Sweet Summer

This week officially started summer! Okay, so the solstice or the equinox, or whatever planetary science determined date marking the true start of summer occurred last week, this week we celebrated ...the last day of school, and therefore the first day of summer vacation! Wow. A date that has meant absolutely nothing to me for the past 15 years (yikes) now means more than ever! First of all, I can't believe how fast the year went, First Son is now moving on to first grade! He, and more amazingly, I, survived kindergarten! Now we have our first "school summer".

I remember that as an idealistic kid I thought the ten weeks between grades would last forever! Now as a more realistic adult I know that they will fly by way too fast. For just these ten short weeks I have my sweet First Son all to myself! Of course I have to share him with his three siblings (and he has to share me); and he is going to VBS for two weeks, but other than that, he is all mine! Just like before that evil (wonderful) thing called kindergarten came along! I am determined to squeeze every ounce of wonderfulness (is that a word?) out of this time. Come September I will not only be sending First Son off to first grade, but Curly Girl will be leaving me three mornings a week to attend preschool....it all happens so fast!

I have been thinking lately about my "goals" for the summer. You see, I am all too likely to spend the greater part of my day cleaning my endlessly messy kitchen unless I force myself to plan otherwise. I want my summer to feel like one of those old Country Time Lemonade commercials...sweet and slow and relaxed. Since they say that you are much more likely to accomplish your goals if you write them down, that is what I am about to do! Here goes:

Tricia's Summer Goals 2008

(in no particular order)

1. Shnuggle First Son at least 3 mornings each week
2. Have a family picnic dinner at the beach 1x a week
3. Use our pool membership at least 3x a week
4. Host/attend a play date for each child at least 1x a week
5. Eat as many outdoor meals as possible
6. Limit TV to one hour a day with the exception of a rainy day DVD
7. Use our blow up backyard pools, swings and sandbox every sunny day
8. Ice pops EVERYDAY
9. Cook with the kids at least 1x a week (use lots of fresh veggies)
10. Read at least 2 novels of my own choosing (in addition to book club picks)
11. Have one hour of formal learning time for First Son and Curly each morning
12. Do a fun craft at least 1x a week (even if it's just playdoh, but better if its painting rocks!)
13. Take at least one trip to Fire Island with the kids
14. Take at least one trip to Fire Island without the kids
15. Eat NO Fast Food lunches (this is a tough one)
16. Plan a "special Big Kid day" for First Son (maybe Splish Splash waterpark)
17. Walk the Jones Beach Boardwalk & eat Ice Cream at least 1x
18. Redecorate the playroom! (this is necessary in order to survive the other 3 seasons)
19. Go to the movies for Wall E and American Girl (now that Curly is old enough for popcorn, she's definitely old enough for American Girl, hooray!)
20. Catch Lightening bugs with the kids
21. Take at least one road trip (Philly or Phoenicia? I'd do both if I didn't already have a mortgage)
22. Lay a blanket out in the yard and stare at the stars at least 1x/month
23. Take and share lots and lots of pictures!
24. Help the kids run a lemonade stand
25. Say "Yes" as much as possible
26. Start First Son & Curly working on helpful, age appropriate chores - with just my love as reward (ok, and room & board)
27. Spend quality time with Hubby every day
28. Smile, laugh and have fun EVERY DAY!!

Twenty eight items. Not bad. Doable I think, although I am sure I am missing something. That big yellow bus will be here again in the blink of an eye, and I don't want to have any regrets. When I look back on the summer of '08, I will see that I was super busy no matter what I do, so why not spend my time chasing fireflies instead of scrubbing floors? I am sure my kids will agree.