Summer Adventures, Family Memories, and the Perfect Story Before Bed

Summer has a special kind of magic.

School is out, the days are longer, and families finally have the chance to slow down and simply enjoy being together. Whether your summer includes trips to the beach, afternoons by the pool, camping under the stars, backyard barbecues, or chasing fireflies after dinner, these are the moments children often remember for years to come.

For our family, this summer is especially exciting. Next week we’ll be spending time together in Dana Point, California, with our adult children and our grandson. We’ll celebrate the Fourth of July by watching fireworks over the Pacific Ocean as America marks its 250th birthday. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the blessings of family, freedom, and the memories we create when we simply enjoy one another’s company.

Some of the best family memories aren’t the expensive vacations or carefully planned itineraries. They’re the simple moments—building sandcastles on the beach, taking an evening walk, sharing an ice cream cone, laughing over a board game, or watching a beautiful sunset together.

Of course, after a day full of adventure, everyone eventually needs a chance to slow down.

One of my favorite ways to end a busy summer day is by gathering together with a good book.

Reading before bedtime helps children settle down after an exciting day, but it also creates something even more valuable: uninterrupted time together. Those quiet moments spent sharing a story, answering curious questions, and imagining the adventure together often become treasured family traditions.

Stories also give us opportunities to talk about kindness, courage, forgiveness, and faith in ways that children naturally understand.

That’s one of the reasons I wrote Fiona the Lost Sheep.

Fiona’s journey reminds young readers that no matter where life leads us, we are never beyond the reach of our loving Shepherd. It’s a story about hope, belonging, and God’s unfailing love—messages that are meaningful whether you’re at home or making memories on a summer vacation.

As your family enjoys everything this season has to offer, I encourage you to make time for both adventure and quiet moments together. At the end of a fun-filled day, there’s something special about settling into a comfortable chair, opening a favorite book, and creating one last memory before bedtime.

From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful Independence Day, a wonderful summer, and many happy moments together as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Happy reading, and Happy Fourth of July!