enjoy i n g su m mer ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LEANN PARKER
GROWING UP, MY FAMILY SPENT LONG PORTIONS OF OUR SUMMERS AT MY GRANDPARENTS’ HOUSE ON LAKE MICHIGAN IN DOOR COUNTY, WI. It is a place where all of my good memories live. We didn’t need much entertainment and certainly didn’t have electronics back then. Our days were filled with paddling around in Opa’s worn out red canoe, painting on white rocks, fishing and exploring the great northern woods. I personally loved bird watching and documenting the song births as they built their nests, laid and hatched their eggs and finally flew away. In addition to all of our outdoor play, we would take a day to visit the art galleries where my Oma and my Aunt’s paintings were displayed. Hopping in and out of our favorite antique stores along the way. Only slow summers allow for those sorts of things. I treasure those slow summer days. Last year the world experienced the world’s longest summer, quite literally. My kids were home for a solid six months with nothing but nature to entertain them and while it was quite a shock, they were able to experience what slow summer days could truly be like. Although I am so thankful that there are more things scribbled on the calendar this year, I also don’t want to lose the slowing down that we experienced last summer. I know my kids would like that too. In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!
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Johnson County Lifestyle | July 2021