiful and peaceful I didn’t want to move.
No City Noise
That time in the woods and on the dock also comes with the benefit of no city noise.
For my kids who live in more urban areas, this quiet is a blessing when they come home.
They may hear the motors of boats, the loons calling or the laughter from a campfire across the lake, but its all sounds of joy and peace.
Swimsuits All Day
Waking up at the lake and putting on your swimsuit right away is a great way to start the day.
Being in and out of the lake, lying on the dock or jumping in the boat it’s always good to be prepared then as the day goes on a change into a flannel for evening around the campfire.
Chats
Chats around the campfire, the patio and in the hot tub go from funny to serious as we reflect on memories or talk about upcoming decisions to be made.
Board Games
We love playing games and several favorites always make there way out, especially on a rainy day.
Cards
The kids love playing cards, especially if their grandparents are in town at the same time.
Family Movies
Several movies our family watches over and over.
They never get old and we laugh just as hard.
We love watching Hollywood movies as well as old family footage of the kids growing up.
Here’s a post about some of our favorite summer lake movies.
Next up you get to visit my friend Chas in Colorado where she’s sharing some Ultimate Summer Decor Ideas Home Tour and DIY Inspirations on her blog Chas’ Crazy Creations.
Take the Tour
- Summer Home and Garden Tour – Celebrate and Decorate
- 1891 Cottage Summer Home Ideas – Tatertots and Jello
- Summer Garden Tour – Southern Alabama – Zone 8B – Happily Ever After Etc.
- California Backyard Living Outdoor Home and Garden Tour – WM Design House
- 10 Inspiring Summer Home Tour Decor Ideas – Craft Klatch
- Welcome Home Summer: Traditions Kids Love to Come Home to – White Arrows Home
- Ultimate Summer Decor Ideas Home Tour and DIY Inspirations – Chas’ Crazy Creations
- Gathered and Found Summer Screen Porch Tour – Red Cottage Chronicles
- Summer Home Tour – Design Morsels
Thanks so much for joining me on this tour! I hope you are leaving more excited than ever for your Summer ahead and welcoming the kids home!
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE ENCOURAGEMENT?
FOLLOW ALONG
YOU CAN JOIN ONE OF MY FREE FACEBOOK GROUPS:
Join my Fireside Book Club over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.
Join my Call Me Old Fashioned Group over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.
Join my Fun Finds + Fabulous Deals Group over on Facebook. Request to join HERE.
Join my White Arrows Home Wellness Society on Facebook. Request to join HERE.
LOOKING FOR CONNECTION?
Join one of the clubs at my shop located in our Paddle Club.
We have game nights, book clubs, cookbook clubs, craft clubs, workshops and events.
You can see what’s coming up next and sign up HERE.
Kristen-
Your home is lovely and so cozy! Lake front living can’t be beat! I love all the details and your beautiful patio too!
Thanks so much Mona!
Hi Kristin!
I loved your summer home tour. I geraniums look so pretty with all of the red decor in your home. Pinned 🙂
xoox
Thanks Jen!
Your home and garden look so relaxing… I love the patio with the comfy chairs! Family dinners in the summer are one of my favorite things too although at our table it pays to be fluent in Friends. 🙂 Pinned!
Love how you said that, “fluent in friends!”
Your home is just amazing. I always enjoy seeing what you do, and how you incorporate all of the vintage decor. The pops of color with the flowers are beautiful and I love all of your sitting spaces… so inviting.
Thanks so much Chas!
Kristin, a visit up north with you is always such a pleasure! I am so happy that you treasure all of the time you have left of having your tribe return home! My two are so grown up and busy with their own lives that it is rare that I get the opportunity to have everyone visit at the same time. Thank you so much for joining in our summer hop! Have a great summer!
This was such fun Chloe!