*This post is brought to you in partnership with Finish Power & Free.*
Every year I’m reminded how important it is to enjoy the summer months during our harsh winters. Unless the weather doesn’t cooperate, we get outside every day. It might be going to the park, or even a big vacation. But it the fun that we have in our own backyard that we enjoy most often.
It is amazing the fun you can have outside, right at home. Some of the activities we’ve enjoyed just this month include setting up a tent. We would have loved to camp overnight, but the weather wouldn’t cooperate. That didn’t stop us from having a ton of fun reading inside the tent under the stars.
We’ve had several picnics in our backyard. Watermelon just seems to taste better outside on a blanket.
We let the kids be silly. Table manners while eating on the ground go out the window. But that is ok because these are special memories in the making.
Warren had his first chance to roast marshmallows by himself, under direct supervision. This summer rite of passage was a big deal for him. He learned how not to roast them quickly and soon was browning his own tasty marshmallows.
The boys have played in trees, blown and chased bubbles, and created artwork together with sidewalk chalk. I even learned that my kids are better at tag than I am. It is these small, everyday family moments that I will remember about this summer.
And it is the small decisions that I make for my family every day that make me proud to be their mom. Even the decisions that seem ordinary and trivial to some, like what kind of dishwasher detergent to use.
Finish® Quantum® dishwasher detergent and Finish® Jet-Dry® as part of the Finish Power & Free line provide residue protection versus detergent alone so that nothing is left behind. Because it is less harsh, it can be used with baby products yet still offer superior cleaning power.
I like this peace of mind so I can spend more time doing the important things. I encourage you to get outside and make some special summer memories with your kids!
REQUEST A FREE SAMPLE:
Fill out the sample request form to try it out yourself! Be sure to like Finish on Facebook to keep up on all the latest product news and offers.
GIVEAWAY:
Finish is offering a $100 Visa gift card for one of my lucky readers to have their own outdoor family adventure!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I am a member of the Finish Power & Free Alliance of Moms, which is a sponsored. All thoughts remain my own.
Courtnie says
We would love to take a camping trip!
Tiffany Schmidt says
More rolling down hills!
carol clark says
would love to go to the lake and bbq
Candice says
We would love to go to the beach.
Elena says
we would go camping
Maria Malaveci says
By taking a trip to the beach!
James Robert says
The kids and I like to pack up and just go out to the backyard and sleep in the tent for the night, make some smores and just have fun together
Cynthia R says
If we won this I think we would rent a cabin in the mountains and go on some hiking adventures.
Victoria says
We would use the money for a beach trip! Last year baby was too little to care but this year she would really love it
Allie says
We are doing a family camp out
Beth Hill says
We would go to Frankenmuth Mi, a small bavarian town with a HUGE Christmas store and the best family style chicken dinners anywhere. My kids love the old fashion candy stores and the covered wooden bridge. They have a paddle boat ride down the river. It would be a great day!
BeckyM says
A trip to Wisconsin Dells!
Heather McKenzie Carter says
We would take the kids canoeing along the river that runs through town. We have a large family so $100 would cover the cost of renting a couple canoes for the day!
Donna L says
We would have a bbq and pool party.
Thomas Murphy says
We would go camping.
Ashley C says
We’d like to go to the beach!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Jessamine D. says
We would probably go pier fishing since it’s fun specially when you catch a fish! 🙂
Liza Vladyka says
a neighbor hood movie night under the stars
Lisa Brown says
we would “camp” in the backyard
D Schmidt says
We would go on a fun camping trip at the lakes about an hour away, my children would be ecstatic.
Amanda Sakovitz says
id love to go camping!
Cindy Conner Bowling says
Would take the granddaughters camping.
Elizabeth P. says
I would love to try a camping trip with the kids….. ok maybe glamping 😉
Christina Foley says
I’d love to pack a picnic and head out to one of the state parks we’ve yet to explore and make a day out of it, go for a hike, play in the springs, have a picnic…. or even better, camp if its a park that offers that!
Sarah Hayes says
wed love to go camping near by and hike
Jean says
We love campfires (not camping, but campfires!) so we would probably make a big fire in our firepit and toast marshmallows for S’mores for an outdoor adventure.
Amanda Hoffman says
we would go to the beach
Colleen Boudreau says
We would go camping!
Kelly Tupick says
If I won this, I would use it towards our camping adventure down in Old Orchard Beach, Maine in August.
Michelle S says
I’d like to do a canoe day trip.
Jammie says
We would have fun going hiking at a civil war park.
Kimberly Bauer says
We would go to the Boardwalk to go on the rides.
Mary Beth Elderton says
We love hiking in new places!
Erika W. says
I would go on the overnight canoe/treehouse tour on the Edisto River!
amanda hardesty says
We would take the kids for another hiking/camping/boating weekend
Holly Kennedy says
They want to go to Six Flags.
Kristen says
We’d spend it on our trip to Disneyland this fall.
Jessie C. says
We would go on a camping trip.
Sarah Hall says
I would take my grandson and we would go swimming at the lake.
Rosie says
I love camping and need some additional items to make it easier to be out with the critters and the elements!!!
Laurel O. says
I would love to take my family camping. I know my boys would love it!
Sus says
A fishing trip.
Happi Shopr says
We would have a bbq and enjoy the pool
sandra says
we’d do an adventure course or something fun
Jessica To says
We would have a big cookout!
jenn huey says
I would love to take them to Zion’s Natl Park this year, I usually go with friends but it would be fun to go with the young adult children
Linda Meranda says
Cookout with grandkids
Nicole Dz says
I would love to go to our local outdoor family water park with the family, we love the water.
Kim Henrichs says
A lovely day trip roadtrip up to New Hampshire for a day at the beach!
Kris I. says
We would spend the day at the beach and boardwalk!
heather s says
I would take it camping
Jackie says
I’d spend the day at the beach with my family, then buy dinner on the way home.
Thank you!
Karen R says
We would go hiking and have a picnic at the park.
shelly peterson says
Camping sure sounds like fun, roasting hot dogs and making s’mores.
Adrienne gordon says
We’d go on a camping trip with hiking
AmySD says
I would like to have a big cookout and invite all my family and friends. Simple times, spending time with the people you love, are always the best.
adina says
go water tubing!
Rebecca Orr says
We would go camping. My kids enjoy camping and have been wanting to go again.
Margaret Smith says
I think camping would be lots of fun for my sons. I think that our whole family would really enjoy camping together.
Trisha Burgess says
We would use it for a weekend camping getaway!!
Cheryl B. says
We would go and visit the zoo!
Stacey Roberson says
I would take my family on a hike and go camping. One of our favorite summer activities.
Cheryl Abdelnour says
We would go swimming at the lake.
Seyma Shabbir says
I would love to take my sons fishing! They have not been yet and have been asking to go!
Birdiebee says
I would take the family to the water slides.
chris v says
go camping at the fairgrounds
C.j. says
A scavenger hunt at the state park and then a BBQ
Stephanie Manner Wagner says
We would go hiking.
Amy Pratt says
We would go out into the west desert of Utah and hunt geodes.
Tari Lawson says
We would go to our local amusement park.
Priscilla S. says
A big barbecue with family and friends. Food, games and fun!
Kristi C says
We would go hiking in the local mountains and have a family day at one of the waterfalls.
Samantha C. says
We would definitely go to the beach!
Kimmy Ripley says
I would like to take my daughter to the Cedar Point Soak City waterpark!
jessica a says
Camping somewhere cooler like Colorado lol
latanya says
I like bike riding
Andrea Williams says
A family get-together in the backyard.
Sara Zielinski says
I would go to a theme park
Ann Fantom says
I would like to go on the local zip-line
Natalie F says
I think we would use it for gas and snacks — and head out for a day on the boat. Water Skiing, tubing, and just soak up the sun. Sad to see summer is already wrapping up, we have to get outside when we can!!
steven weber says
We would go to the waterpark for the day.
vickie couturier says
we could go camping or just to the lake for the day
mita says
We would go hiking or the beach.
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
We would go camping at the local state park.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Terra Heck says
We’d spend the weekend camping at the local campground. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
RICHARD HICKS says
I would use it to take everyone to the zoo in Asheboro NC
Debbi Wellenstein says
We will have a big backyard cookout with the children and the grandchildren.
Katherine says
We would have a neighborhood picnic and outdoor games
jacqueline says
id go paddleboarding!
April Brenay says
we would love to go camping at the beach before labor day, its always so fun!
Rachel says
I would love to go camping with my teens this summer!
Cynthia C says
I would use it toward a road trip to the beach.
Suzanne K says
I’d probably have a big BBQ! Lots of juicy, drippy delicious BBQ ribs and watermelon!
rich m says
We’d go to the zoo & rent a paddleboat at the local lake.
meredith says
we would go to the beach!
Stacy N says
We would go visit colleges
Marti Tabora says
We would go camping on the river and grill burgers and hot dogs. They taste so much better when cooked on a camping trip.
Debra Hall says
we have been talking about the cincinnati zoo always a great trip
Rachel Andrews says
Beach day!
Gina M (Wild Orchid) says
We would go to Busch Gardens!
Entered the rafflecopter form as “Wild Orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Dawn keenan says
We’d do a big beach bonfire, with all of the trimmings.
mickeyfan says
A trip to the lake would be appreciated by all of us.
Debbie Welchert says
Would definitely have a family cookout.
Kimberly Schotz says
A fishing trip and picnic would be fun
TawndaM says
A walk in the woods sounds great!
Kelly D says
I would take my kids on a nature walk near my favorite lake and have a picnic lunch.
Janet W. says
I’d take my family to Stone Mountain Park and climb the mountain together, as well as, do all of the other fun activities they have to offer!
Tammy Shelton says
I would buy a picnic table for the backyard.
Natalie U says
Snorkeling with the family in Maui
pedidentalasst at yahoo dot com
Susan Christy says
Road Trip to Frontier City!
kj skib says
We would really love to go camping and we need a nice big family tent and accessories.
Carolyn says
We would want to go diving off the Florida coast
brittany says
We would use it to to a nice lake and have a day of fun.
Michelle C says
I would use it to buy a corn hole game to play while we grill out. Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
ashlee says
My sons birthday
Geoff K says
I’d love to take the family hiking, camping, and kayaking in Vermont before the summer ends!
MARTHAIA says
Go sightseeing as we go walking down the BOARDWALK & grab lunch at MYRTLE BEACH SC…TY
Monique Rizzo says
We would do some Geocaching. We have always wanted to try it.
Ashley H says
We would go swimming.
Tina W says
We would have an ‘adventure’ of planting several more fruit trees in our backyard!
Elle says
We’d have a fun day at the amusement park.
Brutus Duffy says
We’d rent a cabin at a local campground for the weekend and use the money on food and supplies.
stacey b says
We’d love to use it to spend the day at the beach!
Mary Jenkins says
I’d love to stay at the Myrtle Beach KOA with my family before summer runs out!
Dee Mauser says
We would head to Hocking Hills for the weekend. We haven’t been there in SO long but it’s fun!
Audra O'Hara says
I would get my daughter some hiking shoes. We haven’t been hiking in a long time and, now that the weather is starting to cool down, it would be fun as a family to go.
Maureen says
If I won, I may take my kids to the zoo or the aquarium with the gift card
Maureen
[email protected]
Maureen says
If I won, I may take my kids to the zoo or the aquarium with the gift card
Maureen
[email protected]
Maureen says
If I won, I may take my kids to the zoo or the aquarium with the gift card
Maureen
[email protected]
Betsy Barnes says
If I won, I would use it on tubes, then we would tie them together, float all day down the river. This is one of our favorite outdoor activities here during the summer 🙂
christine j says
camping locally would be fun
Barbara Montag says
We’d go up to the Boundary Waters and canoe!
thank you
Stephanie V. says
camping at Leo Carrillo — love that place!
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Tabathia B says
We would go to myrtle beach to enjoy some fishing
Cheryl says
Take a day trip to the mountains.
Melissa S says
We are planning a camping and fishing trip in 2 weeks. I would use it towards that if I won.
Melissa M says
We would go camping.
Brad says
I would take the family camping.
alena svetelska says
we would go camping at mountains where we have our cabin.
Tara says
We would go camping!
janna johnson says
we would like to try ziplines
Mendy Dinsmore says
We would go for a day trip and have a picnic someplace. Our weather has been cooler this year, so perfect for a picnic.
Becca says
I would use this toward patio furniture so we could eat meals outside! 🙂
Kristie says
We’d do a backyard campout! 🙂
Stephanie Grant says
If I win we would take a staycation to Magic Springs 🙂
kim says
My family really wants to go to the Asheboro zoo so i would take them there if I won
Jennifer Tilson says
We’d go camping as a family!
Rebecca Parsons says
I would take the family to hockinghills in ohio to go walking.
ronda patrick says
Our family would take a weekend camping trip if we won! 🙂
Natalie says
I would take my family kayaking at a lake near our home. We also love to bike ride around that lake!
David Fultner says
We would go camping.
Amanda Alvarado says
We’d go to the zoo…in a few months when it’s not 100+ every day! 😉
Cindy Merrill says
Wild blueberry picking- and because my grand boys want to be pirates, I’d hide “Blue Beard” treasures ( healthy snack treats) in among the berry bushes.
Kim says
we’d do a neighborhood scavenger hunt!!
Heather Y. says
Spend the day at the beach
Tracy Pryor says
I would use it to take my son to Dutch Wonderland.
Rachel Myers says
camping
chris hoey says
I would take my family bike riding We also love to swim around that lake!
Peggy Johnson says
We would go camping in the mountains
Abby Kraynick says
I would take my kids to a baseball game, to see the pittsburgh pirates. They keep asking me & I keep saying no. It’s not in our family budget & it breaks my heart to always have to say no. this would be great to win!
Jennifer Calabro says
I would take my kids to Dutch Wonderland!
Arianah Watts says
I would love to have an outdoor movie night!
Kathy Dunaway says
We would go camping in the mountains.
kymi a says
I would take my family for a beach camping trip! Sun, Surf and making fun fam bam memories!
Jenny Q. says
I would love to go to the zoo near us with my kids. My kids love anything to do with animals.
Jessica H. says
Berry picking! It is berry season here and it is so much fun to go as a family and collect the berries. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
Julie Murphy says
I would go hiking then to get some supper and then some ice cream.
lisa g says
We could buy a big tent and a family campout in the backyard!!
lana says
I would take my kids to stone mountain park to do the activities with them
Rose D says
A great camping adventure 🙂 !!
Shemp DeYoung (@shempgames) says
I think I would use it to take the kids to a cool sporting event.
sharon shafran says
go fishing at the nearby beach with grandkids
Natalie S says
Would love to take my boys to an animal safari adventure about 2 hours from home!
Sarah - PS Mom Reviews says
We haven’t made it to the zoo yet this summer. I would take my boys. My youngest would love it, he’s too young to remember going before.
Sue says
I’d use it for a camping trip to the lake.
Erika C. says
Camping with my family at a park that has camp grounds.
Amber Faith says
We would go to the water park!
Lisa Davis says
We would go camping at our local lake
Amanda D says
We would take short getaway to go camping and fishing. We always have a blast!
Sheila K. says
We would take a great picnic to the beach!
Tammi Laney says
Would love to take the kids to Six Flags.
Michele Behlen says
I would take my grandson to a water park.
Christine g says
Go to Six Flags.
Jennifer says
we’d love to go camping in the adirondacks!
Crystal F says
We would maybe go to the zoo. My girls love but we just don’t get to go enough. Thank you!
XmasDolly says
I think I would invite them all over and just have one big family reunion barbecue!
Ginny says
Cookout.
Cassandra Eastman says
I’d love to get a fire pit, have a BBQ and make some smores with our family!
Laura J says
Oh I would love to invite all our family over and have one last family pool party with all the kids!
Michelle White says
My kids have never been to a county fair and ours is coming up soon. I know they would love it.
Thanks!
Rhonda Rudd says
We’re heading out today to do some huckleberry pickin in the mountains.
Rhonda Rudd says
we would make it to that family camping trip to the snake river with all the inlaws
Meredith says
We would head to the beach for the day!!
Movalbabysitter at gmail.com
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
We would go on a hiking trail and have a fun picnic!
Christine says
We would go camping
maria carrasco says
We would go camping.
katherine d says
we’d love to see the grand canyon
CR Williams says
I would surprise my family with camping!
mysweetiepiepie says
We’d have a nice BBQ with the neighbors if I won.
Jess says
We would pack a picnic and head to the zoo.
Cindy T. says
We would go up to the mountains for a picnic/cookout. Thank u for the chance to win. 🙂
Nannypanpan says
I would take the family on a day trip to the beach
Megan Cromes says
we would camping.
kyl neusch says
camping
Julie Cutshaw says
We would treat our grandson to a trip to nearby North Carolina and ride the train that tours you through the overlook. It’s filled with pretty landscape scenery and during the fall they let the kids stop at the pumpkin field and choose a small pumpkin to decorate. thanks and I enjoyed your post.
Leela says
A road trip to a national park.
Ty says
We would go on a nature hike in the forest preserves.
Jake B says
Id buy concert tickets so we could enjoy music we love on a nice night.
Dawn Ganey says
I want a beach weekend at St. George Island, Fl with my family.
Jillian T says
I would love to take a day trip to the beach with my family.
Valerie C. says
We want to go to the White Mountains in New Hampshire for a long weekend. It’s a 5 hour drive and I’d use the gift card toward gas and meals.
Katherine H says
We would take a camping trip to one of the state parks and do some hiking.
Roxann says
I would love to have a picnic with my family.
Robyn says
I think we would maybe rent a pop up trailer and go camping for a couple nights!
joe gersch says
i would go camping with family
ashley kirchner says
we would go to our local zoo!
Rebecca Xavier says
We would go to a farm for the day.
Virginia Rowell says
I would take my kids camping for the night complete with a bbq and fireworks.
Scott Martin says
We would go camping of course.
Mary-Frances C. says
I believe we would go camping. We visited Sedona, AZ a few months ago and it was lovely!
JLin says
to the beach
Jessica Lodge says
I would love to take my kids to the aquarium.
Merry says
I would like to take my family to our local minor league baseball game on a night they have fireworks too.
Tina M says
I would go camping with family
joni says
We would go to the county fair.
Ashley R. says
I would like to hike a bit of the Appalachian Trail. 🙂
Brigitte B says
I would like to take my son on a “nature walk” because we live in the city.
brandy c says
We’d have an outdoor cookout with our friends.
Jessica O says
We could use this to buy food to go camping!
Mary Freburger says
I would take the kids to our local state park. There we would go on a hike, play at the playground, if its warm enough go to the beach, and have a nice picnic with freshly made sandwhiches and side or a cook out with hot dogs. We would just enjoy each other and being outdoors.
Kimberly says
We would go camping.
Dawn Monroe says
Id like to take my grandkids to the Columbus Zoo before summers over.
danielle Marie says
i would love to take them white water rafting.
Kim says
I would love to go canoeing down a creek that is not too far away! I think we would all have SO much fun!
Em Mahr says
We’d take a trip to the beach and enjoy the sun and sand!
lisa says
A beach trip would nice.
Daisy says
to the zoo
Danielle says
We would go on a mountain bike adventure that included camping
Jimmy says
I would go to the zoo.
richelle bowers says
I would go hiking
kathy dalton says
I would get a camping cabin on the beach
Deb Christie says
We’d like a trip to the beach. almost any beach!
Kayte CookWatts says
I would have a glorious picnic in the park with my boyfriend!
Daniel M says
we would go camping
Brittney House says
We would love to have a day in Chicago.
BILL HOFF says
Ribeyes,corn on the cob and ice cream on the patio!
Jill Myrick says
We would go geocaching and spend the weekend at our local KOA campground with fishing and swimming.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Eileen Richter says
Into Port Washington and stay overnight, and off to coho salmon fishing out of port in the early AM. Nothing better than grilled coho or king salmon fresh! We never get to go anymore because the ride is too long for one day for me right now. This would help us to stay overnight somewhere. I miss it so much!
nicole says
wed taking a hiking trip to TN, to see soem waterfalls
Kerry G. says
We would take a trip to the lake and have a bbq!
Karen Drake says
We would go to the State Park and go hiking and have a picnic.
Lisa V. says
We always like hiking and fishing.
Rebecca Peters says
we would go camping
Sarah L says
We’ll take a trip to the zoo.
Thanks for the contest.
Danielle D says
we would go camping
Chris Martinez says
I’d bring my family camping at the river!
Claire Leigh Huckfeldt says
The outdoor adventure I would have with my family when I win is an outdoor barbeque.
Sarah Jestings says
If I won I would take my kids to Waldmeer in Erie for the day.
Susan Smith says
We would go to the state park and go walking and have a picnic
Cori Westphal says
We’ve been talking about attempting a canoe adventure. This is as good a time as any!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
tina reynolds says
We would geocache from here in MN all the way to Michigan to the lakes.
Michelle H. says
An outdoor fishing trip.
amanda whitley says
i would ride bikes around the block
Erica B. says
We would go camping.
Breanne says
We’d go camping.
Sonya says
We’ll go camping!
Leanne G says
We would set up our tent and camp and we would also do a little fishing.
Rebecca O says
If I won we would have an outdoor adventure of a fishing trip to the lake.
Francine Anchondo says
We would go camping
D Charte says
We like camping with our family and friends!
Vanessa Richard says
we would go fishing son has been screaming i wanna go fishing since mothers day …last day we went fishing
Betty C says
We would spend a weekend at the lake
Lisa L says
I would love to take my kids on a nature walk and try fishing!
Sarah Griffin says
We would probably camp in our yard and buy some games and snacks!
Lesley F says
We love to go whitewater rafting
Deb Ford says
We’d go to a water park and camp at a nearby campground
Ellie W says
We would have a camp out at the lake.
Leslie Stanziani says
We would go camp at one of the state parking in the Osceola National Forest as a family.
Holly C. says
We would go to the water park!
ewhatley says
We’d have a neighborhood cookout on the beach.
trixx says
We’d love to go hiking & camping
Mary Cloud says
We’d go on a trip to the zoo or go check out the Pink Dolphin we keep hearing about
annabella @ centurytel dot net
Robert Pyszk says
We will have a nice BBQ at our local park
CharityS says
We’ll have an outdoor movie/camping adventure.
Bryan E. says
Thanks for the giveaway… surfing lessons for the family on our next trip to San Diego.
Stephanie Galbraith says
We will go Kayaking.