How To Make This Summer a Lasting Memory

August 2025

Article and photos by Jamie Blotske

Summer has come and gone, and more often than not, the memories made along the way are only stored in our mental memory bank. Residents and businesses share ideas on how to make the most of your summer memories.

Letters & Lists

Maggie Winters, of Billings, said that two things come to her mind when she thinks about summer and preserving memories. “I sit down and write each of my kids a letter. I use my iPhone camera roll and scroll through it to remind myself of the highlights, accomplishments, and exciting growth. I try to find a good Scripture for each of them and end the letter with their cute nicknames or the hilarious things they would say. I print it off, put it in an envelope, seal it, and decorate it. The kids know about the letters, but they have no idea what is in them. Each year, they go into memory boxes. One day (which is undecided at this point), my kids will have years of letters, where they can be reminded of how much their mom loved them.” Cue the tears!

The Winters family also creates a summer bucket list. Each person picks four or five things to contribute to the list. Some are extremely simple, while others require more effort. “It’s a really fun activity that keeps the family intentional!” Maggie said.

Coffee & Canvas

Yellowstone Coffee & Canvas would love to help you and your family capture your summer memories! “We LOVE getting people together and making MEMORIES!” proudly stated on their website. From options such as a canvas to ceramics, to a Montana-shaped wood sign, everyone in your family will enjoy an afternoon of painting, sipping, snacking, and reflecting on the fun that was had this summer!

Memory Books

Local resident Amanda Fanzone is passionate about scrapbooking and creating memory books. “My favorite way to capture our summer memories for our family is through scrapbooking! Not only is it a way to relive the moment, but it captures it in a way that will last a lifetime. My kids love looking back at the books I’ve made over the years. It is definitely a hobby I plan to continue!” she said. Amanda has put her talents to use by creating both traditional scrapbooks and digital memory books through custom printing sites like Shutterfly or Vistaprint.

Family Photoshoot

What better way to capture the smiles of the season than with a fun family photoshoot?! While the great outdoors make for a beautiful backdrop, the weather can be iffy at times. Billings Open Studio, a rental space in the heart of downtown Billings, is always dependable! With 2,000 square feet of space, the north-facing windows allow for the sun’s beautiful natural lighting. Grab your favorite photographer, book the studio, and plan for a photoshoot to remember the summer by!

Originally printed in the August 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

Jamie Blotske

Jamie Blotske and husband, Chet, have three small children and happily call Billings their home. She is extremely passionate about the great outdoors. She is a graduate of MSU-Billings with a bachelor's degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership. Her family is currently in pursuit of hiking in all 50 states, and you can follow along on the family blog (thebackpackingblotskes.com) or Instagram (@thebackpackingblotskes). 

Make the Most of Your Summer Staycation

While summer often calls for road trips and getaways, there's something refreshing about slowing down and enjoying what’s right in our own backyard. As thoughts shift from pool days to packed lunches, now’s the perfect time to squeeze in one last summer adventure without ever leaving Billings.

A Quiet Rescue for Montanans

On a warm and sunny June afternoon at the Lockwood Rural Fire Department, community members, lawmakers, firefighters, and beyond joined together to behold a new type of emergency response being made available to the public.

Building Brighter Futures for Every Student

Billings Public Schools is home to countless stories of growth, thanks to passionate educators and programs working behind the scenes. The Reading Intervention and Quest programs are powerful examples of how dedicated staff and innovative support are helping every student thrive.

Back-to-school Prep

As we busy our days buying fresh notebooks and first-day outfits, it’s important to remember there’s more to back-to-school prep than shopping lists. “Many students struggle with re-establishing routines, and others may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed, especially if they’re starting at a new school,” said Taylor Walk, an elementary educator serving Billings Public Schools for 10 years.