This weekend was packed with sunshine and friends- pretty much the perfect kick off to summer.
Alexis, Christen and her son, Crawford, all arrived Friday around noon. The husbands weren’t able to get off early, but the weather was perfect, so for the first time ever I decided I could handle the boat on my own.
So with us three ladies and 2 kiddos, we took to Lake Norman. It was ridiculously fun and I am so proud that I was able to drive us around, dock at the Blue Parrot and get us safely back home. The boat didn’t sink and no one went overboard (unintentionally). I consider that a win!
Saturday morning everyone joined in on our Davidson farmers market tradition. The kids got to stretch their legs and looked ridiculously cute doing it.
Hand holding was all the rage.
We grabbed drinks and breakfast and soaked in the wholesomeness.
Gazpacho for breakfast because… why not? It’s summer!
After picking up some goodies and swinging by the grocery store we came home to fuel up on dips before heading back out on the water.
We sipped Corona Lights, watched the kids play, soaked up the sun and I posed awkwardly for a picture with the girls. Seriously, what’s up with my arm?
Hailey was so exhausted from keeping up with Crawford that the pacifier made a special appearance to help us extend our boating excursion.
Once back at home, we grilled all the farmers market goodies and settled in for a night of chatting on the porch.
To my delight on Sunday morning, my friends wanted to meal plan with me!
So we put together the week’s meals while the kids ran around and the guys worked on a few projects.
Chores and meal planning- what fun!… who wants to come visit me next?! 
Everyone left midday, Hailey napped early and stayed asleep for 3 hours. I hit up the farmers market and grocery stores and made a video about it on instagram. I’m promising myself I won’t go too overboard with the videos, but it sure is fun!
After nap, Hailey and I went to Garrett’s pool party to help him celebrate the big 0-2!
Hailey had her first cupcake.
It took her about 10 seconds to devour it.
Back home, Hailey crashed hard despite the sugar rush. I grilled dinner while David finished up some more home maintenance.
Then, we followed suit and crashed onto the couch. We were pretty tired ourselves, but a video about a family that went sailing around the world was all we needed to inspire us to hit the ground running on another week.
So let it begin…!
What signifies summer to you?
For me, it’s the lake, fresh summer produce, the grill and, unfortunately, mosquitoes!
Karen says
What a FUN weekend you guys had and I so wished I lived near you. I am actually heading to Savannah (I know you were there last weekend) for work at the end of July and looking forward to my trip. I think the grill and seasonal beer brings me to the summer plus those darn summer bugs…yuck!
Brittany Dixon says
Oh YES, how did I forget seasonal beer?! It almost makes up for the bugs 😉
Lisa says
Looks like such fun times! Glad you got to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather with your family!
It looks pretty perfect.
I always loved boating in the Summer when I was younger.
And I die over the two kiddos holding hands. Adorable!
Grilling, the lake, smoothies, salad, grilling, cute skirts and dresses, drinks outdoors, and a little ice cream definitely signifies Summer for me!
Katiemac says
How do you cook your sweet potatoes?
Brittany Dixon says
Scrub the potato and pat dry. Then, poke with a fork a few times. Put it in the oven at 425 for 40-60 minutes, until it is soft when you squeeze it. Sometimes I will wrap it in foil to keep the sweet oozings from getting all over the place!
Erica says
That second photo of Hailey with the cupcake is the best!
Beth Sheridan @sugarcoatedsheridans says
What a wonderful weekend! And that’s exactly what I look like when I eat a cupcake too 🙂
Parita says
Flip flops and shorts signify summer to me…oh and humidity! Glad you had a fun weekend with friends – those are the best. 🙂
Kelli H says
Looks like you had a great weekend!
Karen says
Summer to me is when the rivers are warm enough to play in without wetsuits.
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, oh man, that makes me shiver! I haven’t had on a wet suit since diving on our honeymoon.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I love the hand holding – too cute when kids do that! I loved watching my niece and goddaughter yesterday. They were obsessed with giving each other hugs.
christina says
I love your weekends!! Y’all really seem to enjoy your free time. Makes me happy. Hailey looks soooo cute in that running pic. I realllllly want her romper too haha!
Brittany Dixon says
I got the romper from old navy. I’m willing to bet it’s still there in the kids section. You’re little like me, right? Just saying… there’s a chance it could fit! 😉
Lauren B. says
Summer is lots of fresh (and cheaper!) berries and stone fruits to enjoy everyday, with every meal!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Sounds like my kind of weekend: I’m DEFINITELY coming to visit next. [And is it weird that I want to own Hailey’s romper in big-person size?]
Brittany Dixon says
Come on over! We can meal plan and you can show me how to cook. My own, personal Whole Foods class! Love it!
Maria says
I actually SHOULD probably come visit you so you can teach me how to meal plan. And teach me to drive a boat because I plan to have that come in handy one of these days when I convince the husband that Lake Normal is the new Silicon Valley.
Summer doesn’t usually kick off for me until July 4th when we head to Napa for the holiday, per our usual tradition. And when it starts to get warm here (usually not until August) so I can wear shorts.
Brittany Dixon says
I just deep sighed when you said you go annually to Napa Valley. I guess the west coast has its perks 😉
Jen says
What a fun weekend! Hailey and her friend are killing me with the cuteness!
Danica @ It's Progression says
Summer favorites for me include laying out in the sun (beach or poolside), walks outside every single day, grilled dinners, fresh fruit (!), our big family 4th of July picnic, baseball games (Twins!), and the farmer’s market each weekend. I could go on though – living in MN means I soak up every possible minute of summer 🙂
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
Looks like an awesome weekend! I’m so jealous of your boat! How fun to have that to enjoy all summer! We enjoyed our first baseball game and BBQ with friends this weekend which are pretty summer related 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Baseball and BBQ SCREAMS summer- what a great weekend!
char eats greens says
I wish I had a husband who’s busy work season wasn’t the summer. I’m lucky if he takes one day off a week and it’s NEVER a weekend day. I promise you that’s my only sob story haha.
Summer is definitely cold bevy’s, suntanning, running outside with tank tops on!!!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Ahhh I would LOVE to have a boat someday! Boating is one of my favorite summer activities. Looks like you all had a fun weekend!
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Sounds like a great weekend!
Presley @ Run Pretty says
The next time we head that way, I am crashing your boat party. For real. Meal planning included. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Crash away- the more the merrier! Just bring a lifejacket 🙂
Liz says
Same for me. Loved your pictures. Glad you had such a great time, good food and good friends. Perfect weekend.
Neil Butterfield says
You guys really have an awesome time together. The kids did look incredibly cute:-)