Oh summer, you’ve been good to us so far. Things have been in full swing around here, filled with a lot of good things, like sushi!

Recently I met up with some girlfriends for a much needed girls night out. We met at the reasonable hour of 5:30 and I returned home just before midnight. Who do I think I am?! We actually enjoyed chatting so much that after the restaurant shut down we just sat outside at tables at a closed down strip mall. A sign we all need to get out and do that more often? Why yes, I think so!

Read my girl, Melissa, recount the evening and share some red wine tips too here.

In adventures in eating out, David and I also have had a couple evenings out together. The first, we really wanted to try the new burger joint, The Barcelona Burger and Beer Garden, that just opened next to the popular Alino’s Pizza in downtown Mooresville. Both are located right next to a large antique mall, so we started the evening sipping a beer and wandering the aisles, where I fell in love with these two paintings.

For one day when I own a farmhouse, I suppose.

The Barcelona is open and airy, a great relaxed atmosphere with picnic tables for family style seating. We snagged a seat at the bar and sunk our teeth in to burgers and sides.

The picture (taken on my old iphone) really doesn’t do the experience justice. Much like Alino’s, the menu is simple but the food is downright delicious. I’m still dreaming of that burger and the roasted vegetables that accompanied it.

Lately David and I have talked about wanting to do more besides eat food when we go out together, so we dipped our toes into the water of adventure dating the best way we knew how (ok, we were limited on options this particular night), LASER TAG.

We ventured, for the first time, to The Pit where we watched some fierce indoor go-karting, challenged each other in Skee-ball and air hockey, and took on two teens in laser tag. How long has it been since you’ve played laser tag? In middle school, Q-zar Laser Tag was my jam, and let me tell you, it’s just as fun as an adult!

Also on the list for date nights/days: wall climbing, bowling, paddle boarding, hiking, The White Water Center, and live music. We are always looking for good live music. Any suggestions?

In between nights out, Hailey swam in her first (and only) swim meet of the season.

I guess I’m an unobservant mom because I didn’t know she could freestyle across the whole pool until I realized the coach didn’t stop her at the halfway point. Swim team truly is the best form of lessons!

We hung out with friends at our neighborhood pool party. It rained intermittently, but at least there were bugs and hula hoops to entertain us during the 30 minute mandatory thunder breaks.

My cover up/dress is from StitchFix last year and of course, my go-to summer hat.

On the actual 4th of July, we partied with friends in their backyards, letting the kids splash in the pool, pelt each other with water balloons, and grilling out burgers.

When the sun went down we tagged along with friends that had done the hard work of scouting out front row fireworks seats that morning and enjoyed a bright and colorful display, complete with bits of shrapnel raining down on us.

Though is sounds like all play (and I’ll be honest, there has been a lot of play!), we’ve also been knocking out a few home projects as well. Well, I just bought a new throw for the couch, but David wired our guest room for overhead lighting and now we finally have a light and fan for our guests.

We also put in new shower heads and the playroom/homeschool room is coming along quite nicely too.

In one final wild night out, David and I had a date night in Charlotte on Wednesday where we discovered the incredible array of oysters offered at Sea Level.

With a rotating selection of fresh oysters (we had a sampler), small bites (fish taco and pork belly sandwich pictured above), and entrees like paella (which we also shared), the place did not disappoint. The food and service were incredible and I don’t say that lightly.

After dinner we were in for a treat. I was given opening night tickets to Jersey Boys at the Belk Theater in uptown, a show I’ve been dying to see for years given my love for the music of the 60’s.

My dress is a couple years old from Anthopologie, but these shoes are the best!

I danced in my seat, I laughed, and I sat in awe at the talent of the actors of stage. David loved it too and on the way home I was already looking through upcoming shows. Local friends, Hamilton (among other gems) is coming next year. I hear that’s something to get excited about? Musicals really are the best!

Whew, July, you’ve kept us busy! Between the midweek holiday and all the excitement, I feel we’ve been going going going. We’re looking forward to a low-key weekend, finishing up some home projects, catching up on sleep, and maybe getting out on the lake.

Don’t forget Amazon Prime Day starts today! There are some good deals to be had. I bought this for David last year and he uses it all the time.

Let’s chat!

How has your summer been so far? Relaxing? Exciting?

What is your favorite thing to do on a date night?

Any fun activity suggestions to share?