Cupcakes and Curls: Five on Friday

My triumphant return to blogging sure lasted long, huh? I have just been having WAY too much fun with my kiddo, and while she naps, I've been binge watching so many shows that I fell behind on during the school year. AND knocking so many items off of my to-do list. Best. Summer. Ever.

I've been thinking a lot about my little blog and there is just so much I want to share with you. Some of my most favorite bloggers are those who just talk about life and what they're doing. That's what I want for this blog.

So the easiest way to dive back into blogging? Five on Friday, of course. Let's go!

One. We finally finished Zoey's playset enclosure! We (mostly Chris) built this playset last summer and Zoey enjoyed it during our gloriously mild winter. When the "grass" (read: weeds) started growing again this spring, we bit the bullet, ordered 2 tons of rubber mulch and built (mostly Chris, again) this sweet enclosure. I love how it looks and the extra safety it provides for our fearless climber and her friends. Chris loves not having to mow under it.

Two. We discovered our athletic center's indoor play pool this summer. The outdoor play pools put it to shame, but it's pretty awesome and not highly attended in the AM. Such a great way for Zoey to expend some energy without the sunscreen battle.

Three. I'm still Stitch Fixing! I kept all five from my latest fix - my stylist really knocked it out of the park! I'm obsessed with the shoes. If you haven't tried it yet, give it a shot: {Stitch Fix}.

Four. I made my first burlap wreath last week! It is not my favorite, but the thought was to make it plain so I can change out the decorations with some of these more fleeting holidays. I'm thinking, if I add some color to the bottom right, it will look more complete.

Five. Motherhood has been throwing me way out of my comfort zone this summer. As an introvert, it is very hard to do anything that is unknown; my natural instinct is to stick with what I'm comfortable doing. The demands of an adventurous two year old have thrown me into some big unknowns and I'm so thankful! We've discovered all of the "free" swimming places, just completed our first week of swim lessons, played in a Chick-Fil-A play area (my personal hell), done story time at the Library, and played in the mall play area (my second personal hell). With another month left of summer, we still have so many places to check off our list. What are your recommendations for toddler friendly fun?

Six. Because I can't ignore the hurting in my city or anywhere else today.

My prayer list for the families of those senselessly killed by fearful and hate-filled people grows too long. I know my ongoing struggle is judging others, but maybe if I work harder to love instead of judge, I can be a better example for my daughter. Let's all choose love, our world needs it right now.