Big and Little, free to flyA couple months ago, the suburban chatter started. Camps, classes, vacations, day trips. After all, my kindergartner has an especially long summer break due to some construction in the district. (And my preschooler always seems to have an especially long summer break.) Three and a half months. Three kids -- ranging in age from one to six. What on earth are we going to do?
The answer is simple. Whatever we want.
When I say that, there's a bit of panic, I'll admit. But there's also a lot of excitement for me. You see, this is the first summer I've been at home with my kids that isn't a maternity leave. (And let's face it, having a newborn is no vacation!) I've always been a working mom, but now I'm working a lot less and doing it from home. I know this may not last, so this is my chance to make the most of it.
So, while my plan is really to have no plan at all, I know the, "What are we going to do today?"s are just 29 days away. It's time to get my calendar and pencil out so that I have an answer, or at least some suggestive questions that lead us to a great place -- even if that's just our front lawn.
Here are a few ways I plan to make ordinary days extraordinary.
Adventure Day: We happen to live in the SF Bay Area which is full of amazing kid-friendly spots. Once a week, we'll get to revisit old favorites and find some new ones along the way.
Jar of Fun: I'm going to write all kinds of simple activities down on slips of paper and put them in a jar. Each kid will get to take turns discovering what fun lies ahead. Fort building, sidewalk chalking, library visiting, ice cream eating, dance parties…oh, the fun we'll have.
Bathing Suit Day: Why change after swim lessons? We'll hit the pool, run through the sprinklers or head to the beach. (Guess I better keep eating those greens!)
Road Trip: I've been wanting to visit family and friends in Southern California for far too long, and now we'll finally get to go whenever and wherever we want (with Nana to keep us company -- and sane -- of course).
And, you know what? If none of this actually happens, that's ok too. Because for the first time, we're all at an age/place in our lives where we can just have fun being together. And if I look back on my childhood summers, that's exactly what made them special.
How will you and your family be spending the lazy days of summer?
Amy is a Shine Parenting Guru. You can follow her everyday adventures (and by adventures we mean mishaps) at her parenting blog, Using Our Words. Be sure to "Like" her Facebook page to get updates.
