*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!
Bike Rides: We have been riding bikes a lot around here since our four-year old learned to ride without training wheels a month ago! Hooray! Our son uses a balance bike which is so neat and he can go pretty fast and far on it. They are said to help transition a child directly from the balance bike to a two wheeler, skipping the training wheels.
Wine Tasting: I went to a Girl’s Night with my work friends from when I was teaching. It was a wine tasting by an at-home, direct sales company called Wine Shop at Home. It was informative and fun!
Morning Boating: We pulled my husband skiing early in the morning last week. He loved it and we enjoyed the fresh start to the day on the lake!
Cooking: The kids have been really into helping me prep meals with chopping vegetables. I need to look into knives for little hands!
Laundry: Something wonderful has happened this summer! I’ve given up caring about the endless loads of laundry I do around here.
Work: Managing a business when I am having fun with the kids in the summer is challenging. I am thankful for our 17 year old babysitter who I’ve had almost weekly for a few hours in the afternoon one day a week to get some focus time in for the book business. Other than that, I am waking up early to get my time in. I know I could hire more help but I really want to be with the kids and I am determined to make it work in some way, shape or form!
Senior Home Visit: I planned an event at our local senior home for our church MOPS group. There were four activities the kids and seniors could participate in together: puzzles, board games, nail painting and card making. Then we had pizza that was generously donated by our local Dolly’s Pizza. I love giving the children a chance to practice communicating with adults and practicing empathy for others. The benefit for the seniors is a lot of smiles from having children around.
The 100 Dresses Family Book Club: This summer, once a month, we are reading a book together as a family then having a themed dinner and craft to go with the book. There are also free discussion questions that are already available for the pre selected books! Find out more at Growing Book by Book.
Paddington Bear: Our new book for the Family Book Club is Paddington Bear which we started last week. It’s a classic!
The Farmer’s Market: NOW is the BEST time for so many wonderful choices at our local Farmer’s Market!!! This afternoon we are making zucchinni bread from the local grown zucchini we purchased.