No Summer Bucket List Here

I’ve noticed over the last couple of years a lot of parents make a “Summer Bucket List.” They post check-off lists of vacations or things to do during a “staycation.” While both of those things are very fun, they are also exhausting for parents, their pocketbooks, and even the kids. This year my summer bucket list includes not a darn thing. Let me expand on that…

Life During the School Year

We are a big family with 5 kids. Both my husband and I work and all of our children are involved in activities throughout the year. We go to regular competitions for cheer, soccer, or any other activity the kids happen to be in at the time. It is usually a jammed packed, busy day during the school year with school, homework, and activities. Summer is our time to take a break from all of that, relax, and get some Vitamin D. Even during most of the summers, though, we still have things going on. Out of town birthday parties for friends to Adventureland or Worlds of Fun, weddings out of town, or visiting family. But this summer there are none of those so far, which I am actually very excited about.

So this leads me back to my summer bucket list. Instead of sending my kids to camps for activities and athletics, this is what I have planned so far:

-Go to the zoo
-Go to the pool
-Watch movies
-Read books that are not school related
-Spend time with friends and family
-Maybe do other things…???

All of those things do not have a set date or time. They might happen today, tomorrow, or in July and I am just fine with that. My 10-year-old is very much like me and he keeps asking me when we are doing something or what time it is. I don’t know either of those things, nor do I know the date, buddy. My mind is in official “off” mode. After a long, busy, emotionally exhausting year, this is exactly what I need and what my kids need.  Rest, sun, no pressing deadlines.

So ask me about my summer bucket list. Eh. I don’t really have one and I’m alright with that. If we do accomplish something today, I’ll post it on Facebook for you. If not, see you in August!