Here are a handful of things I learned this summer:

1. Audiobooks make everything better.

The things I look forward to doing now because I have audiobooks on my phone is astonishing. They include, but are not limited to: Cleaning everything, cooking anything, getting ready in the morning (hair, makeup, make the bed, oh my!), riding in the car with my kids. For me, audiobooks have been a mood changer, a game changer and a life changer, amen.

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What I read on audio this summer: Wonder, The Boys in the Boat, Rebecca

2. I pledge allegiance to VBRO/AirBnb…

After staying in a couldn’t-have-been-more-perfect-for-us VBRO rental in Flagstaff, we vowed never to cram our family of five into a single hotel room again (at least not for trips lasting more than one night).

3. Mr. Rogers & Jesus were right about the whole neighbor thing.

Knowing and being known by our neighbors is a gift and a delight.

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4. My mind is a Garth Brooks lyrics steel trap.

I didn’t know I was going to be that girl at the Garth Brooks concert on the 4th of July, but I totally was. I knew every word to every song, even the super obscure ones he came out and sang by request at the end. This is no exaggeration. Dream come true.