Cooler Ideas For The Best Summer Memories

This #BestSummerMemories  sponsored post has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All opinions on inspired summer fun are my own.

Summer is nearly here people! My youngest will graduate from preschool next month. And this summer is the last one where he is too young for daycamp. So I’m saving those daycare dollars and hitting the road for our own best summer memories traveling to/from Grandma and Grandpa’s. 

Personally, my childhood was filled with heading over to visit at least my Gran at least once a week. She loved Coca-Cola™…had a huge yard…big pool…and thought nothing of locking us outside on a gorgeous day. Ahhh…those were the days. So to be preparing for the same with my kids, (sans the locked doors of couse) means it’s getting quite nostalgic for me!

And now my parents have the sparkling pool waiting. All we need to pack for are meals and games to occupy the kiddos while this Mom does some work poolside as they get to play. And with the heat, comes the cooler filled with great drinks as well. Namely…the classic taste of Coca-Cola.

So just what is in our magic basket of summer fun you may ask? Well…let me show you! For starters, there is always the go-to run for cold drinks to rescue a hot day. And it’s great to run into my local CVS, where right by the doors they will have my Coca-Cola waiting. Not to mention the sweet ice cold relief of air conditioning!

 And it just wouldn’t be summer without the fun Share A Coke promotions! Last year it was all about the personalized names. So I can’t help but smile as I glance at lyrics while grabbing the latest 20oz bottle from a cooler. And most certainly, our summer memories wouldn’t be complete without the music that goes with it.

Because whether it’s your best day ever or you can’t stop won’t stop grooving, chances are there’s a song associated with your best summer memories. With both my kids being born in the late summer, I still remember the tunes playing in the background as I’ve watched them grow up.

 Perhaps that’s what makes this summer so special. It’s the last one that has me knowing that these coming months will be like years past. Next year there will be more chances for peer-to-peer outings and daycamp excursions. But this summer remains close at heart. And I get a good feeling that this summer, summer, summertime will be one for the baby books.

Because they do grow up SO fast. It seems like just yesterday this girl of mine was toddling around. Now she’s (literally) leaping off tractor tires and conquering playground castles. So when it comes to keeping her occupied, I make sure the cooler has her favorite eats. But we also keep the van stocked with buckets of fun stuff as well.

And the easiest way I’ve found to keep everything in order, is to literally keep buckets on hand to hold all the random knick knacks and sand toys they’ll need. Then I start stocking up to fill that bucket! On my list this year?

• Crayons
• Coloring books
• Activity books
• Crafts
• Puzzles
• Water balloons
• Water balls
• Goofy glasses

With fields to roam, dogs to pet, a pool to swim, chickens to chase, and eggs to find…these kids are due to have a great time. And it won’t be all work and no play for me. There will of course be smiles and bonfires and smores to enjoy.

As well as keeping one of my favorite desserts on the picnic table, the chocolate peanut butter pie. So if you’re table is in need of sweet tooth fulfillment…look no further. However I do use less powdered sugar so keep it from being so rich during those hot, sunny summer days.

Now are you ready to prep for a summer to share songs too? Then check out the Best Summer Ever Deals at your local CVS. Buy 2, 20oz bottles of Coca-Cola products for just $3!

Then make sure to download the Shazam App to get your Coca-Cola Share a Song. Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android and other devices, and you’ll be ready to make the best summer memories yet!