Summer is a time to soak up the long evenings, warm sun, and all the joy that comes with slowing down a bit. It’s a season for backyard barbecues, ice cream runs, road trips, porch swings, and spontaneous plans with family and friends. For some, it means managing a house full of kids on summer break — finding creative ways to stay cool, stay sane, and make memories. For others, it’s about outdoor concerts under the stars, exploring hiking trails, checking off bucket-list travel destinations, or finally picking up that hobby that’s been on the back burner since January.
DCGers are embracing summer in all kinds of ways — and we love hearing how everyone is making the most of the season.
Lily Richardson’s summer has been packed with adventure and small joys. A few highlights? Hiking Marys Rock in Shenandoah National Park, launching a new summer Saturday date tradition with her partner, and running her first 5K — where she placed first! Lily also made time to support local businesses and soak up plenty of sunshine (and wine). Sounds like a summer well spent!
Lily’s Summer Adventures
Sydney Anderson took her green thumb to the next level by transforming her yard into a patchwork of blooming native beauty. “What started as two native seedling patches last year has grown into five blooming pocket prairies across our yard — and I’m already planning next year’s expansions,” she said. Each prairie is planted primarily with Iowa’s native species, with a few non-native blooms to ensure there’s always something flowering. The design supports pollinators, birds, and biodiversity — and of course, Sydney created custom signs to explain the purpose to neighbors. “As a designer, I know even native plants deserve good typography.”
Sydney’s Pocket Prairies
Noah Albro is taking his summer to new heights — literally. This month, he’s climbing Devils Tower, an iconic 867-foot rock formation rising from the plains of Wyoming. To prepare, Noah has spent the past few weeks training with a focus on crack climbing — the specific technique required for the route he’s tackling, a classic corner crack called Soler. The climb involves placing traditional gear and completing two pitches to the summit before rappelling back to the base.
“I love climbing. Beyond being a great workout, it’s like three-dimensional chess with your body. When I’m climbing, I’m only focused on that,” Noah shared. “Climbing also takes you to beautiful outdoor locations, which is cathartic as well.” We’re cheering him on from sea level!
Noah, preparing for his climb
Whether your summer is filled with big adventures or quiet joys — sprinklers in the yard, a good book on the patio, or chasing fireflies with your kids — we hope you’re finding time to recharge and reconnect. Here’s to more sun-soaked days, tan lines, and late-night laughter before fall sneaks in.
