Thank you Tillamook for sponsoring this post. Visit your local Publix to purchase everything you need to create the perfect summer party featuring Tillamook ice cream.


Summer, sweet Summer.
School’s out, the routine is loose and the babes are wild – sounds like a perfect chance to put together a little Bucket List of items that will both check-off some memory making moments and help this mama get through the 3 long months between the last day of school and the ringing of that first day bell.
When I sat down to create our little list, I made sure to include activities I knew we were going to do (like, fly on a plane) and memory makers that I knew wouldn’t put additional pressure or strain on me to make happen (no crazy arts and crafts projects here!). I’m actually really pleased with the list we’re going to tackle and I know my five year old will especially love to put stickers in all of the little check boxes once we’ve experienced an item on the list.
I read an article once, a long time ago, about a mom who remembered her parents treating her to ice cream for dinner once a summer. It was a tradition that she carried on with her children and one of the simplest ways that she made a memory for them every summer. They never know what night it will be, but they do know that once during the summer, all of the dinner rules will be tossed out the window in favor of an ice cream cone.
I’ve never forgotten that article because it reminded me that, despite what we sometimes see or feel we need to keep up with as Moms, some of the most special memories our children have come from the littlest moments. If you check our Bucket List, you’ll see the very first item is ice cream for dinner.
When it comes to being prepped for Ice Cream for Dinner night, I’m stocking the freezer with Tillamook (snagged at Publix here in Charlotte!) in Old-Fashioned Vanilla, Birthday Cake and Chocolate Peanut Butter, my personal favorite. Tillamook is our go-to ice cream because it reminds us of our temporary North Eastern home and because all of their ice creams are made with the highest quality ingredients, including milk from cows that have not been treated with artificial growth hormones and zero high fructose corn syrup.
Pro tip: if you have toddlers or preschoolers at home like I do, you know they always want to do things themselves, so set up a tiny little sundae station of pre-portioned toppings for them that won’t wreak havoc on your kitchen. I used a cupcake tin to hold the cones, sprinkles, whipped cream and raspberries – and it made clean up so easy.
I’m also very, very hopeful that Sleep Late is one we can check off numerous times, fingers crossed, right?!
Gray is very into space and weather patterns right now so I made sure to incorporate that into the list – I’m thinking a summer thunderstorm is bound to lead to a rainbow and maybe staying up a little late on the night of the full moon will lead us back to that whole Sleep Late situation.
If you’re in need of a Summer Bucket List that won’t weigh you down in the expectations department, go ahead and print mine! If you’ve made your own, tell me what’s on it in the comments below!