Summer Family Fun

Posted by Jeremy in family, frugality, recreation, simple living

This summer has been a rare treat. Since I separated from their mother in 2004 I haven't had my boys for more than a weekend with only one exception. However, this summer, we finally agreed to follow our custody order and the boys have spent every other week with us.

It has been a lot of fun. One of the boys' favorite things to do is spend time at DW's parents' house . . . for one simple reason — the POOL!

Although owning and maintaining a pool wouldn't fit anywhere near my list of simple living amenities, when it's someone else's pool, you won't see me turning down an invite.

On the simpler side, another activity the boys enjoy doing with us is hiking.
My other blog, the Daily Ambler, though it has been a bit neglected, highlights some of the fun I've been having lately out on the trails. The boys and I have also been camping this summer and gone tubing down the San Luis Rey River at the La Jolla Indian Reservation - that is one trip that broke the bank, but we don't need to go there.

One of the most exciting things we'll do this summer comes thanks to my dad. A long time youth football official, my dad came across discounted tickets to the San Diego Charger's game this weekend.
Even at $19 per ticket they are outside of our budget. But, thanks to a benevolent father, the boys and I will get to watch the Chargers defend their home turf against a Seattle Seahawk invasion. Go Bolts!

The bottom line is that it is entirely possible to have fun as a family without going out on a financial limb. I am hoping to take the family camping, maybe to Yosemite before the end of the year. We'll road trip and save money by using food storage for meals. What kind of things has your family done this summer to have fun while still trying to save money?