Embracing Summer...

After enduring a cold, unrelenting winter and a wet, dreary "spring," we have finally made it to summer! I know my spirits are lighter and brighter seeing the sunshine and feeling the warmth of the sun again. Everything in our area looks so fresh and green, and pops of color are adorning our streets and doorsteps! We have so much to experience living in an area that truly gets all four seasons. It is fun to see how everyone embraces or rejects them, as the case maybe.

In our house, summer is welcome with wide open arms. Socks and shoes are shoved aside for the feel of bare toes and flip flops. The change in season also brings the end of a school year for the kiddos. With that comes the added schedule change and activity planning. I've written before about the fine line in keeping your kids busy and involved in activities, but also trying not to over schedule and allow them free time, *and gasp* a chance to be bored!

My friends and I have discussed how we would play outside from sun up to sun down, rarely breaking to eat. Sunscreen was never a priority and neighborhoods were our domain to explore. Although times are a bit different, and the importance of sunscreen is a big priority, it's still wonderful to let your kids be kids. Drink from the garden hose when you get thirsty, set up a lemonade stand and charge a quarter to all your neighbors who may stop by. Lay on a blanket and watch the clouds, just because you can!

Sure summer camps and organized play are great, and essential for this mom's sanity, but I am trying to have less "organized" and more figure it as we go time. I'm devising a chore chart so we don't steer too far off course, but I'm remembering to embrace summer because as we know it is far to fleeting in this part of the world. So go forth, put tassels on your bike handles, swing on a swing, drink from a hose and stop to smell the roses! Hello summer!