Our Fun-Filled 4th of July Celebration

The 4th of July has been one of my favorite holidays for years. It never used to be that way, but my husband and his family converted me! Now I love it, and we are passing on all of our favorite 4th of July traditions to our kids!

This year, the 4th of July was almost perfect. We spent the day with family and friends, from start to finish. We kicked it off with the town parade, spent the afternoon and evening at a pool party/picnic with friends, watched fireworks with friends and family, then headed back to a friend's house to continue the fun! 

The only thing missing was Dylan. Having older teenagers is tough, but we eventually learned to compromise. Some holidays and events are non-negotiable, but we do understand that some things are more fun with friends. He just wanted to go to the parade and the fireworks with his best friends. We missed him, but talked to him at the end of the day! But other than that little downer, we had a great day!

Our Five Ring Circus Takes On The Water Steps

On Friday, we headed back into Pittsburgh for another afternoon of fun! We originally planned to visit the Carnegie Museum or Carnegie Science Center, but it was such a beautiful day, that we wanted to spend it outdoors. Grant has never been able to join us at The Water Steps at the North Shore Riverfront Park, so we decided that would be a great family outing for the day!

The Water Steps look like a beautiful piece of natural art, but it's actually a popular spot in the Summer. It's like a huge, interactive fountain! This multi-tier wading spot is a combination of waterfalls cascading over the rocks, and shallow wading pools on each level. Kids can cool down by wading through the water, and even adults and dogs, who are walking or biking along the Riverfront trail, take advantage of this fun, free spot!

I always tell people that the Water Steps are a hidden gem in Pittsburgh. My kids can easily spend hours playing on them, and they are always so excited when I tell them we will be spending the day there. This time, we were so excited to have Grant with us on our mini Pittsburgh staycation!

Fourth of July Festivities

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, and this year was a great one! We swam, we picnicked, we paraded, we ate too much food, we swam some more, and we watched fireworks. We had so much fun celebrating America's birthday with our family and friends!

The 4th of July has been a big deal since I met Grant. I quickly grew to love the holiday as much as his family did. Every year since I met Grant, we celebrated the 4th of July with his family. They always hosted a huge picnic, then we walked down to watch the town parade. Grant often drove his dad, who was the mayor, in the parade, and I occasionally joined him. Eventually, Dylan took my place. His dad brought fireworks back to the area, so we would end the night by watching the fireworks in the cemetery on the hill, then head back to his parent's house for a fire.

That tradition just wasn't the same after the death of Grant's father, who absolutely loved the 4th of July, and two years ago was the last year the picnic happened. Last year felt like a huge disappointment, so we knew things had to change. Although change is tough, this year we went to our friend's pool for a picnic/pool party, and we ended up having a fun day!

Pool Party Fun with a side of Real Mom Life

Nothing screams Summer quite like a pool party! There's just something so perfect about spending the entire day at the pool with good friends. Even with a million kids, it's still fun, and by the end of the day, everybody is tired and content!

Over the weekend, we celebrated a very special friend's recent high school graduation by gathering for an afternoon of fun, food and swimming! The weather was beautiful in Pittsburgh, and the kids stayed in the pool until the sun began to set. It was the perfect Summer day!

That being said, pool parties are not what they used to be. My days of relaxing poolside are long gone, but as a mom, I still thoroughly enjoy days at the pool with my kids. It's what Summer is all about!

But what's it REALLY like to take four kids to a pool party? Well, it goes a little something like this:

The Prep:

• Start getting ready six hours before you have to leave, because even if you think it will be plenty of time, you will still be late. 
• Gather up the 50,000 necessities that you will need to take along. 
• Argue with the almost 6 year old over why she can't wear the 3T bikini that she has been hoarding in her dresser drawer. Finally, just give up, let her wear it, and secretly plot to make it disappear after laundry day.
• Change 3 year old into swim diaper, trunks, and rash guard, only to have him completely undress himself 5 minutes later. Because getting completely naked to pee on the potty is what we have to do. Redress him, have it happen again 10 minutes later, and just give up and let him run around naked until it's time to go. 
• Chug a huge cup of coffee, because, well...pool day with four kids.
• Tell the 10 and 12 year old to change into their suits and get everything they need for a day of swimming. Remind them three more times before it gets done, then check their bags to make sure they followed through. 
• Glare at the husband every time you pass through the living room because he's calmly scrolling through Facebook, all ready to go, while you run around in a panic. 
• Realize the party started 10 minutes ago.
• Forget that you have to wrap up the 6 year old's finger, because she CUT HER FINGERTIP OFF, but have no idea how to do it. Press & Seal to the rescue. (Just FYI: It really worked!)
• Realize you are now 20 minutes late to the party. 
• Get changed into your own suit as quickly as possible, and frantically cram enough towels for a family of 6 into a huge bag that's still much too small for all the necessities. 
• Stare down the husband who finally walks into the room and comments on how much stuff you have and how you don't need to take it all. Remind him that YOU are the one who takes the kids to the pool, all alone, each week, so you know exactly what is needed, then toss one of the two bags in his direction. Listen to the sound of laughter echoing down the hallway.
• Herd the not so little crew down to the car, strap the younger ones into their seats, load up the car and realize your 8 seat SUV is still too small, climb in, and...realize you forgot something.
• Race into the house and back, jump in the car, and head out. You are now 30 minutes late. (You should have started preparing 7 hours in advance!)

The Pool Party:

• Unload the kids, unload the car, and claim a large spot for all the stuff that seems to have multiplied in the car.
• Catch the 3 year old before he jumps into the pool without a swim vest.
• Wrangle 4 kids so you can make sure they are fully protected from the sun. Sunscreen times 6 is not an easy task. Chase after 3 year old approximately 20 times during the process. 
• Spend the next 6 hours keeping 3 year old from falling in the pool or escaping through the open gate, reapplying sunscreen, meeting demands, keeping a watchful eye on the pool, and swimming with the youngest
• Attempt to sit with your friends, but stand up every 2 minutes to chase the mini tornado.
• Get your kids food, get yourself food, take a bite, get your kids something, take a bite, get your kids something, take a bite, and so on.
• Divide and conquer with your husband, but to be perfectly honest, it's more of a 75/25 split.
• Make a mental note to buy your unbelievably active 3 year old a child leash for your trip to the beach next month, because this just isn't going to cut it!
• Bathroom breaks every 5 minutes, in wet suits, which is SO much fun.
• Get splashed in the face or squirted with a pool toy approximately 20,000 times.
• Hear "Mom, look at this!" every 5 seconds.
• Fish my sleeping 5 year old, who fell asleep on a raft, out of the pool. Brace yourself for the anger. (We were spared.)
• Tell the big kids "just five more minutes" at least five times, because they are having so much fun and you don't want it to end.
• Try to gather up the unbelievable amount of gear while keeping the 3 year old from running off. 
• Trudge to the car with a bag on your back, a bag on one shoulder, safety vests on the other arm and the 3 year old slipping off your hip.
• Get everybody and everything loaded into the car as quick as possible because everybody is exhausted!

The After:

• Arrive home and carry two sleeping kids up to their beds. (The best part of swimming all day is easy bedtime!)
• Do a load of laundry, because 30 lbs of wet towels and swimsuits can't wait all week.
• Hang up the safety vests to dry and unpack the bags while everybody else showers.
• FINALLY get your own shower.
• Collapse on the couch, completely exhausted after a day of running after kids in the hot sun.

Despite the chaos we had a fun day! It's easy to watch Dylan, Lexie and Lily at the pool. Liam, on the other hand, needs full attention. He never stops moving!  One day I will be able to sit and relax again. But for now, I'll be happily chasing after the Toddler Tornado while cheering on Dylan, Lexie and Lily! 

Even though it sounds like taking four kids to the pool is a total nightmare, it's really not that bad. It's just a lot of prep and constant busyness, just like anything else in life. We're actually heading back to the pool today, and this time, it will be just me versus four! Summer is passing by far too quickly, and we're trying to get in as many pool days as possible before they're gone!

What are your tricks to make trips to the pool more relaxing?

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10 Tips To Help Moms Find The Perfect Swimsuit {Featuring Speedo USA}

DISCLOSURE: This post was sponsored by Speedo USA. I received Speedo products as compensation.

Spring has arrived and the weather is warming up in Pittsburgh! In just a few months, the kids will be out of school, and we will be logging in many hours at the pool, beach and splash pad.

Spring Fever is kicking in hardcore, and I’m eagerly shopping for Summer clothing. Sundresses are hanging in our closets, shorts are folded up in drawers, sandals and flip flops are ready to be worn and our swimsuits are waiting for the first pool day of the season.

There was only one thing left to do, and it’s a task I dread every single year: Shopping for MY swimsuit! Shopping for a swimsuit for yourself is never fun, but once you become a mom, shopping for the perfect suit is a bit more difficult.

Motherhood makes your body and your lifestyle change in so many ways. Swimsuits that you once loved may no longer be the perfect fit. Nobody wants to sacrifice style for function, but there are plenty of swimsuits out there for moms that are both stylish AND functional. Finding the perfect “Mom Suit” is a challenge, but it can be done! 

I teamed up with Speedo USA to show you just how easy it can be to find a swimsuit that’s right for you! Here are 10 tips to help you find the perfect “Mom Suit.”

1. Skip the store and shop online. Shopping for a swimsuit at a store can be overwhelming. Not only is it difficult to try on swimsuits while children are running around in a tiny dressing room, but the number of options can be overwhelming, and the harsh lighting is unforgiving. It can turn out to be a nightmarish experience for everyone involved!

The easiest solution is to remain in the comfort of your home, and browse through a selection of swimsuits while your children sleep. Speedo USA has an amazing collection of comfortable suits that are perfect for women of every shape and size!

2. Measure! I cannot stress this enough. The key to getting the perfect fit is to take every measurement before you purchase your swimsuit. Most websites have a convenient sizing guide to help you get the perfect fit. In my experience, if one of your measurements falls right in between sizes, it’s best to stick to the smaller size when it comes to swimwear. You certainly don’t want a fit that’s too loose, especially with little ones around! Trust me!

3. Figure out which problem spots you want to hide. Although we should love our bodies as is, every mom has a body feature that bothers them. Figure out which body part makes you feel the most self-conscious, and find a style that will camouflage that spot.  It helps so much to wear a swimsuit that makes you feel confident!

Do you want to camouflage a mom belly? Try a shirred swimsuit! Not feeling so confident about showing your legs? Try board shorts. Long torso? Try a bikini or a tankini! 

4. Keep your kids in mind while you shop. Picture what it’s like to take young kids to the pool or the beach, and imagine what kind of swimsuit you will need to keep up with them. I need a swimsuit that will stay put as I chase after my Toddler Tornado, that will keep everything covered when I bend over, and that stays in place despite tiny hands grabbing me all day long!

I also needed a suit that I could wear while running errands to and from the pool, and one that I could wear if I decide to go for a walk/jog on the beach. I opted for the Blouson Tankini and the Texture Stripe Hipster. 

The layered top looks like a piece of athletic wear and covers the spots I feel most self-conscious about, and the bottoms stay put no matter what, thanks to the silicone gripper on the inside of the suit!

5. Choose a flattering color. Black is always a great choice, because it’s slimming. But sometimes, a pretty pop of color will overshadow the parts you worry about the most!

6. Get a second opinion before you buy. I have a friend who is a pro at giving constructive criticism. Anytime I doubt something or can’t make up my mind, I always consult her. She always steers me in the right direction! If you are having a difficult time making a decision, just ask somebody you trust and get their opinion. But above all else, go with your gut! If you like it, that’s all that matters!

7. If you try on the suit and hate it, don't give up. Returning something that you bought online is such an easy process these days.  If the swimsuit arrives, and it doesn’t fit right, or if you just don’t like it, return it! There is another swimsuit out there that is perfect for you!

8. Never underestimate the power of a good cover up. A cover up is a mom’s best friend! Whether it’s a tunic, a dress or shorts, find something that works for you! We lead an active lifestyle, so I opted for the 4-Way Stretch Short. 

These shorts slip on very quickly and easily, which is essential when you have a kid who moves at lightning speed! They are so comfortable, and they keep up with my active kids and my busy lifestyle! Plus, the cut offers a flattering fit for any body type.

9. Don't forget the accessories! Now that you have the suit and the cover up, don’t forget the extras! I have a few favorite must haves from Speedo USA!

Printed Headband: A mom bun is my go to hairstyle for spending the day at the beach or the pool.  This printed headband works great to keep back all the unruly tendrils that threaten to slip out of my top knot!

Flip Flops: These On Deck Flip Flops are great for a day at the pool, but they’re also all-purpose for everyday use. They are padded, so they offer a very comfortable fit, and the non-slip soles grip the ground as I chase after my kids. My favorite feature is the fact that they wipe clean very easily. Let’s face it…life with kids can be VERY messy!

Water Shoes: I have a confession. I HATE walking into the water at the lake or the ocean. I cringe every single time my feet touch something I can’t see. My kids, however, love to be in the water, so I have to go in with them. These Surfwalker Pro 3.0 Water Shoes are going to be amazing for our days spent at the beach. They are comfortable, I can run after kids in them and they can get wet. Even if they are soaked, they dry very quickly after I remove them. Thanks to the comfortable fit, I can wear them all day and do anything in them! I have a feeling I will be wearing them all Summer!

Beach/Pool Bag: A roomy bag is a must when you have kids. The Deluxe Ventilator MeshBag was very impressive! I didn’t look at the dimensions, so I was very surprised at how big it was when it arrived! 

This drawstring backpack-style bag comes in a wide variety of colors and is made with mesh so it dries quickly. The interior of the tote is very spacious and easily holds 6 towels and our necessities. The tote also has a large, exterior zipper pocket that is perfect for small items that are easily lost, a mesh pocket that fits a pair of adult shoes, and a little protected pocket for a pool pass, license or ID card on the back.  I love the fact that I can carry everything we need and have my hands free to herd my kids around!

10. Try not to be overly critical and remember the reason why you are shopping for a "Mom Suit." I completely understand that this is easier said than done. But please remember that you are beautiful no matter what your body looks like, and there’s a wonderful reason (or two or three or four) why you are shopping for a Mom Suit.  The human body is an amazing thing, and the scars and flaws left behind after carrying a human being is a beautiful reminder of what you accomplished!

Thanks to durable, quality products from Speedo USA, I am officially all set for a Summer full of fun with my crew!  

Privacy Disclosure: My blog may contain links to other websites. I am not responsible for the privacy policies of those other websites. When you click on a link, your information may be collected by those websites so I encourage you to read their privacy policies.

A Mom's Guide to Prepping for a Day of Swimming {Featuring Speedo USA}

DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored by Speedo USA. I received these products in exchange for my honest opinions.

I've been a mom of four for 3 years now. I'm used to the constant noise and chaos. I've adjusted to the fact that there is literally never a dull moment. Juggling schedules and rushing to meet demands is what I do best.

One thing I will never become accustomed to, however, is the stress that comes with trying to leave the house on time AND with everything we need. (Bonus points if I don't forget a kid! I'm kidding of course.) No matter how much I prepare, we usually end up rushing out of the house in a whirlwind. By the time I get behind the wheel of my car my heart is racing and my stress level is through the roof! 

Over the years I've learned that bigger activities, such as spending the day swimming, require a lot of preparation beforehand.  I'm thrilled to collaborate with Speedo USA to bring you the best ways and the best products to make prepping for a day of swimming a breeze for busy moms like you!

{ONE}

Make sure you choose the proper swimwear. Comfort and coverage is key! Speedo USA offers a wide variety of swimwear for your entire family. 

Although buying swimwear for boys is pretty straightforward it gets a bit trickier for the girls. As a mom of young girls I struggle with finding cute, comfortable suits that are also appropriate for their age. 

This Tie Dye Splash Rash Guard 2 Piece Set is perfect for Lily. It's modest, it's comfortable and it comes in the bright colors that she prefers. It stays in place as she swims and doesn't shift around at all! 

This suit features durable chlorine-resistant fabric and the no wedgie worries silicone gripper to keep the bottoms in place. Although our swimming is currently limited to indoor pools these days, I love the fact that I don't have to use as much sunscreen in the Summer thanks to the extra coverage from the rash guard. We both love this suit!

 

Visit HERE for more options for Girls Swimwear from Speedo USA.

 

One of the biggest struggles for a woman is swimsuit shopping. I'm fairly certain that almost everyone hates it! It's really hard to find a cute suit that comfortably fits your new mom body. As soon as I spotted the Piped Sheath Dress I fell in love! And when it arrived, it fit PERFECTLY.

The Piped Sheath Dress features 4-Way Stretch, Speedo Endurance+ long lasting fabric and soft sewn-in cups for support. Not only is the cut flattering but I love how it stays in place as I chase after my kids and it manages to look cute when I inevitably run into a crowd to grab my toddler. There are no embarrassing slippage moments thanks to the great fit! This suit comfortably keeps up with my active mom lifestyle and quickly became my favorite!

Visit HERE to see the wide variety of Women's Swimwear at Speedo USA.

{TWO}

 
 

Purchase items that will keep your little kids safe. Although you should never let your guard down when your child is near water, knowing that your child will be safe and secure when you are a few steps behind them is essential!

Liam is an active, adventurous kid. He is always on the move and often jumps into the pool without hesitation. He will be starting swim lessons soon and I'm always following behind him but I love the protection that the adorable Supersaurus Vest provides.   

The Supersaurus Vest  is part of the Begin to Swim Collection. To learn more about the Supersaurus Vest, go to Speedo USA. It's available in colors for boys and girls. Not only does Liam look adorable in this vest but he's also safe. That gives me peace of mind!

 

Speedo USA has a wide variety of Kids Accessories. See all the options HERE.

{THREE}

Purchase a great swim bag and make sure you keep it fully stocked at all times.  Our swim bag is always ready to go. All I have to do is add in the last minute items before we leave. Here's what I keep in our swim bag:

• A towel for each family member plus one extra
• Cash and change
• Our pool/gym membership cards
• Extra training pants and baby wipes
• An extra swim diaper
• Reusable water bottles
• A mini first aid kit
• Sunscreen
• A wet brush and extra hair ties
• Lip Balm
• Hand Lotion
• Makeup bag which includes personal products, deodorant and saline solution
• Convenient snacks
• A change of clothes for each family member

The Ventilator Tote from Speedo USA is an amazing bag! It's large enough for my big family and the mesh insert allows items to dry quickly.  The pockets on each side of the bag are perfect for holding our reusable water bottles and the zipper pocket in front holds all the small items that get lost easily in the bag (hair ties, lip balm, hand lotion). The bag features an interior zipper pocket that is perfect for personal items such as cell phones and iPods. This bag is breathable and it's comfortable to carry thanks to the padded straps.

My favorite feature of them all is the included mesh change purse that clips onto a loop inside the bag. I use this to store my driver's license, membership cards and money. Thanks to the handy clip this little bag is always within easy reach and I can get to it quickly when needed!

See all the packs and bags from Speedo USA HERE.

{FOUR}

Lay out the suits the night before. I like to drape our swimsuits over our swim bag so they can be easily found the next day. My kids always know where they are and can change quickly when asked! This way there are also no battles to deal with over which swimsuit they want to wear! (Mom win.)

 

{FIVE}

Double check your bag to make sure you have everything you need for swimming and sit it by the door the night before. Take the time to toss in your license, pool membership card, cash and change, clean clothing for each family member and convenient snacks.

{SIX}

Have everyone put on their suits BEFORE you leave the house. That way you don't have to deal with chasing kids through a changing room while you're half dressed. Besides, no kid likes to wait to swim. This tip saves time and allows you a stress-free entrance to the pool!

{SEVEN}

Grab those last minute items, such as cold drinks and cell phones, and put them in your swim bag. You're almost ready!

 

{EIGHT}

Have your kids use the bathroom before you head out the door. Trust me on this one. I have over a decade of parenting experience. TRUST ME. After that, you're ready to herd your kids out the door!

{NINE}

HAVE FUN!!! Hopefully all the prep you did beforehand will allow you to have an enjoyable, stress-free day!

{TEN}

Empty out your bag as soon as you get home. Toss wet towels and suits into the laundry and restock any items you will need the next time you go swimming.

Hopefully you had a great time swimming! And if you're extra lucky your exhausted kids will take a nap! 

 

While I can't promise that you will be able to make it out the door on time without any stress, it will go a bit more smoothly if you follow these tips! Here's to a great day of swimming!

Thank you to Speedo USA for sponsoring today's post! I am so grateful for the chance to be introduced to these amazing products. They are definitely my family's new favorites! #SwimWithSpeedo

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Disclaimer: My blog may contain links to other websites. I am not responsible for the privacy policies of those other websites. When you click on a link, your information may be collected by those websites so I encourage you to read their privacy policies.

Affiliate links are not associated with Speedo USA.