Yesterday was the last day of June and for the first time in years, my kids slept in. I would like to keep this momentum going for every summer weekend, but I know that is wishful thinking.
The girls are not doing summer camp this year, so I want to give them as close to my childhood experience of summer that I can. There wasn't much happening in the small Caribbean village I grew up in, but I could always guarantee that I would enjoy playing with the neighborhood gang, getting lost in long blades of grass, climbing up my neighbor's guava tree, and walking around the neighborhood to pick up more friends for our wild excursions.
I mean, who was supervising us? Answer. No one, but we somehow managed to get home safely before that street lights came on. Anything later meant we were in trouble, and none of us wanted that. Â I can't replicate the very liberal play time I had growing up, but we plan on having a balance of very leisurely chill activities along with the days of excitement.
Here are 7 chill things that we hope to do this summer:
1. Lots of family walks.
Whether it be a sunrise or sunset walk, once the time is available we are out there. My older daughter loves family walks, especially when dad can join us at sunset. We will stop at the playground nearby and be as silly as possible while swinging away.
2. Play card games.
We recently got into playing UNO, which we all love. Now that everyone has gotten the hang of it, we play once a day. The girls are still learning to properly hold their seven cards, but they look forward to it every day. We will definitely learn a few more games before summer ends.
3. Visit some waterfalls.
New York state has some amazing waterfalls. I discovered Cohoes Falls, the second largest waterfall in New York state on the Mohawk River, literally in my backyard and there are so many more. We also hope to see Niagara Falls, Rainbow Falls in Watkins Glen State Park and Buttermilk Falls at Buttermilk Falls State Park among a few others (don't you just love the names?).
4. Watch some of the shows/movies of my childhood.
I have a running list of shows and movies that I want my girls to watch, many of which they can't watch yet, but I have started. My 9 year old loves Pinky and the Brain and Tom and Jerry, which surprised me and my 7 year old had to take two tries at Matilda (1996) to appreciate the comedy in the principal swinging the little girl by her pig tails. The reaction was priceless, because she yelled, "That is abuse" (Lol). I will never forget it. So hopefully, we can start Full House this week.
5. More self care.
During the school year, it was hard trying to incorporate self-care along the lines of manicures and pedicures at home, and massages which are great for kids. So this summer, more self care and relaxation for all of us.
6. Visiting farmers markets and local farms
Around here, there are so many farms and farmers markets. Wej just want to check out the ones with chill vibes, get our taste testing on, get some farm raised poultry and dairy, and bring home a plant or two, or five or ten.
7. No plans days.
Those are the best. Nothing beats a day where you're like a leaf in the wind. Whatever the day brings, we're up for it. We might cook or order some food. We might watch a movie or two, and I might let the girls enjoy Roblox for more than 45 mins. Ahhhhh. The good life.
So yes! All we want is some good chill vibes, because me and my old lady activities which I quite enjoy would like to maintain this energy till the summer ends.
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