Make those summer memories stick!
You took the pictures, you made the memories, you lived a great summer. Before we close this seasonal chapter, cement those experiences into your family’s memory bank.
Emily and Erik Orton are the authors of the inspiring memoir Seven at Sea, where they shared their incredible adventure of sailing for a year with their five kids. They describe it as a most certain once in a lifetime experience. However, they say their biggest takeaway in all of it was the importance of building relationships and building lasting memories with their family. They shared three ways to cement those connections and memories for your family.
The Orton Family’s Sailing Adventure
Despite having young kids and recovering from a business failure, Emily and Erik took a year sailing with their family. They realized the fleeting nature of time with their children, and decided to seize the moment.
“Our teenage daughter, who was 14 at the time, said, ‘I hear you talk about this a lot, but do you really have the guts?” In 2014, the family set sail for a year, creating unforgettable memories and strengthening their family bonds.
After their year at sea, the Ortons relocated to Salt Lake City from New York City. They now focus on inspiring others to embrace adventure and build strong family relationships. They offer sailing trips around the world, helping families experience the joy and connection that comes from shared adventures. Their philosophy emphasizes that simple, intentional practices can significantly enhance family relationships.
The emphasized that you don’t have to go on a big adventure to experience the benefits they saw from their year of sailing. “Having a family is a big adventure,” Emily said.
Creating a Summer Highlight Reel
One of the Orton’s favorite ways to keep memories is creating a summer highlight reel. They post a piece of paper where everyone can see.
“Then you just write down a one sentence or two word blurb about what the memory is,” Erik said. “It can be an inside joke, a place that you went, or a person that you met.”
At the end of the month, they review these highlights together reliving the special moments. This simple activity helps cement those memories and keeps the family connected.
Sharing Summer in Pictures
The Ortons also recommended sharing summer memories through pictures. They gather the family and screen share photos from their phones to the TV.
“Then we just get to see the world and the week through their eyes,” Emily said.
They do this weekly, and it brings laughter, storytelling, and a deeper connection, turning digital devices into tools for togetherness.
The Summer Send-Off
To wrap up the summer, the Ortons suggested a “summer send-off” day. This is a day dedicated to family, free from other commitments.
“If we don’t fill our schedules first with what’s the most important to us, other people fill it,” Erik emphasized.
It’s a time to reflect on the summer, enjoy unstructured time together, and strengthen family bonds. This intentional activity helps the family start the new season with a strong sense of togetherness.
Find more inspiration from the Ortons on Instagram, @theawesomefactorynyc.
Add comment