Originally published August 14, 2023. Moved to new platform October 29, 2025.

As the calendar flips to the last week of summer, it feels like a bittersweet moment. The lazy, carefree days are winding down, but the excitement of a new school year is just around the corner. For our family, this week is a blend of final summer adventures and the first steps into fall routines.

To kick off the week, we’re diving headfirst into soccer season. Youth soccer is a big deal in our house, and this year, we started with a bang—a trip to watch our favorite professional soccer team play. There’s something special about being in the stadium, surrounded by the energy of the crowd, and watching the pros do what they do best. It’s not just about the game; it’s about inspiring our kids, showing them what dedication and teamwork can achieve. Plus, it’s a chance to bond as a family, sharing snacks, cheering for goals, and maybe even snagging an autograph or two. This outing sets the tone for the season, reminding our young players why they love the game and what they’re working toward.

Back at home, the focus shifts to getting ready for the school year. We’re making our list, checking it twice—school supplies, new shoes, backpacks, and all the essentials that will help our kids start the year off on the right foot. I love involving the kids in this process, letting them pick out notebooks with their favorite designs or a cool lunchbox they’re excited to show off. It’s a small way to give them ownership of their school year, making the transition from summer to school a little smoother.

Of course, our week isn’t just about preparing for school. We’re squeezing in as much fun as we can before the first bell rings. Soccer practices are in full swing, and this year, volleyball practice is also in the mix. Our evenings are a whirlwind of cleats, water bottles, and practice drills. It’s busy, no doubt, but seeing the kids run, laugh, and improve their skills makes it all worthwhile. These activities are more than just sports; they’re opportunities for our kids to learn discipline, make new friends, and build confidence. And for us parents, it’s a chance to connect with other families, cheer on our kids, and enjoy the sense of community that comes with being part of a team.

The grand finale of our summer is our last camping trip of the season. There’s nothing like the great outdoors to reset before the hustle of the school year begins. We’ll pack up the car with tents, sleeping bags, and enough marshmallows to last the weekend, and head out to our favorite campsite. It’s a time to unplug, let the kids roam free, and enjoy the simple pleasures—like cooking over a campfire, stargazing, and telling stories in the dark. This trip is our way of savoring the last moments of summer, making memories that will carry us through the colder months ahead.

As the week unfolds, we’re also setting up our meal plan to keep things running smoothly amidst all the activities. With so much going on, having a plan in place is essential. This week, we’re focusing on easy, crowd-pleasing meals that everyone loves. Sunday is all about steak nachos, a family favorite, made extra special with our homemade taco seasoning. There’s something about the aroma of spices mixing with sizzling steak that brings everyone to the kitchen, eager for dinner. It’s a simple dish, but one that always hits the spot and sets a relaxed, fun tone for the week. On Tuesday, we’re sticking with the taco theme, using ground beef seasoned with that same homemade blend for Taco Tuesday. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights when we’re rushing from soccer practice to volleyball. Knowing that dinner is taken care of makes the chaos of the week feel a little more manageable.

As we enter this last week of summer, there’s a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation. We’re wrapping up one chapter while preparing to start another. It’s a busy, joyful, and sometimes chaotic time, but it’s also full of the kind of moments that make family life so special. Here’s to the final days of summer, and the adventures—big and small—that come with them.