This summer we want to have as much fun as possible. And because we have a large family and a not-so-large budget, we’re seeking free (or almost free) family fun.

Today, Darin, the kids and I went to the library, browsed some books and visited my lovely sister-in-law Dara, who’s now the librarian in our town. We like going to the library, but our schedules do not warrant too many trips (especially because the library’s not currenly open very much) so today was a treat. The children and I each checked out a book and I purchased a few from the sale table – a children’s Bible for church, a 1968 edition of a children’s Bible which I’m using for its illustrations (framing them for the church nursery) and a ’70s edition of Black Beauty – all for a quarter each. (Jaiden’s reading the children’s version of Black Beauty, so I’m also going to read it and keep up with her).

Can’t beat an outing for 75 cents, right?

Then it was off to Dara’s house to move some trash and take it to the dump. We also took some items – an old trunk and a vintage (fake) fur coat and leather bag – to some of the merchants on the Square in Covington so they can sell them.

Next on our agenda was the Safety Fair at the Kroger in Atoka with another of my lovely sister-in-laws, Katie, and Caiden and Khloe. This was a work/fun event – took photos for the paper and the family tagged along. Face-painting. Firetrucks. My law enforcement buddies. Inflatables. Goodies for the kiddos. We paid $3 total – $1 each for the children to beat a broken down car with a sledgehammer, which was a Relay for Life fundraiser (“beat cancer”).

And then? Home. For naps. And reading.Well, Darin worked in the garden and helped Tyrel with some things, but I sat inside and enjoyed the AC I’m paying a lot of money to run (one reason summer temps suck). A day of fun for the five of us was a whopping $3.75. Rock on.

Sidenote: Jaiden got the bright idea to mix up a batch of cream cheese frosting that came with her cupcake maker (read: gross!) and make a “layer cake” using it and two slices of wheat bread. And I had to taste it. Oh. Em. Gee.

Tonight the kids are enjoying more free family-friendly fun with my parents, Tyrel, Katie and their cousins at Music on the Square. And since tomorrow’s our anniversary, Darin and I are celebrating with dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and a night spent in Memphis at the Peabody.

We have more budget-friendly family outings planned and I can’t wait. It’s fun to do low-key things while we can this summer.

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