3 gifts on Thursday: what are you doing this summer? edition

With summer vacation fast approaching, I'm beginning to anticipate a couple of activities we'll be doing during the summer months and thought it would be fun to share it. And then give you a turn to share what you'll be doing this summer too.


For previous 3 Gifts installments, click here. If you would like to have a "gift" featured in this series, please see the bottom of this post for details.


1. the gift of keeping active

One thing I've loved about putting Brianna and Reese back into school is the daily routine of walking their and back and it's something I want to try doing most days during vacation. One idea I've come up with to help us meet this goal is forming a Moms & Kids Hiking Club. Here's the idea: invite a bunch of moms with kids we know to meet us once a week at local spots to go for a hike with the occasional picnic lunch thrown in for good measure. I've decided we'll try for the same day of the week, but will be flexible in case of rain. We'll also visit hiking locations with varying degrees of difficulty so we can increase our endurance. For example, the first spot I'm planning on is a super easy trail with a playground nearby so we'll have plenty of time for everyone to get to know one another. I'm also thinking a celebration picnic/party at the end might be fun. Like the idea? I'd love to know if you try it out and how it goes. :)


2. the gift of a kids-in-tow Bible study
I'm really looking forward to our Moms & Kids Bible study which will start again in June. I started this a few years ago when I found it hard to find a Bible study that either didn't offer childcare or occurred at a time that didn't work for us. This summer, we have one friend who will host on the days when the weather allows us to be outside and another friend to host on the indoor days.  During the study, the kids play together while we talk. Yes, it's chaotic and we get interruptions aplenty, but the kids enjoy playing with one another and we enjoy the fellowship. This summer, we're doing a Kay Arthur study from her New Inductive Study Series. I love this approach because it really encourages you to meet with God over His Word. She has other studies too which you can check out here.

3. the gift of sharing
Your turn now. :) What are one or two fun free/cheap things you're going to try this summer? What summer gifts do you hope God has in store for you?

If you have a "gift" you'd like me to consider wrapping into a 3 Gifts on Thursday package, please email me the details. It can be anything you are hosting or have heard about: from a giveaways to service projects, household/parenting tips, resources, promotions/coupon codes, items such as books, music, movies, etc (ones available for purchase online). If I choose to incorporate your gift suggestion into a 3 Gifts post, I will email you to let you know when it will be featured.