Oh What Do You Do In The Summer-time?

I'm sitting on the front porch listening to the crickets chirping, the birds singing and the high school marching band practicing their patriotic songs for the upcoming parades. Three of my favorite sounds!

They all mean that summer really is just around the corner. And you all know how I feel about summer. I love summer with all my heart.

And talking about summer, I have been trying to come up with some fun activities that I can do with my kids. It seems like the past couple of summers came and went too fast and although we spent some time together as a family- it just wasn't nearly enough for me. Part of this had to do with me being in school...busy, busy, busy. But this year, there is no school for any of us!

So I've been reading lots of blogs, snagging some ideas that I think will be lots of fun, and I thought I would share some of them with you.

First though, my sister has inspired me to read a book out loud with my children this summer. My most favorite memories of elementary school are of listening to a book being read a loud and I can't think of a more enjoyable thing to do with my kids than to grab a blanket, find a spot of shade and read to them. I think the book we are going to read is The Princess Bride. I think that one will hold their attention nicely and will be one that we can spend several weeks reading together. If you have boys, here is a great website to get a list of books your boys will love to read.

Ok, now on to the ideas from others blogs.

Kool-aid playdough (it's edible!). My boys (and I won't be surprised if Nicole joins in) will love this one. And I think I will too. Get the recipe here.

Make your own slushies. This one I can see us doing over and over again. I think I will even bring this idea up to girls camp for those afternoons that are hotter than hot. (I'm so glad our campsite has a fridge and a freezer! So great!) Get the recipe here.

What is a summer without a craft project or two? This blog has lots of fun summer craft ideas you can do with your kids. This is one we will be doing for sure.

This is just the start of my list- I still have 22 more days until summer officially starts at our house. I know there is going to be a bake sale, some swimming, a visit to a cookie factory, sleeping out in a tent in the back yard, roasting marshmallows in our fire pit, a hike or two, a visit to a lake, lots of popsicles and ice cream- to name a few more. And to make sure that we don't forget all the things that we want to do- I will be making one of these- too cute!

What fun summer plans do you have this year? Please share!