Throughout the years, during the summer months, my family and I have collected many vacation memories from weekend beach getaways to cross-country road trips. I have loved travelling with my three children at all stages in their lives, but I think this summer’s vacation might have been the best one yet. My two boys graduated from high school in 2022 and 2024, and we had promised them a trip to Europe to celebrate. We combined the two, and being just a tad late, they finally got their graduation trip!

Last month, we took a cruise through the Best of Scandinavia, which happens to be our heritage. My husband’s family is from Denmark, and mine is from Norway. It was so fun to visit these places and see landmarks that our ancestors might have stood in. And the best part was that my previously young, rambunctious boys, who required constant supervision, have grown into young adults that now pretty much take care of themselves. It was also fun because they were truly interested in the places we went, and they wanted to venture out and see the sights; there was very little cajoling needed.

During our recent trip, we found a small library nook on the ship where you could leave books you read and take others that people left. My youngest son chose a Cesar Millan book to start reading. It was so rewarding to see him enjoying it throughout the trip! My husband is an avid reader, and he placed a huge emphasis on reading books to our kids when they were little. I think this practice makes lifelong readers as your kids grow up. In the article, “Soaring Stories: Kids’ Books That Celebrate Amelia Earhart,” on page 14, you can find all kinds of books on this aviation icon. Celebrating Amelia Earhart Day on July 24, you can check out these books to support reading and to encourage them to learn about the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and her subsequent disappearance.

This month’s Hello Happy Mama features a charitable woman who does a lot for the community.  In the article, “Hello, Happy (FAITHFUL) Mama: Timi Ann Mongold,” on page 12, Callie Collins writes how love speaks through this mama. Timi Ann and her husband, David, have eight children and a thriving chiropractic practice. Somehow, she still finds time to volunteer and teach her kids to do so, too! Volunteering alongside her family makes her heart happy.

For your monthly dose of humor, check out Julie Willis’ Humor at Home article, “Shopping with Kids: Why I Have No Clothes,” on page 23. She explains the inevitable truths that happen during child-rearing years. One of the main ones is that you never have time to shop for clothes for yourself because you’re always shopping for everyone else. She writes about a Target adventure that turned crazy and still didn’t end with the necessary items.

In July, while you’re celebrating America’s birthday and all the fanfare that goes along with it, you could be in a different country or your backyard: remember to make memories, have fun, and of course, be safe! Each stage of life, from when your kids are small to when they become adults, poses different expectations and adventures, but they’re all exciting! Every time I think I have found my favorite memory, a new one comes along to vie for the top spot!

Happy 4th of July!