Geared up for Summer

We have the freezer stocked with frozen treats, books out, prize boxes filled, and just four days left until summer vacation!

Some Highlights


*Service Project: we're kicking off the summer with a group service project: last year we invited friends over and partnered with Craft Hope in making bracelets for orphanages in Russia.

This year I've contemplated keeping it local and having children make art together and then take it to a local nursing home's Alzheimer unit.


*Vacation: we've already gotten in two camping trips and are planning a trip to the Grand Canyon later in the summer.


*Summer Reading Program: we're implementing our own summer reading program

We'll read all summer long, but will have a special three-week incentive program. I got the idea for it last year here. Our kids loved this last summer! Robby was anticipating it already again at the beginning of May . They love it because they get to pick a prize every day. But also because they really do get immersed in the reading they/we do.

*Scripture memorization:

I've chosen the first section of the Sermon on the Mount, which is the Beatitudes, for the children to memorize over the summer. How far they get will be determined by each one's age. 


I'm still thinking through the incentive for this, but I want to incorporate tickets for a date with mom, a date with dad, invite a friend over to play, etc. That way we're working in that quality time that we desire to make time for, too!


Our Weeks Agenda


I found this cute little schedule last year here for each week

Monday: Craft Day

We'll pull out the paints, glitter, clay, glue, scissors, (maybe even the sowing machine), etc. and get creative with a different fun project each week!


Tuesday: Service Day

This may be making thoughtful notes for family, visiting a nursing home, or helping someone in need.

Wednesday: in the Kitchen Day

We'll try out new creations and recipes. My children love getting creative in the kitchen! 

Thursday: Reading Day

We'll make a weekly trip to the library.

Friday: Fun Day

This will be our water play day: pools, fountains, water guns, slip and slides...

For the most part, much of our weekly agenda will take only part of the morning and plenty of time will be left for outdoor fun!

Activities

Activities are limited to a week long morning soccer camp for our oldest in June, baseball a couple evenings a week until mid-July for him, ballet through mid-June for our oldest daughter, and private swimming lessons for both.

I like to take advantage of time together over the summer so we try to keep individual activities at a minimum. I love to see the relationships of my children grow and imaginations soar when they have books to stimulate their imagination and time for uninterrupted play to act out all of their new adventures. Summer time around here is a time of relaxation and fun with a little structure to keep everyone in the know of what to expect, as the days can run into each other easily and quickly without a plan.

We hope to fit in plenty of exploration, playing in our back yard, parks with friends, tennis with grandpa, and getting wet with cousins - A LOT!

I am a believer in making a plan and then working it out flexibly. So, this is our plan. We'll see how it all pans out!

What are your plans this summer?!

Continuing to count with Ann...

boys camping in the mountain snow

time with just the girls

the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the beautiful way He works in our lives

deepening friendships through accountability

a child waking early to join me in my time of scripture reading

children's imaginations, camping out in one bedroom last night making tents and using clothes and Lincoln Logs to build a fire

redemptive moments

the wisdom and blessing of a mother

the sacrifice of our veterans, soldiers, and their families

Sharing with A Holy Experience, Finding Heaven, The Better Mom, The Wellspring,  A Pause on the Path,  and Raising Arrows