*If this is your first time checking out the Summer Bucket List Series, start with Week #1. Want to learn more about my #makeitcount ways? Follow me on Instagram or Join the Private Facebook Group I started called Empowering Kids with Character!
I love summer. I think being a teacher straight out of college then becoming self employed has made me a fan of the season since I’ve always had time off to enjoy it. I strive for balance with allowing my children to try new things in the summer months, to become bored (I think it’s healthy) and to have time to just p-l-a-y and c-r-e-a-t-e.
I am documenting our summer bucket list here. I started out the season by sharing how I plan for summer adventures in my video series. Then I spent time using pinterest and the lovely internet to plan out a variety of things to do. We never stick to a strict plan but if there’s a rainy day, you better believe I have an indoor backup activity versus too much screen time!
So let this series be an inspiration to you to live big and enjoy
the summer months with your loved ones!
Auntie Gets Married: I caught the kids playing wedding before dinner the other night.
A Summer Treat: We are pretty health conscious over here in the Dismondy household but sometimes special treats make their way into our home like these watermelon shaped marshmallows!
Pretend Play: As mentioned above, I have been witnessing a lot of pretend play around the house. It usually happens first thing in the morning before breakfast and before dinnertime. Two times of day they ask for screen time and about the 100th time of day I say no 🙂
Bedtime Routine: I have a basket filled with lessons focused on character traits and values in our bedroom. We ask our oldest to read one a night, allowing for conversations before, during and afterwards. Our middle child reads us a story too (beginning reader!!!). #TakingCareThurs initiative can take place any day of the week in your home!
Early Morning Biking: I bike with a couple girlfriends outdoors and early once a week. It’s one of my favorite moments all week long. There is so much beautiful to been taken in on these rides! #puremichigan
Horseback Riding: A summer tradition passed on from my own father who took my sister and I to horse farms in the summer. This was a special date for just my girls and I. Find out how riding a horse is linked to increasing self-esteem in an old blog post here.
Summer Bucket List Sash:Thanks to blogger Kelle Hampton, we have a fun way of documenting some of our summer activities!
Reading ANYWHERE: We keep books everywhere to encourage reading through out the day!
Clean Eating-Here is a favorite appetizer I served this week, Tex Mex Corn Dip served with corn chips and a plate of dipping vegetables.
Sister Gets Married in August: We celebrated my sister’s up coming wedding with a shower last weekend! Her wedding is up north and we are planning on a lovely getaway for the family.
Pearler Beads: Check out these adorable patterns to make coasters using pearler beads! We got started this week.
Crafting Clock: This craft was a gift to my girls but it was meant to be stuck on the wall with stickers. We improvised and purchased a mirror from Five Below and will use this as a frame to hang it. Have you seen the amazing rafts at Five Below?
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