*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!
Finding Dory: I took the girls to see this movie. $31 bought us tickets, popcorn, a coffee for the mama, snuggles and a lovely message of empathy, family and friendship. A great chilly or rainy day activity for the summer months!
The Park: We visit a different park each week. On this occasion, it was just my son and I. The girls were playing at a neighbors and I took that hour as an opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with my baby boy!
Teddy Bear Picnic: I try my best to utilize the free programs offered in our area. All three of my kids went to the local library’s picnic. We heard stories about teddy bears, sang songs, ate snacks and played with the amazing parachute that all kids love!
Mid-Week Company: We have good friends in town and had them over for dinner and a boat ride. I made this naughty dip that my neighbor makes for all our girls night gatherings. It is so good!
Piano Lessons: My daughter took a few weeks off of piano and started lessons again. The two younger children and I sit outside during the lesson and play!
Biking: The kids and I took a bike ride on a well known path around here where they transformed railroads into bike paths. I dropped the kids off at my mom’s place on the path and got in a 16 mile ride!
Slime: The kids made colored slime for a break from the heat one afternoon.
Office: I love the view from my office window. I don’t work a ton in the summer but I try to squeeze in a few hours here and there.
Family Dinner Book Club: I think this is such a fun idea from Growing Book by Book. Your family reads a book together, you make a craft around that book, cook a themed dinner and discuss the book over dinner. A unique way to get the entire family involved in reading.
Rock Garden: We paint rocks a lot in the summer. First we go on a walk to find the rocks, then paint them and finally give them away as paper weights!
Impromptu Playdates: I am a planner and we are home almost every afternoon for naps and quiet time. It’s my way to squeeze in some work while the kids rest. However, one day this week, my BFF invited me over in the afternoon and I went for it (shocking). The kids had the BEST TIME!
Fourth of July: We host a party with family each year for Independence Day. Each year I find fun outdoor games for the kids to participate in. This year, the kids painted a back drop and I found Photo Booth props from our local Home Goods.
