Summer Bucket List- Our Top 50 Things to Try

Summer Bucket List

Last year we tried our first Summer Bucket List. There were things we made a point to do and plan for because of the list. It is easy for me to get caught in the day to day life, doing the same routine, so I wanted to have some ideas to create memories. We didn't do everything on the list, and that is okay with me. This year we have compiled a new list for this summer. Some are repeats from last year. and some include local or vacation spots we are doing this summer.


1. Backyard Camping

2. Tie Dye Shirts

3. Pull a new Park out of a Hat each week

4. Ice Cream for Dinner (Last Day of School)

5. Bounce Houses and Open Gym Time

6. Swim at the Lake

7. Float down the River

8. Neighborhood Water Fight

9. No Chore Day

10. Harry Potter Party with Butterbeer

11. Play Place (We like Carl's Jr)

12. Star Gazing Night with Friends

13. Board Game Day

14. Half Price night at our local Swimming Pool

15. Visit the Zoo

16. Children's Museum (We are doing this one)

17. Make a Treat with each child, individually

18. Make Homemade Ice Cream

19. Go on a Hike

20. Pajama Movie Day

21. Lunch with Dad at Work

22. Roast Marshmallows

23. Farmer's Market

24. Teach the kids how to play Tennis

25. Explore a new area near us

26. Family Bike Ride

27. Sign up for the Library Reading Program

28. Lunch at the Park

29. Catch Fireflies

30. Kids Bowl Free

31. Paint Day (Something messy)

32. Make Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

33. Fishing

34. Go for a Scenic Drive

35. Bike Wash/Car Wash in Swimsuits

36. Sprinklers and Popsicles

37. Family Night on the Trampoline

38. Homemade Pizza- Movie Night

39. Air Show

40. Drive in Movie or Movies at the Park

41. Rollerskating

42. Make Forts and let the Kids sleep in the Living Room

43. Plant a Garden and make something new with the Produce

44. Visit Shoshone Falls

45. Go down the Raft River Water Slide

46. St. Louis Gateway Arch

47. Go to a Hotel with a Water Park (We are staying in this one)

48. Church History Sites

49. Take the Kids to Old Faithful in Yellowstone

50. End of Summer Party with Friends (Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Snow Cones, Sprinklers)

Spicy Artichoke Pasta

 Spicy Artichoke Pasta

Spicy Artichoke Pasta is one of my husband's favorite meals that we eat. I've started making sure that we have the ingredients on hand so we can make it at any time. This dish is a refreshing change from the traditional marinara sauce you are used to. 

I got this recipe from my friend Holli a few years ago. I was nervous of the artichokes the first time I made this. I am a recovering picky eater, so new foods scare me. I chopped them up small and avoided some of them at first, but they add so much flavor. I am happy to say this meal has educated me into trying new possibilities. This was definitely a success.

I've never tried a pasta like this. Usually pastas have a strong tomato or Alfredo base to them. Although this pasta has tomatoes in it, the artichokes and seasonings add such a unique flavor to it. I think that is why Kevin is so drawn to it.

Spicy Artichoke Pasta

1 Clove Garlic, minced

2 Chicken Breasts, diced

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Saute the Chicken and Garlic with the Olive Oil, over medium heat until the chicken is almost cooked through. 

1 Can of Petite Diced Tomatoes

1 14oz jar of Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained and cut smaller, if desired

Add the Tomatoes and Artichoke Hearts to the Chicken and cook for about 10 minutes longer. I chop my artichokes smaller. 

1 Cup Heavy Cream

Lawry's Garlic Salt

Cajun's Choice Creole Seasoning

3/4 Cup Real Parmesan Cheese

1 Pound of Fettucini or Spaghetti, cooked

Add the Heavy Cream and sprinkle in the Garlic Salt and Cajun Seasoning to taste. I add more (Lawry's) Garlic salt than I do Cajun. I am told that the longer you cook it, the hotter it will get, but I haven't really noticed a difference. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for another 20 minutes or so while you cook the pasta. Remove from heat and add in the cooked pasta and shredded Parmesan Cheese. Use forks to coat the pasta with the sauce. When eating, we usually sprinkle a little more Cajun Seasoning on top of the pasta on our plates. It usually needs just a tad more on top of the pasta. 

 Enjoy!

Cinnasticks

Cinnasticks

These Cinnasticks are out of this world! With the slight crisp to the outside, the soft middle, melt in your mouth frosting goodness, you won't be able to stop at just one! I threw these together one night with the leftover Pizza dough we make, and we have been making these every since. 

Cinnasticks

3 Cups Flour

1 1/2 teaspoons Yeast

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 1/4 Salt

1 Tablespoon Sugar

1 1/3 Cups Warm Water

I mix the dough in a bread maker. To make it by hand, put the warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and set aside for several minutes to react. When ready, add in the rest of the ingredients and stir with a spoon until the dough starts to form. Knead some in the bowl to get the rest of the ingredients into the ball of dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and continue to knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough is soft and springy. 

Spray a bowl with non stick cooking spray and put the dough back in to rise for about 45 minutes or until it is doubled in size. (I turn my oven on to 375 and set the dough on the cook top. The heat coming up is enough to help it rise well). 

Topping

About 6 Tablespoons Melted Butter 

1/2 Cup Sugar

2-3 teaspoons Cinnamon

When the dough is finished rising, melt butter in a bowl (about 6 Tablespoons) in the microwave. Pour the butter into a small cookie sheet. Pour the dough out onto the butter and wiggle and jiggle it gently until it resembles a rectangle. I suppose you can roll it out just a little, don't flatten them. You want them to be about 3/4 in thick. Flip the dough over once to coat the butter on the other side as well. 

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Cut the sticks with a pizza cutter. You don't need to separate them out, they are just easier to remove if you give them a cut before you bake them. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar on top until it looks well coated. You will most likely not use the whole amount of cinnamon and sugar. 

Bake at 375 for about 16 minutes. You want them to be golden brown but not over baked. In the meantime, make the frosting to go on top. I've considered having the frosting separate for dipping but it seems more magical spread all over the top. 

Frosting

3 Tablespoons Cream Cheese, soft

4 Tablespoons Butter, soft

About 2-4 Cups Powdered Sugar 

Splash of Vanilla

1-3 teaspoons hot water

This is a bit trickier to give you exact measurements, because I usually dump as I go. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until it is smooth and creamy. Add in the powdered sugar and beat until it starts getting thick. My guess is it is closer to 3 cups, but start with 2. Add in a splash of vanilla and mix well. You don't want the frosting thick, or too thin. The hot cinnasticks will melt it so it spreads easily. Add in a teaspoon or 2 of hot water to thin the frosting if needed. (I always do this) When the cinnasticks are finished cooking, pour the frosting on top and serve when cooled enough to eat. 

This is the consistency of the frosting and the look of the baked Cinnasticks before the frosting goes on.

 Mmmmmmm!