Every year around this time, I find that I am in the same frame of mind. More than my kids, I am counting down the school days until summer. I crave the slowed down pace that summer brings and the lazy days at the pool.
I know that there are a lot of moms who struggle when it comes to summer, searching for ways to fill the days and entertain the kids. Not me. I purposely try to under plan our summer. My kids get to pick 2, maybe 3 camps each, we do swim team and maintain one or two of our regular sports activities. But I like to have them home with me.
Sure, they get bored and drive me up the walls somedays. And on those days, we head to the pool, see a movie for the 2nd time or, more often than not, they find something creative to do or actually play with the toys they have not played with in ages. I send them outside to find sticks and bugs and track in muddy feet. And yes, sometimes they watch too much TV…
And for all that they make me bonkers, I absolutely love it. I love seeing them have time to be together – with each other. I love seeing what they choose to play with and what games they invent. I love hearing the random thoughts that only come from mindlessly daydreaming. I love seeing the art they create. I just love having them around.
All year long, we are at the mercy of school and homework. We rush from one activity to the next and then rush home to make dinner and then rush to get to bed on time. But when summer comes, we relax. Dinner can be enjoyed at leisure and bedtime comes when they are tired. We stay up too late. We cuddle on the sofa in the morning. We stay in pajamas too long. And we reestablish the bonds with each other that we will need to get us through the next school year. We travel and explore. We see things through a different lens. And we create the memories of childhood that they will look back on when they are grown.
Because I truly believe that the most important moments in life happen organically. The deepest conversations take time to ferment. And the foundations of family lay in the slow moments of life.
So I am counting down the days until summer – until I get me littles back from their busy day to day and we slow down. 26 days to go….
XOXO
PS: Summer is also the best time for a Mommy & Me Memory Session… learn more about these special sessions here…
comments