My students have had a countdown on the board at school since right after Spring Break: 35… 34… 23… days until summer. Well, it’s finally here. Summer. The time to relax, sip lemonade, and find exciting things to do with the kiddos. I have special circumstances this summer as I just had a new baby and I have an energetic two-year-old. So, I am extra lucky to spend the summer home with them since I am a teacher.
My goal was to come up with a manageable list — a bucket list of sorts — that we could accomplish this summer. I didn’t want to go too crazy, as I know I’ll be sleep deprived and a movie marathon may sound better some days. But my goal is to do something fun every day. This could be with or without my kids.
My Summer Bucket List
1. Sleep for more than five hours straight
2. Snookies for a Peanut Butter Shake
3. Blank Park Zoo
4. Pool party in the back yard
5. Have an adult beverage on a patio with friends
6. Read a book (not a kids’ book)
7. Eat candy at the park
8. Make orange/grape soda floats
9. See a parade
10. Watch fireworks
11. Go boating with or without children
12. Email a friend I haven’t seen in awhile
13. Finish the yearbook
14. Go to an I-Cubs game
15. Put away the cell phone for one entire weekend
16. Snuggle the new baby
17. Meet a friend for coffee
18. Have a picnic
19. Fly a kite
20. Take a nap
21. Plant flowers
22. Make a craft
23. Have a pillow fight
24. Make a fort
25. Go see a movie and drink a beer at Flix Brewhouse
So think about the things you want to do this summer. They don’t have to be big or cost a lot of money. But spending the time with your friends and family enjoying everything our great city has to offer will be a great start. Now, go! And have a great time.
