This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Jan & Jul Kids Swimwear Summer 2025 Collection is HERE and we are super happy to partner with them to check it out while we enjoy our Minnesota Summers.

Minnesota Summers For Our Farm Family: Jan & Jul Review

Summer is in full swing for our dairy farming, homeschooling family. We actually concluded our 2024-2025 homeschool year at the beginning of May already so our family has been enjoying ‘summer’ for almost two months now! (Don’t worry, we also start our new school year mid-August when the heat is brutal and the kids want to enjoy some air conditioning for a good chunk of the day too.😉)

Summer Days

So far this has been a pretty typical summer for us, with the exception of the fact we’re still fostering (although I’ll have more on that another time). We managed to get our crops in the field in record time which was pretty cool! Having a couple teen/tween boys and some good weather really helped. First cut of hay is done, chopped, and in. Now we’re currently working on meadows and ditches.

We went to our first celebration of the summer and toured a local radio station, grabbed some lunch, and enjoyed ice cream from a local ice cream truck.

Another fun activity we look forward to at the beginning of each summer is the local Farmers Golf Open. It’s the (one) time a year we go to a real (aka- NOT mini golf) course and do our best to hit those little balls towards the green. We aren’t great but we sure do have a lot of fun. The best part is they treat us farmers to a delicious lunch, hot off the grill afterwards!

Last week was SUPER hot out so my husband took the ‘middle kids’ out on the lake tubing after evening milking one night. They had SO much fun! The lake that is near us is small but it’s usually empty so that makes up for the size.

We’ve already attended our first parade of the year, which was great. It’s always so fun to see the little ones so excited to ‘catch candy’. Personally, I love being able to sit back and watch the creativity of all the local businesses as they design and execute their floats.

We’ve also managed to hit up several parks, which is always a must each summer. It’s been extra fun for Ruby to have a little buddy to play with.  Our foster son and her are two peas in a pod and, while they absolutely can fight like siblings, they are the best of friends too. We are definitely going to have some hard days ahead of us soon with some recent developments to the case.

Another really exciting thing to note is we recently added a new puppy to the family! Meet Penny, our Golden Retriever pup who is super sweet, cuddly, and a bit mischievous too.

With all the busy-ness that happens in summertime, I have to say that probably one of my most favorite things to do in summer is just enjoy country life. We have acreage, a great playground from Lifetime, and lots of options for outdoor fun.  Ruby is almost 3 1/2 now and she LOVES to climb up her playground and slide down the slides. She also enjoys her playhouse and the swings.

Another fun thing we do each summer is pull out our Blast Zone Crocodile Isle waterpark. I admit our crocodile has seen it’s better days as it is a bit sun faded, dirt stained, and sports a few patches. But guess what?! It’s over 12 years old and still delivering tons of summer fun each year!

We also LOVE driving around the farm and countryside with our Pioneer. The little kids beg for rides daily and it’s always a good way to distract cranky kids while enjoying fresh air.

Of course, there’s also the sandbox! I’m a firm believer that every home needs a sandbox. I remember spending hours as a child digging in the dirt and now I’ve seen my kids do the same.  And, finally, no backyard would be complete without a water table. It’s a super easy and affordable toy that kids of all ages enjoy. I love how they are small in size and easy to clean. (Check out my top 5 reasons why we need a water table and you’ll never find our home without one!)

Jan & Jul: The Perfect Sun And Swimwear For Our Minnesota Summers

The new summer Jan & Jul collection is made for sunshine, travel, and playful outdoor adventures. With UPF 50+ protection and feel-good designs, these pieces are perfect for keeping little ones stylish and sun-safe all season long.

We are absolutely in love with the new Sprinkle On The Fun Ice Cream Collection.  The swirling with lavender and pink ice cream patterns truly make a sweet statement while sporting a summertime must have: ICE CREAM CONES!   Scoop up some fun with matching aqua dry sun hats, knit shoes, and polarized sunglasses; all designed for endless sun-safe fun in the summer glow. 

I am in love with their 1-piece but because Ruby recently potty trained and tends to give us about a 30 second notice when it’s time to go potty, I decided to go with the shorts and sun shirt combo instead.  
But seriously, check out all of their new collections!  They have some adorable choices for both boys and girls such as:

• Sunny Days Ahead
• Cute As A Daisy
• Crab-tivating Style
• Party Like A Pineapple
• Refreshing Style Is Here
• Pretty In Prairie Flowers
• Find Your Wing Team
• Unbe-leaf-able Style
• Ride The Waves
• Jurassic Style
• Into The Wild
• And MORE!
  
  No matter which you choose, you just can’t go wrong.  The quality, style, comfort, and designs available at Jan & Jul will have your kids captivated, sun-protected, and enjoying life!
  
  

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Miranda

I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
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