This past week we went on our annual extended family lake trip. Andrew and I both grew up on the lake. Different lakes, but very similar summers. Getting to do this all over again with our kids is such a dream come true!

Maybe it's selfish, but it makes us feel like little kids again. Maybe it's a little revenge, too, because now they're the ones getting thrown off the tubes like we were. (Don't worry... we still join them.) Watching them experience the kinds of summers we grew up with fills us up in the best way. Truly!

Every summer our family tie-dyes shirts. We've done it for years. As silly as it sounds, it always brings out the giggles and creativity after a long day in the heat and on the water. As Andrew and I sat there making our shirts with the kids this year, we shared a smile. It was one of those unspoken moments that simply said, this is an answered prayer.

Sometimes I think stepping away from our normal routines helps us see more clearly the gifts that have been right in front of us all along. Maybe it isn't glamorous or shiny and new. Maybe it's just an old T-shirt with a fresh splash of color. But what we have is good. It is wonderful. And being reminded of that this weekend was exactly what we needed!

What I can't believe is that we're already in July. How did this year fly by so fast? As we start thinking about school routines, schedules changing again, and (I can't believe I'm typing this) even holiday preparations, we'd love to hear from you!

What do you want to hear from us for the rest of the year? We read all of your replies, so hit reply to this email and let us know what you'd love to see, hear, or learn from us over these next few months.

And finally, thank you. Thank you for supporting us through the launch of the book and for walking through every season of life with our family. This next season feels a little bittersweet, but it's also full of excitement... and probably a few more trips flying off the tube into the lake.

There's nothing quite like a huge laugh followed by a surprise body slam into the water.

Just the way we like life: relaxing, a little unexpected, and always better together. 🤍

— Shawn Johnson and Andrew East

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