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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

May 17, 2012

Summer of Fun Bucket List for Kids 2012

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I alluded to my Summer Bucket List in my last post. My Summer Bucket List is the list of things I hope to accomplish with the kids by the time school resumes in August. 99.9% of the time, I don’t accomplish most that’s on the list and then I feel really bad about it when they go back to school. (Well we do try to cram as much as possible into that week before school starts to ease a bit of my guilt :).)

This year, I decided to take things a bit more seriously and follow the lead of amazing blogger and mama, Amy Clark. Amy created a “100 Days of Summer” Pinterest board last year and I watched, enviously, as she checked the items off, one by one. She’s doing it again this year and I can’t wait to see all the fun she has with her kids.

I decided to make my own Summer of 2012 Pinterest board, thinking something more concrete might be exactly what we need to make the most of our time this year. My list is fairly large, and I can guarantee we won’t get everything done on the list, but I’m hoping we can cross a lot of the things off! So, without further ado, here is our Summer of Fun Bucket List for 2012.

  • Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt
  • Go on a Family Moon Walk
  • Make homemade Waffle Cones for Ice Cream
  • Have a water balloon fight
  • Watch the 4th of July Fireworks
  • Make inexpensive chalkboard message boards for each kids room
  • Have a neighborhood squirt bottle water fight
  • Paint Rocks
  • Teach the kids how to play tennis
  • Go to a Kansas City T-Bones Game

  • Make homemade pretzels
  • Have a watermelon eating contest
  • Have at least one date night with each kid individually
  • Build an awesome indoor fort and live in it for the day
  • Make artwork placemats
  • Find a good book to read a chapter out loud of every day
  • Make homemade Coke Icees
  • Have an overnight staycation in our town
  • Make homemade bagels using the bread machine
  • Make funnel cakes
  • Teach the kids to follow the FlyLady Daily Kids Challenges
  • Decorate water bottles and drink lots of water all summer long
  • Watch the sunset, preferably near the water
  • Make and eat sno cones
  • Make treats and take to the fire station
  • Have an outdoor movie night
  • Go to a production at Theater in the Park
  • Make a PVC pipe sprinkler car wash
  • Plan and do several Acts of Kindness for others

  • Have a pajama day (at least one!)
  • Take the kids to the Independence, KS park and zoo
  • Make homemade musical instruments 
  • Play flashlight tag
  • Go on a road trip / day trip with no destination in mind
  • Go to a small town festival in Kansas
  • Visit the Omaha Zoo
  • Go to the Tonganoxie Rodeo
  • Go on a picnic in the park
  • Go fishing in Iowa with the cousins
  • Have a Shrimp Boil
  • Go to Happy Valley Farm to pick berries
  • Take the kids on an ABC Photo Walk
  • Make a Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder
  • Participate in the Great American Backyard Campout
  • Play miniature golf in Parkville
  • Make Flubber
  • Make Glow Stick LanternsOld Fashioned Egg Cream Float
  • Make Old Fashioned Egg Cream Floats
  • Go to the Missouri State Fair
  • Send handwritten notes to friends and loved ones
  • Have the kids write in journals each day
  • Create a summer music playlist and listen to songs from it each day
  • Go hiking at Shawnee Mission Park
  • Fly a kite
  • Sharpie Dye T-Shirts
  • Make and eat homemade ice cream for breakfast
  • Ride in a canoe or pedal boat
  • Make a jar and catch lightening bugs (then release)
  • Have a summer solstice party
  • Take a family vacation to Rocky Mountain National Park / Estes Park
  • Visit my niece and Aunt and Uncle in Branson, MO… go to Silver Dollar City
  • Have an old fashioned, outdoor play party – play Red Rover, Red Light Green Light
  • Go on a photo scavenger hunt

Homemade Doughnuts Donuts

  • Make homemade, glazed yeast doughnuts
  • Jump in puddles
  • Make regular trips to the library and load up on great books for summer reading
  • Play back yard frisbee golf
  • Make word cloud about me portraits
  • Find pictures in the clouds
  • Paint with water
  • Make Sidewalk Chalk Paint
  • Make homemade bubbles
  • Make water bottle bubble blowers
  • Make and play Balloon Ping Pong
  • Do glow stick lawn bowling, at night
  • Make an outdoor Twister game
  • Make homemade root beer
  • Go bowling
  • Make homemade popsicles
  • Make Summer Sponge Bombs & play splash tag
  • Do giant canvas finger painting
  • Play hide and seek with glow sticks outside at night
  • Go swimming at the pool as much as possible
  • Go see a double feature at the Drive-In movie theater

and one final thing…

  • Make an Instagram Photo Album at the end of the summer that captures all the fun we had, no matter what we end up doing!

Alright – that’s about it! There are some fun new ideas I’m excited to try and some tried and true fun summer favorites that we do each year. I hope you’ll stop by Pinterest and create a summer fun board of your own! Let me know what your plans are for the summer. Whatever you do, I hope it is a safe, happy and fun one!

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Filed Under: Parenting, Previous Tagged With: bucket list, children, crafts, fun, games, Kids, recipes, summer, summer fun

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christine @ Oatmeal Bowl says

    May 17, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    I love your list and the Pinterest board idea for summer! I definitely have plans in my head – about how to keep the kids busy during summer. guess I should write them down. I was thinking about painting a chalk board wall. they carry that paint at home depot. Love your ideas! And I am definitely making those pretzel bites.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 17, 2012 at 9:51 pm

      Thanks so much! This is the first year I’ve ever actually written it out, so I hope it helps us to get some of this stuff planned into our summer! I have some kids who can read now too, so I’m sure once they read it they’ll certainly make sure things are on the calendar 🙂 Have a great summer!

      Chalk board paint is big this year. Have you seen the colored chalkboard paint yet?

      Reply
      • Christine @ Oatmeal Bowl says

        May 17, 2012 at 10:02 pm

        colored chalkboard paint? sweet. i might just paint some in my kitchen to write menus on. 😉 you have a great summer, too!

        Reply
        • Kristen says

          May 17, 2012 at 10:10 pm

          A colored menu board wall would be an awesome idea!

          Reply
  2. Lori @ RecipeGirl says

    May 17, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    What a fantastic idea!! I’m loving your bucket list! Have fun w/ it 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 17, 2012 at 9:52 pm

      Thanks, Lori! I hope I can add see you in KC to the list 🙂

      Reply
  3. Julie says

    May 17, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    Wow that’s quite a list. How long is their summer vacation? 🙂

    I live in Omaha (originally from KC) and our zoo rocks! You should catch a game at Werner Park (Omaha Royals, now the Storm Chasers). It’s a beautiful park and lots of fun!

    I remember many a summer going to Theater in the Park, always hoping it wasn’t too hot!

    Have a great summer and I look forward to following your adventures.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 17, 2012 at 9:53 pm

      I know – the list is kind of massive, isn’t it? But there are some things we can cross off on one day – I’m thinking 🙂

      Omaha zoo is fantastic and we haven’t been since my oldest was little! I know they’d love it!

      I’ve lived here forever and every single year I want to go to Theater in the Park and have never gone. THIS will be the year! Our kids are finally old enough and I think it’d be fun. Hot, yes, but fun 🙂

      Reply
      • Katie | Healthnut Foodie says

        May 19, 2012 at 8:03 am

        You’ve never been to Theater in the Park?!? We must go together. This year, we are most excited about the Sleepin Beauty/ Jungle Book double feature and Legally Blonde! Just a warning, after seeing their first show, I can almost guarantee you at least one of your kids will want to audition. So fun!

        Reply
  4. Roxana GreenGirl { A little bit of everything} says

    May 17, 2012 at 9:46 pm

    What a great idea Kristen! I love your bucket list!
    Now I’m think I should make one two! Enjoy you summer!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 17, 2012 at 9:54 pm

      You totally should! Even just a few little things you know you’d love to do this summer. There are so many great ideas out there (especially on Pinterest).
      I hope you have a great summer!

      Reply
  5. Michelle @ Taste As You Go says

    May 17, 2012 at 9:54 pm

    I’m exhausted just reading your summer bucket list! You have a lot of great ideas on there… I’m passing it onto my sister, who has three little ones. She might need some ideas to keep that crew occupied!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 17, 2012 at 9:55 pm

      ROFL – I was exhausted writing it out 🙂 Some of the stuff is pretty simple though and there is nothing worse than kids hanging on your feet because they are “so bored”. Of course, I should add for me, play more Draw Something with you 🙂

      Reply
      • Michelle @ Taste As You Go says

        May 17, 2012 at 9:59 pm

        I wouldn’t argue with that! I need to up my Draw Something game… There’s only so much detail I can do while drawing with my finger.

        Reply
        • Kristen says

          May 17, 2012 at 10:02 pm

          Um – girl… you do awesome! When I have to do it on my iPhone it is so pathetic. If it weren’t for the iPad, you would be thinking my 3 year old was doing all of my drawings!

          Reply
          • Denise @ Creative Kitchen says

            May 19, 2012 at 9:59 pm

            Which app is it Kristen? I downloaded the free draw something app and it just doesn’t check and see which of my friends are on it. Do I need a paid app?

            Reply
  6. Bev Weidner says

    May 17, 2012 at 10:20 pm

    WHOA. That’s a huge list! Maybe if you crave an adult moment you could add, “have a glass of wine with bev” to the list. 😉

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 7:26 am

      Well of course this list doesn’t include my adult aspirations. A glass of wine in your beautiful new kitchen sounds perfect 🙂

      Reply
  7. Lisa :) says

    May 17, 2012 at 10:34 pm

    Ooh, what a fun list! I love so many of these ideas! I’m about to hit the hay now, so I’ll have to come back to this and click some of those links! (And Estes Park — there’s a conference there in August I’d like to go to [but can’t], cue that Twilight Zone music! I’d never heard of it before until I saw the conference info a few months ago and now seeing it on your blog … do do do do, do do do do [crap, how does one write out that TwiZone music anyway?]!) Ooh, and I want to do the outdoor movie thing, and man, I need to stop looking at this now or else I’ll never get to sleep. 🙂
    Love this post!
    xo

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 7:25 am

      I wish you could go to it, Lisa! It’s a beautiful place.

      Reply
  8. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

    May 17, 2012 at 10:35 pm

    I so wish I was a kid again. I miss summer vacation.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 7:24 am

      Kids have it so good 😉

      Reply
  9. Natalie @ Cooking for My Kids says

    May 17, 2012 at 10:45 pm

    I love this, Kristen! Making our list is on my to-do list for Saturday. I love all of the ideas that you have on your Pinterest board. While we have written and crossed off lists in the past, I like this so much better because it includes big and little things. I cannot wait to sit down and come up with ideas as a family together on Saturday. The littles will love looking at my Pinterest board because they are as visual as I am about things. 🙂 Have a super summer break!!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 7:23 am

      I know you love summer as much as I do! Excited to have the kids home with me. Enjoy yours, Natalie! Next year is a big year!

      Reply
  10. Alysa (InspiredRD) says

    May 17, 2012 at 10:51 pm

    I love this list! I’m going to make one too. We had a friend who played for the TBones for a little while 🙂 So fun to go to summer baseball games!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 7:22 am

      Yay! Share it when you are done. I’d love to see it 🙂

      Reply
  11. Elizabeth says

    May 18, 2012 at 6:54 am

    I hope this doesn’t sound rude, but I think you meant to say “alluded”, not “eluded”.
    Great post =)

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 7:20 am

      Oh my… Totally not rude! Thanks for catching that 🙂

      Reply
  12. Kelly @ Kansas City Mamas says

    May 18, 2012 at 6:59 am

    You have inspired me, friend. I don’t think we will get 100 things done…but if I can check off one or two a week. I think my kids will be over the moon.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 7:21 am

      Maybe we can even do some of the things together 🙂

      Reply
      • Kelly @ Kansas City Mamas says

        May 18, 2012 at 9:05 am

        And that would make my summer. 🙂

        Reply
  13. Rachel Cooks says

    May 18, 2012 at 7:39 am

    Awesome list, will you adopt me for the summer?

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 9:29 am

      Do you do dishes?

      Reply
      • Rachel Cooks says

        May 18, 2012 at 10:19 am

        Not if I can avoid it! I didn’t see anything on this list about CHORES. Forget it! 😉

        Reply
        • Kristen says

          May 18, 2012 at 10:27 am

          LOL… well, okay then. “Teach the kids to follow the FlyLady Daily Kids Challenges” is actually all chores. No work, no play 😉

          Reply
  14. Maria says

    May 18, 2012 at 8:24 am

    Great list! Sounds like a fun summer!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 9:29 am

      I hope enjoy a fun summer with your little guy. Looking forward to meeting him this summer!

      Reply
  15. Angie says

    May 18, 2012 at 8:30 am

    Will you adopt me, please! That is one heck of a list – I’m particularly partial to the making and EATING chocolate ice cream for BREAKFAST! Hands down, you get Mom of the year for even thinking that one up 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 9:30 am

      So fun to switch things up every once in awhile! My mom once told me about eating with no hands… so we had cake for lunch one day but they couldn’t use their hands. It was the most simple of things, but boy… they STILL talk about that and it was years ago!

      Reply
  16. Pat Wogan says

    May 18, 2012 at 9:03 am

    May I suggest for your small town festival Neewollah in Independence..maybe kill two birds with one stone. If you go to the zoo, remind them that Grandma and Grandpa Sugar gave them the peacocks!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 9:31 am

      That would be fun but Neewollah is in October. I’m sure we’ll be able to find something in Kansas to go to!

      And yes – I’ll be sure to show them the peacocks that haunted my childhood 😉

      Reply
  17. Jennifer says

    May 18, 2012 at 9:05 am

    Wow, that is one heck of a list. I hope we get to participate in some of those activities with you!! This made me remember that party we had SEVERAL years ago where the kids played a game with a giant sponge, and you wrung it out over their heads….remember that? Yeah, add that game to your list too 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 9:32 am

      Yes! Drip drip splash! We used to have that annual Sundae Spalsh party. I need to start doing that again. It’s a fun one!

      And we’d love for you to join us with whatever is on our list! The more the merrier!

      Reply
  18. Lenore says

    May 18, 2012 at 9:09 am

    I love this! You are the coolest mom ever…so many awesome ideas for the summer. I can’t wait until my guy is old enough to try some of these fun activities 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 9:33 am

      We are finally at a point (no diapers, no naps) where we are freer to be this summer. I’m really excited about it! Of course, like all things with kids, we’ll see if my fantasy summer and reality summer coincide at all 🙂

      Reply
  19. bridget {bake at 350} says

    May 18, 2012 at 9:34 am

    Wow. That is SOME list! I think ours has 4 things on it. 😉 I’m pretty sure I need to steal some of these ideas! 😉

    PS…thanks for the linky love!

    Reply
  20. Tickled Red says

    May 18, 2012 at 10:09 am

    The boys and I are coming to play with y’all this summer!! Love the bucket list 😀

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 18, 2012 at 10:28 am

      Let’s change that. I’ll come play with YOU… we can be beach bums all summer long!

      Reply
      • Tickled Red says

        May 18, 2012 at 1:09 pm

        Even better! Load up the family and come on love ;D

        Reply
  21. Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says

    May 18, 2012 at 10:14 am

    Man, I’m kinda wishing I was YOUR kid!! I will certainly be referring back to this post all summer.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:25 pm

      I hope you will, Sommer! I’m sure you have some fun things up your sleeve as well!

      Reply
  22. Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says

    May 18, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    I love this list. My kids are still young to do most of it but I’ll have fun watching along as you check things off 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:25 pm

      I feel like my kids were too young just yesterday. Hate how fast time flies!

      Reply
  23. Phil says

    May 18, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    It is a cool list. I like the staycation idea. My kids love just going out to eat and swimming in a hotel pool in our home town. I think they have almost as much fun as when we go out of town, and costs a lot less!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:26 pm

      We did that at Easter a couple years ago and had such a blast. It was nice to have a “vacation” without the drive and stress of traveling with kids!

      Reply
  24. Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says

    May 18, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    Love these ideas! I saved several of them, thanks!!!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:26 pm

      Thanks so much, Debbi!

      Reply
  25. Chelsea@Chelseaisdishingup says

    May 18, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    What an awesome summer! Can I come? If your kids haven’t read the Girl who circumnavigated fairyland, that might be a good one! I just started it and love it so far.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:27 pm

      Thank you so much for the book recommendation! I was just looking at some today. That sounds like one my kids would love!

      Reply
  26. Jessie says

    May 18, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    Randomly found your list on Pinterest and it’s making me miss KC. We just moved from there to TX in Jan. There was so much I hadn’t done yet. Oh well, just a reason to visit…and explore my new city more. Happy Summer fun!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:27 pm

      Ahhhh 🙁 What part of TX are you in now? Seems like we’ve been losing a lot of friends and family to Texas lately! It’s a great state and I’m sure you’ll find lots of fun things to fill your summer with there too 🙂

      Reply
      • Jessie says

        May 20, 2012 at 9:59 pm

        In the Austin area. There is lots to do and it already feels like summer..since February, I think. 🙂

        Reply
        • Kristen says

          May 20, 2012 at 11:29 pm

          Austin is such a great city! My friend (and fellow blogger) Natalie lives in Austin. She just did a summer list too – make sure to check it out as she may have some things on it that would be fun for you to discover! http://cookingformykids.com/2012/05/19/summer-fun-list-2012/

          Reply
  27. Jenny says

    May 18, 2012 at 5:23 pm

    Love love love the list! So much fun – and it doesn’t matter if one or all get done – everything on there is going to be great time spent with the kids! I think that half the effort is having the ideas so you aren’t just trying to come up with an idea like pulling a rabbit out of your hat! The nice thing is also that you have plenty of both home and out ideas so that you can do whatever works best for the day/week…I am feeling SO inspired! (And I am going right from your site to Fly Lady to check out the kid challenge!!) 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:29 pm

      That was my goal – to have a good mix of activities and to have some we can do on congruently. Look forward to sharing some of this fun with you this summer!

      Reply
  28. TidyMom says

    May 18, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    I love all these ideas Kristen! makes me wish my girls were still little!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks, Cheryl and thanks for featuring this post on your roundup!

      Reply
  29. theurbanbaker says

    May 18, 2012 at 10:48 pm

    totally love this list, Kristen! So inspiring!!! x

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks, friend! I hope you have a wonderful summer.

      Reply
  30. TidyMom says

    May 19, 2012 at 10:33 am

    thanks for linking up Kristen, I featured you post on my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2012/12-cool-ideas-for-summer/

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  31. Kasey Pierce says

    May 19, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    I love this list! Even though my kids are turning 12 and 10, they loved everything on this list and even added a couple of things. we have season passes to a water park in Gulfport, MS and they added some things for us to do there in case of rain! They named our list Camp Pierce. :). Thanks for the great ideas!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:30 pm

      Oh that’s so fun! Keep me posted on what you all end up doing. Have a great summer, Kasey!

      Reply
  32. Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says

    May 20, 2012 at 8:02 am

    Siiiigh I always feel like the worst mom ever at the end of summer. It’s just so hard to get motivated some days. But this is my oldest’s last summer before school starts. I’m hoping we can make it super special.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:31 pm

      I feel that way every single year. I’m hoping having a few ideas laid out will help alleviate that feeling!

      Reply
  33. Ellen says

    May 20, 2012 at 9:44 am

    Thank you so much for your time and creativity you have put in all these wonderful ideas! I was getting a little worried about our summer days..and you have made me excited..and my 3 girls!!!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 6:24 pm

      Oh I am so glad to hear that this will help you and your girls have a great summer! Thanks for the comment 🙂

      Reply
  34. Audrey's Mamma says

    May 20, 2012 at 7:40 pm

    That is quiet a list! I may steal one or two of your ideas. Homemade pretzels have been on my list for a while now. We have never attended our state fair but I love our county fair. A Pinterest board is a great idea!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      May 20, 2012 at 8:35 pm

      I love the visual of having my list on Pinterest. Nick actually printed it off too (the entire board) so I have a visual right in front of me as well 🙂 Have a great summer.

      Reply
  35. Kristy Harris says

    May 20, 2012 at 8:33 pm

    You really have an awesome summer of fan bucket list kids 2012. Your kids definitely enjoying all the fan bucket list you made. It is absolutely fit for summer fan for kids.

    Reply
  36. Amy says

    June 10, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    How did I miss this earlier? What a great list of ideas and thank you so much for the shout out on our 100 days of summer list. I am loving your ideas and adding a few of these to my own bucket list!! Love you, sweet friend! xo

    Reply
  37. Gretchen says

    June 13, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    Love this bucket list and am so inspired now. I also live in the Kansas City area and am so excited about your ideas. Have you been to Ernie Miller Nature Center? It is a fabulous place to go on a nature walk. Thank you!

    Reply
  38. Cate O'Malley says

    July 2, 2012 at 8:59 am

    Whoa, i thought our list was long! Love it! And I’m with you, we make a summer album to capture all the memories — it’s so easy these days with digital pictures to forget to actually print/scrapbook/album the fun.

    Reply
  39. cheezepeez says

    September 17, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    cool ,cute,and great ideas!!!!!! THUMBS UP!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  40. goggly says

    June 30, 2015 at 9:50 pm

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  41. Anna says

    May 18, 2016 at 1:06 am

    Picnic in the park great idea 🙂

    Reply

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  10. Blueberry Jam and the Ball Automatic Jam & Jelly Maker from Kmart | Dine and Dish says:
    June 6, 2012 at 12:01 am

    […] are in the second full week of summer and have already marked several things off of our 2012 Summer Bucket List. It has been a great one so […]

    Reply
  11. The Ultimate Summer To-Do List | Back to Allen says:
    June 7, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    […] to make it different. Memorable. Creatively unique but still 'us'. My friend Kristen did an amazing summer list on her blog Dine & Dish, and I have to admit that I've borrowed quite a few of her […]

    Reply
  12. Project 365 2012 - May 13 through June 16th - A Photo a Day Journey | Dine and Dish says:
    June 17, 2012 at 8:55 pm

    […] May 30th: Marked “paint water bottles” off our Summer Bucket List! […]

    Reply
  13. Summer Bucket List Ideas says:
    June 25, 2012 at 7:00 am

    […] Tons of Ideas for a Summer Bucket List from Dine and Dish […]

    Reply
  14. Hallabolou’s Summer Bucket List « Hallabolou & You says:
    June 26, 2012 at 10:06 pm

    […] to check out some other bucket lists? The Taylor House, Dine and Dash, Over the Big […]

    Reply
  15. The Ultimate Summer Bucket List : Sunflower Schoolhouse says:
    July 15, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    […] Summer Of Fun Bucket List For Kids 2012 […]

    Reply
  16. Homemade Root Beer Flavored Sno Cone Syrup Recipe | Dine and Dish says:
    July 15, 2012 at 11:11 pm

    […] doing an ok job getting through our Summer Bucket List. There is no way we’ll get through it all, but it has been a fun-filled, really great summer […]

    Reply
  17. Recipe: Protein Packed Egg & Black Bean Breakfast Scramble | Dine and Dish says:
    August 6, 2012 at 6:02 am

    […] August seem to come out of nowhere, each and every year? Seems like I just sat down to create our Summer of Fun Bucket List yesterday and here we are now in August! In a little over 2 weeks my kids will be heading back to […]

    Reply
  18. Project 365 2012 - July through Now in pictures | Dine and Dish says:
    August 26, 2012 at 11:24 pm

    […] July 3rd: The girls were shaking paint to make the chalkboard message boards from our 2012 Summer Bucket List […]

    Reply
  19. Friday Stuff n’ Things: Florida Road Trip Edition says:
    August 30, 2012 at 11:54 pm

    […] Bucket List. At the beginning of summer, Kristen from Dine & Dish came up with this awesome summer bucket list. I had every intention of making one, and suddenly summer was almost over before I could start! I […]

    Reply
  20. Holiday Season Bucket List of Fun Activities for Christmas | Dine and Dish says:
    December 3, 2012 at 11:34 am

    […] decided, much like my 2012 Summer Bucket List, I’d make a similar list for the Christmas / New Years season and then I thought I’d […]

    Reply
  21. Weekend Walkabout | A Mother Far from Home says:
    June 1, 2013 at 1:07 am

    […] Summer Bucket list for kids. It’s from 2012 but these things still […]

    Reply
  22. 2014 Summer of Fun Bucket List Activities for Kids says:
    May 23, 2014 at 5:51 pm

    […] can check out our 2013 Summer Bucket List here and our 2012 Summer Bucket List here. We always carry some favorite activities over from summer to summer. Make sure to follow our […]

    Reply
  23. Summer Fun | Classically Colorful says:
    July 3, 2014 at 7:48 am

    […] Summer of Fun Bucket List for Kids 2012 by Dine & Dish […]

    Reply
  24. Fantastic Resources for Surviving the Summer - says:
    April 13, 2016 at 9:40 am

    […] from Dine and Dash has also created a fun Summer of 2012 Pinterest […]

    Reply

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About Your Hostess

Kristen-125Hi friends, I'm Kristen! Mom of 4, Ambassador of Happiness, Coffee Lover and Connection Seeker. Come say hi! Read More…
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food  FOOD

My love of how food connects people together runs deep. Explore a decade worth of Dine & Dish recipes, from sweets to savory as well as classic family favorites. Food lovers will want to check this out. Bon Appétit!
Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta with Spinach and parmesan cheese

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travel  TRAVEL

"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." I've always had a serious case of wanderlust, and traveling and exploring new places continues to be one of my favorite things. Come explore my favorite places with me!
5 Great Ways to Maximize Your Time at Walt Disney World Parks

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life  LIFE

More than just a food blog, Dine & Dish has always been a place where I've shared what's happening in our life. These life posts tend to be my absolute favorite blog posts. Come get a taste of life as it happens in our house!
broken plant pot on the floor with dirt

EXPLORE LIFE

happiness  HAPPINESS

I believe that in order to live a happy life, you have to make happiness happen through implementing simple things that make you happy into every day. Here are a few of the things that bring me happiness - I hope they do you too.

EXPLORE HAPPINESS

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New ink inspired by a quote in my friend @andiemmitchell amazing memoir “It Was Me All Along”. 

I tend to be an all or nothing person and look at long term and get overwhelmed instead of just taking things one day at a time. I’ve said her quote to myself multiple times a day for years. Now I’ll have a permanent reminder. 

The full quote: “Can you do it today? Can you make it through today without bingeing? Just today, and tomorrow we’ll reconsider?”

I need to go back and get a couple missed spots filled in but I love it. Thanks Rob at @irezumitattookc 🎉

#typewriterfonttattoo #tattooinstagram #inspiringtattoos #quotetattoo #gentlereminder #wordstoinspire #wordstoremember #wordstoliveby
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My snow and mountain loving, free spirited, book reading, laugh inducing, amazing friend @mountainmamacooks wrote a cookbook. It’s beautiful and just so perfect! I’m sharing all about it on the blog today and I also gave her Crispy Kahlua French Toast recipe the double dip treatment.

Find the recipe and get a peek into her book over on Dine & Dish! (PS I miss you tons, Kelley!)

#apresallday #frenchtoastrecipe #brunchideas #cookbooks #mountainmama #skiingislife
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Here’s a fun fact I heard on the radio several years ago…October 5th is the most popular day to be born (9 months prior is New Years Eve-ish). 🎉 

Happy birthday to all my many many birthday twins out there! It’s the big 4-8 for me…although this past year as a Covid long hauler I feel like I’ve aged 20 years in the past 1. But things are looking up! I’m excited for the next 365 days of my life. I’m blessed and so thankful to still be here, chugging along.

This picture is from last week when @kellykdoyle and I were visiting colleges in Colorado. If I have any followers with ties to @coloradostateuniversity or @cuboulder I’d love to chat! 

#october5th #birthdaytwins #gardenofthegods #birthdayweek #coloradosprings
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I love being a parent of teens...but I miss the days of parenting kids who loved going to school, who didn't struggle with major anxiety, who loved their bodies, and were confident about how they looked. I miss pre-covid days where lunch wasn't distanced, kids had the opportunity to connect and socialize at school, where mask-wearing wasn't even a topic, let alone one that divides. 

The past 2 years have changed my kids. They have gained so many positive things, but they've also gained a new kind of anxiety that wasn't there before. And I hate it for them. They've seen first hand how long haul covid has changed our family. They've seen the selfishness of others in ways they haven't seen before. They've had to grow up faster, worry about things they shouldn't have to worry about, and learn the hard way how this world can really be. And it hurts my heart for them. 

I have a new senior, sophomore and 6th grader here at home. Missing my sophomore in college a ton. I hope the world is kind to them and they are kind to the world. I want nothing more than for them to be happy and to be surrounded by good people who love and accept them for who they are and who also push them to live a full, rich and happy life. I pray every day for them - and for your kids...and pray that we are all raising a generation of empathetic and kind changemakers.

#loveoneanother❤️ #parentingteens #momofteens #anxietyawareness #backtoschooloutfit #changemakers #parenthood_moments
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These two small business owners had a successful launch day for their new clothing and accessory brand, @impatient.us I’m so proud of my daughter @kellykdoyle & daughter from another mother, @kyleemdunn for making the time and financial commitment to launch their dream brand! They’ve done it all so independently and have navigated starting a small business way better than I could have at 17! Thanks to everyone who sent words of encouragement and showered them with support. It’s means so much! 

Follow their journey at @impatient.us and shop the link in their profile!

#smallbusinesslaunch #clothingbrands #teenentrepreneur #launchday #launchparty #teenbusiness #shopsmallbusinesses #proudmoment
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I was a “houseplant lady” before the pandemic, but I think since the pandemic I get to add the word “crazy” to that title. So. Many. Plants. I’m not mad about it!

This weekend @kctinygreenhouse I picked up this beautiful Monstera Peru as well as a bag of Jeff’s Jungle Mix. You know when a new to you potting mix has you super excited, you’ve crossed the line into la la land 😂 Swipe to see how pretty it is!

What pandemic hobby did you pick up?

#plantmomlife #crazyplantpeople #houseplantlove #monsteraperu #pottingmix #plantobsession #plantcollectors #plantsmakepeoplehappy
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Yesterday we spent a few hours down in the West Bottoms visiting the grand opening of @kctinygreenhouse newest location . KC Plant fam, head there. Just trust me! Plants loved and cared for with the best good vibes, all ready to join your crazy plant person home. You’ll find goodies from local KC artisans as well, like @pigeoncandles 

Come for the plants, leave with a heart full of happy!

#westbottoms #tinygreenhouse #plantfamily #pandemicprojects #shoplocalkc #happyplants #plantvibes #summerofyes
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Last night in the suite @kcroyals ...I almost cried. Man it feels so good to be doing normal things. I’ll never take this for granted! Making this the summer of yes...I’m going to say yes to as many events/outings/opportunities as possible! Who’s in? #summerofyes
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Ella is 15 today! Those of you who have been with Dine & Dish since the very beginning have been a part of Ella’s life since the start too! 15 years sure does go by in a flash, both with businesses and babies.
Happy birthday @ella.r.doyle 💕💕💕 We love you!
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I want to live in the big city, yet also want to live in the country. I want to live by the beach, yet also want to live in the mountains. I either need multiple lives or multiple homes! 

#farmlifeisthebestlife #chickensofig #barnlife #iwantitall #hensofinstagram #citygirlcountrygirl
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I’m officially one step closer to reaching peak plant lady status! 🪴

I’m welcoming these plant cuttings from the Hello Kathy Plant Etsy Shop to my already booming collection. When I saw people rave about her “Mystery Box” of plant cuttings I knew I had to buy one. 2 things I love...mystery boxes and plants!

Now I need to figure out how to keep them alive. Any advice? 😃 🪴

#plantladyisthenewcatlady #plantladylife #plantcuttings #newplants #etsyshopping #shopsmallbusinesses #plantloversofinstagram
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Hi, friend! I Thought I’d just say “hey” and check in and add some pretty flowers to your feed.

We’re over here dragging ourselves across the school finish line...so close to done physically, but over done, mentally. Can you relate?

My coaching business is going great, I’m working with some truly incredible, inspiring women right now which makes me so happy! I’ll be launching 2 new group coaching  classes (for women and entrepreneurs) in a few weeks so be sure to follow @rockyourhappy if you are interested in being updated on those!

Jacob comes home from college this week and my parents are coming to visit for a couple of weeks as well. And it’s almost my favorite time of the year, summer!! 

How are things going with you? What’s going good and making you happy? Or what do you need a hand or listening ear with? Touch base! I’ve missed you!

#pinkflowers🌸 #happyday💕 #touchingbase #spreadhappiness #thursdaytherapy #lifecoachforwomen #springflowersmakemehappy
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Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
#booksbooksandmorebooks #bookgiveaway #audiobook #librofm #independentbookstore @indiebookstoreday
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Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

#collegetour #bestlifenow #outofstate #studentloans #junioryear #kansasstate #adviceneeded
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J is for...jam!
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My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
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I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
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#homemadejam #eatcaptureshare #biscuitsandjam #homemadebiscuits #sundaybaking #easylikesundaymorning #foodphotograph #foodpics #slowsunday #breakfastathome #kimklassen_innercircle
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It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
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Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
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#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
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I is for Inspiration!
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The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
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With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
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If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
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@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
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