GUESS WHAT TIME IT IS??!!

Dear Moms, 

It's May!! It's Taurus season!! It's almost Mother's Day!! It's almost My BIRTHDAY!! lol okay, I think I got all my exclamations out... Oh, it's almost SUMMERTIME!! That means... (DUN, DUN, DUUUUN..) SUMMER VACATION!! (insert cool echo effect here) lol 

So, what does that mean to YOU?!

In my mind, it means sun, and tropical drinks, a hammock- maybe a cabana boy or three...but in reality: In my house, it usually means hot sweaty kids, running in and out of the house, letting all the "cool" out; arguing over the last green Popsicle, water balloon fights, trips to the beach, the park, the splash pad etc, etc.

This year, they have reservations at a local YMCA summer camp! Yay me! Now, let's not go crazy- I'm still a nutty, over protective mother- they are only going for a week but, it IS sleep-away soooo.... I have NO idea how ANY of us are going to take it! I have always thought camps are a great idea for kids during the summer months. A lot of them offer supplemental school-like schedules as well as keeping the learning throughout the summer to avoid the dreaded three month,  "Brain Drain." It keeps the "Littles" away from screens and outside in the fresh air and sunshine!! I love being outside with my kids, and I know that they absolutely ADORE being outside....so it's not a struggle to get them off of their devices.

Camp may not be for everyone- your little ones may be too young, not fully ready to stay away, and that is okay. There are other options out there! Day camp is a structured environment, that generally keeps school day hours (8am-3pm) and they may offer different areas of study for the kids. One summer, my kids' school offered a Magic class! My son Cameron was extremely pleased with the class and he learned a few neat tricks! The kids got to preform their own magic show for the other classes in the camp and everything!

There are also parks and recreation activities in most cities. Check out your local municipality's website and check out the calendar of events. In the next town over, there are several activities a week for kids, parents and kids, and even baby and me type events. The kids get a little flier toward the end of the school year that offers up the variety of events with dates, times, and criteria for participation. Most of the events are free and usually max out at around $10 if they are paid events. You can also take a look online for hiking trails, county parks, and or campgrounds if you would prefer to just go with the flow and do your own thing! Make sure you have all the proper licensing and know what is in season if you intend to fish, or hunt!

There are also bowling leagues for kids! The Kids Bowl Free program is something that we have participated in annually for three years! You simply go online to their site (link is above) and register your children. Then, register the adults that can bring them; (this costs about $20 per adult) and the kids can all bowl one free game A DAY!! FOR THE ENTIRE SUMMER!! YES!! What could be more fun than an afternoon on the lanes? Well, maybe SOME stuff, but on those rainy days...this is an AWESOME activity!

It never hurts to keep the Summer Staples on hand either: Bubbles, bats and balls, mitts, tennis/backgammon rackets, golf sets, and SIDEWALK CHALK!! Everyday is a blank canvas and if it rains, so is the driveway! However you and your crew decide to spend the dog days of summer, make sure that whatever you do- you create memories. Make sure to give them experiences that they can cherish and carry into adulthood with a smile!

Until Next Time, wear your sunblock!