Sharing a little life lately update in July about the last few weeks of June in 2025 on Caitlin Houston Blog.
Wrapping Up the School Year: Big Changes for Our Family
We are only in the first week of July but June already feels like it was so long ago. The last few weeks of June were marked by the end of the school year and quite a few events making way for a grand entrance into summer. There were graduations and parties, Father’s Day, haircuts, pool gatherings, a tarot reading birthday, and our family’s annual vacation to St. George Island. I have a whole post in the works about our fourth summer on SGI because it is always fabulous with theme nights! I am so thankful for all of the wonderful times we had and the milestones we celebrated during June. Here is a more in depth peek at some special moments.
Arbor’s First Haircut
This was a big day and kind of sporadic. I usually wait as long as possible to bring my daughters for their first haircut. With Annabelle, it was because she didn’t have much hair to actually cut – so my Mom and I did the first trim at home. With Ailey, curly locks are too precious to chop too early for fear they won’t grow back, so we waited a long long time. But with Arbor – she needed a trim, and hair was always sticky from food or tangled from rough housing. Thank you Jen and Serenity Salon for making Arbor’s first haircut a special experience – and for giving our girl a fresh new look for summer.
Graduations
While Annabelle was waving goodbye to elementary school at her fifth grade promotion, my nephew was tossing his cap in farewell to high school. It was an emotional week for many parents and kids, but in typical Caitlin fashion I waited until it was long over to have a good cry. It’s normal to feel sad when your children close out one chapter of their little lives. Elementary school has been wonderful for Annabelle, but it seems surreal she will be ready for middle school in the fall. And as for my nephew – I still picture him as a wild blonde haired little boy, so the fact that he is old enough to go to California for college is mind blowing.
Graduation fell on Father’s Day weekend – which ended up being okay because the family was all together for a good reason. I was thrilled to spend time with my cousin Brian who has been battling a brain tumor for years (he is a warrior) at his nieces graduation party. There was a lot of great food and lots of laughs – but not enough pictures taken!
Mom Life Favorites in June 2025
Girl’s Night Out at Hidden Gem on Main
My friend hosted a Girl’s Night Out for her birthday at Hidden Gem on Main. It is an enchanting store in the heart of Wallingford, CT featuring local, independent, eco-friendly & fair trade products. Think crystals, incense, homemade candles and unique artwork – plus tarot card readings. All the girls received a chair massage and personal tarot card reading session. It was truly magical (even for one of us who didn’t believe in any of it until she had her session).
What I Am Reading in June/July 2025
- Read: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – HIGHLY RECOMMEND – the prequel to Hunger Games from Haymitch’s past gives so much insight into the entire series. I watched the movies after reading this book with a new perspective and opinion.
- Read: Red Rising by Pierce Brown – Golden Son Series Book #1 – Once I really got into this book I couldn’t put it down. I hate giving spoilers so I won’t say much other than Darrow is an enigmatic character who I’m following right into the second book of this series.
- Currently Reading: This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead – psychological thriller that explores the dark heart of online murder sleuths. Told from the perspective of a college student who finds community and comfort after the death of her father in a group of people she meets in a true crime forum. I am 75% through because I’m listening to it – and predict it will get 3.5 stars. It’s good, but not that good.
- Currently Reading: Golden Sun by Pierce Brown – Golden Son Series Book #2 – Only on the third chapter but so far, it’s as intriguing as the first.
- Follow me on Goodreads for my book reviews and to see what I’m reading and what I’ve read in real time.
What I Bought and Liked in June 2025
Summer Plans
We are home for the next week and a half, celebrating Fourth of July at the neighborhood pool, trying to implement the summer chore chart, and getting ready for our next adventure. The girls’ have their dance nationals in Massachusetts! It is going to be a fun four day trip away for me and the big sisters. When we get home, I’ll be looking for ways to entertain my kids while we pack for Cape Cod. After Cape Cod, it’s off to Hilton Head with Brandon’s family – it is our first time there and I’m pumped to check out the popular summer vacation spot.
Hopefully July doesn’t fly by too quickly – with the pressure to have the perfect summer looming over everyone’s head I am always trying to just slow down and take it one day at a time.
Leave a Reply