Summer vacation officially begins in seven days. I love summer, I do. I love the hot sun. I love fresh berries and farmer's markets. I love beach days. I love the fact that we can get out the door without the added time delay of coats and mittens. I even love the
sound of the ice cream truck.
What I don't always love is the task of keeping two boys occupied for two months.
And since we spent their summer camp money (for the next, oh, 10 summers) on a new patio, I need to be extra creative this year.
So.
Last week I unrolled a big piece of art paper on the kitchen table, armed them with markers, and told them to write down anything and everything they want to do or try or accomplish this summer.
The only 'rule' was that once something gets written down on the Great Summer List of '10, then it must be done.
A lesson in brainstorming, goal setting and list making all in one.
You know what? They accepted the challenge with enthusiasm. Even The Second Grader, who apparently wants to try archery.
I'm not sure he would have mentioned it had it not been for this list, either.
The Five Year Old?
He has decided that this is the summer he will be brave enough to put his head under water (and maybe learn to swim).
He also wants me to make him homemade whipped cream.
REAL whipped cream and not whipped cream from a CAN, he has told me.
Looks like we will also be sleeping in a tent and going on a big ship...
(I'm glad they chose 'ship' to fill in the blank. That one could have gone in any number of directions.)
It's shaping up to be an adventurous summer full of sweet dairy products and sharp flying arrows. I might even be looking forward to keeping two boys occupied for two months this year.
Try your own Great Summer List of '10. Your kids might surprise you, too.
