July 28, 2015

Summer Heat Wave Pool Give-away

The box arriving at my house the other day was perfect timing. It sure has been warm in Ann Arbor the past week or so! We finally flew past 90-degrees straight into a week of summer. Of course my children were crushed when they realized that they can not enjoy what was in the box due to the way our yard slopes.

Wait, what was IN the box? Funny you should ask!

Right now on the Ann Arbor Mom blog, local families have the opportunity to WIN a free backyard pool from Backyard Ocean! You read that correct as one Ann Arbor family gets their very own 8' x 26" Float to Fill Ring Pool Set. All you have to do to win, is comment below with one of your favorite ways to cool off in summer. For us it is a trip to the Argo Cascades followed by wading in the river at Island Park. Need some hints? Backyard Ocean has several great ways to cool off this summer and I highlighted a few of my favorites from their list!

Top Ways to Cool Off this Summer

1) Create a Slip n' Slide - This last week while visiting Silver Lake State Park, we heard of a local that creates a killer water slide using just sheets of plastic and a water pump. The slide starts at the top of the dune and ends in Silver Lake. Unfortunately he did not put it up while we were there. I also appreciate this great idea of a water-slide baseball! Honestly though the kids will have a lot of fun using a plastic drop cloth and sprinkler this summer!

2) Ice Cube Relay Races - Love, love, LOVE the idea of using ice cubes for any kind of game or relay race. I especially like freezing mini toys in ice cubes, then in using a stray see who can "thaw" their toy the fastest using only their breath. Although it is not a "ice cube" also consider stringing together frozen spoons then run an in and out relay.

3) Stay off Hot Pavement with a Bike Wash - No we are not talking a motorcycle wash (although pretty sure the riders would think this is cool) but how about using PVC a drill and a garden hose to create this front yard monstrosity? Pretty sure ALL the kids would want to play, making your the "cool house" for more reason than one! You can get all necessary supplies at Lowes.

Bike wash project directions courtesy of Lowes
 4) Homemade Popsicles - We used to make these ALL the time with small Dixie Cups, popsicle sticks, plastic wrap and a juice of choice. Consider adding real fruit too. Just drop fruit and juice into a cup, wrap the top with plastic wrap and insert a popsicle stick. Then freeze until solid! Easy peasy.

So what are your thoughts on the best way to keep cool? Comment below with your tip for a chance to with backyard pool from Backyard Ocean. All comments received by midnight August 7 will be entered into a random drawing. There is one caveat though, the winner must be available to meet with me in the parking lot of the local Sheriff Station in Ypsilanti - I already have the pool in hand, ready to give to the winner.

Thank you to Backyard Ocean for this amazing pool give away.

After you win your backyard pool, you may also appreciate some information on swimming pool safety and maintenance!

Hope to see many great tips - Stay cool.

30 comments:

  1. I love to put the sprinkler on, make some water balloons and eat Popsicles.

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  2. Sprinkler, serve gazpacho, iced tea and lots of fresh veg. and if we're at grandparents in SW MI - then a day at Lake Michigan cools us right down!

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  3. Running through the sprinklers and water fights

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  4. Replies
    1. Yes indeed. Love Rolling Hills but a good splash pad is also key. We like the one in Canton - http://annarbormom.blogspot.com/2009/07/25-day-splash-park-adventure.html

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  5. We love going to the nice cool library on days like today!

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  6. We like to turn on the sprinklers and fill up the water tables!

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  7. This summer its been impromptu running through the sprinklers while watering the garden. Leads to lots of laughs and soaked clothes. :)

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  8. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  9. Pontoon on the chain of lakes in Coldwater, MI.

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  10. Sprinklers, slip and slide, and Independence Lake are our favorites this year!

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  11. We love spending the day at Independence Lake (or just "Indy" for short!), and we also bought one of those water balloon pumps so it's been getting LOTS of use this summer!

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    1. I just realized my name came up as "unknown" when I posted my response above. Hopefully this reply will show my name :)

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    2. Thanks Kelly!!! My kids love water balloons too.

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  12. We like to plan our outside activities for later in the day and make sure we stay in the shade. Then we top off our evening with a drive or bike ride for ice cream!

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  13. Rolling Hills water park and boating on Bruin Lake.

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    1. Congratulations Brian, you are the winner of the pool. Please respond to set up a time to meet!

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  14. I would love to win a pool for my 4 yr. old. Too bad I never win these things. Sucks!

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    1. Karen you actually did not post your comments before midnight on the 7th. Kept your eyes peeled though. There are some contests coming up!!!

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