Hello friends! Happy Friday!
Look at that—a Friday Favorites post actually going live on a Friday. What a concept! 😄
This week was a big shift for us. The boys started camp, and NJ went back to daycare. KJ had been attending the camp at the daycare for the first few weeks of summer, but he really wasn’t loving it. There were a lot of older kids, but ironically, he felt like the camp was “too baby.” He’s a shy kid who takes time to warm up, and he has a bit of separation anxiety—especially in new places. So spending full days there without seeing me really wore on him.
We ended up switching both him and his little brother to the camp at our gym, and it’s going so much better. Not without some hiccups (he still gets upset if I leave for appointments or to shoot a recipe), but I’ve been working in the gym’s workspace so he can see me throughout the day. That regular contact helps him settle in and get more comfortable with the new environment.
Plus, this camp is designed for older kids—it’s not just daycare adapted for summer. There are structured activities like sports, swimming, swim lessons, rock climbing, and games, which he’s really enjoying.
I was a little nervous about putting KK in too, but they keep the younger kids separate and do a great job keeping tabs on everyone. I also hesitated about sending them to a camp at such a public place. But after watching it in action, I actually think that’s a good thing. The awesome camp counselors are always on high alert, and the gym members can see what’s going on at all times. So that extra layer of visibility has actually been reassuring. Of course, when KK is at the pool, I go full helicopter mom—that lifeguard background is hard to shut off. But overall, it’s going well.
As for NJ, she started daycare on Wednesday—the same one she went to in Texas, just here in Arizona. At this point, you might be wondering: “Wait, what??” Yep, we’ve officially extended our Arizona vacation indefinitely.
And no, this wasn’t the plan. We fully intended to be in Texas for three to five years at least and had even started looking at houses. But you know what they say—if you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans.
There are so many things I loved about Texas—the seasons, the absolutely stunning spring greenery, and the community at my oldest son’s previous school. But when the opportunity arose to come back to Arizona, we knew it was the right decision.
I wish I could go into all the details, but as you can imagine, you have to be careful when talking publicly about former employers and career changes. Just know this: we’ll miss Texas, but we’re ecstatic to be moving home. I definitely won’t miss the constant spring rain, being glued to the weather app for tornado/hail alerts, or the anxiety of living in a rental you don’t own—especially when the landlord decides to sell and you suddenly have to move.
Thanks for being here with us through all the changes and inconsistencies in posting 💛 Obviously, moving states is not super easy to juggle working etc. But, you know me still love to eat.
New/Updated On The Blog:
- 🥑 Avocado Deviled Eggs – A zesty, refreshing twist on the classic! Perfect for summer snacking with a little Tajín kick.
- 🍕 Mini Quinoa Pizza Bites – A freezer-friendly throwback from 2013, now updated and better than ever. Quick, cheesy, and totally crave-worthy.
- 🔥 High-Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip – Packed with 70 grams of protein and made with canned chicken for ultimate ease. Perfect for a satisfying lunch anytime.
Around Social World:
Admittedly, social media was the first thing to take a hiatus when packing really amped up. But, the videos I was able to make did well!
- Meal Kit Delivery Safety
- 3 Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids
- 10 High Protein Lunchables for Adults
- High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Avocado Deviled Eggs
Don't forget this week's meal plan is live in the library of resources!
Favorite Swim Clothes for the Boys
Okay, so I definitely hover when the boys are at the gym pool—but that’s the former lifeguard in me coming out. Call it helicopter mom instincts if you want, I call it safety awareness. 😅
I even ordered the boys BRIGHT ORANGE swim gear—easily visible under water, because, well, lifeguard brain.
We love these swim shorts! They have a great underlining that stays put and doesn’t bunch up. Sizing note: KJ usually wears a 6 in shorts, but in these, he fits best in a 4T. KK typically wears a 5, and also wears a 4T in these. So definitely size down!
And we also ordered these swim shirts/rash guards and these run true to size.
So the kids are quite visible, great for me to spot them.
Toddler Life
NJ is officially in full toddler mode—big opinions, big feelings, and all the toddler vibes.
Her and her bestie acting like the pool is their palace—and honestly, they’re not wrong 👸💁♀️
Basically what their entire summer is going to look like.
New Book Obsession
Okay, MAJOR book news!!! 😍 My all-time favorite series—Wolf Hotel—just got even better. There was originally a spin-off book called Ronan, but the author has expanded it into an entire second series called Mermaid Beach and there are TWO new books coming!! 🙌🔥
This series is hands down my favorite ever. I’m talking can’t eat, can’t sleep, thinking-about-it-all-day obsessed. If you haven’t read Wolf Hotel yet, run—don’t walk. And if you have… get ready, because we’re going back. 😭💃📚
Fitness
No workout photo today—this new gym is packed, and it’s basically impossible to snag a mirror without photobombing 12 strangers.
That said, I’ve been holding strong with two upper body and two lower body strength workouts each week, so I’m feeling good about that!
Cardio, though? Absolutely in the trash. I got on the StairMaster for a warm-up the other day and genuinely thought I might meet my maker.
Strength training has been my focus for the past year, and it’s paid off—but now I need to figure out how to sneak in some cardio without sacrificing my lifts. Still working on rebuilding my strength, too, after a whirlwind of sickness, injuries, and our big move since April. Balance is a work in progress, but we’re getting there!
Friday Flashback - Ideas for Fourth of July
No Bake Flag Cookies
Quick and easy flag I've done over the years:
Charcuterie board
Have a happy fourth of July friends! Next week is my favorite week of the whole year!
Sarah says
As a Dallas girl who has extended family in Phoenix, I get the benefits and detriments of living in each place. But, what I'm most happy about for your family is that you'll be back in close proximity to grandparents (if I recall correctly). Having family support when raising your children is massive. This sounds like a great move back for your family.
Sarah says
Welcome back to the heat! What a time to move! In all seriousness, though, I hope this continues to turn out to be the very best thing for your family!