Final recitals, final exams, final days of school are all colliding. Weather has finally warmed up and rain soaked lawns have dried out. Summer is upon us with the expectation of new possibilities and adventures all helping to push the pace of these final days until vacation.
Last summer I lamented about the busy schedule that my kids kept with different camps which amounted to a lot of driving to and from places. This summer is sure to be very different. With one child still busy with day camps, the other has two weeks away with the remainder of the summer filled only with evening commitments three times a week and nothing but time during the day. Coming from a family where my parents decided for us that that we would go to sleep away camp all summer long (thankfully we loved it), the idea of staying home with no camps lined up has always been an intriguing thought. A summer of sleeping in, reading, riding bikes and swimming. Calling each day as it comes. Savoring the moments of summer in a leisurely manner. It sounds really nice to me.
But how will my big camper handle such a summer? Recently I decided to shed light on the fact that I will still have my usual things to do that typically happen sight unseen while the kids are at school or camp. Laundry, groceries, organizing and teaching some classes are still on my plate summer vacation or not. This means some necessary down time and the thought of down time did not sit well with my big camper. A child used to camps with cruise director styled activities with a whole unscheduled summer ahead will have a lot to learn about down time. Yes. This summer will be very different. I can’t wait to see what we all learn.
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June 6, 2011 at 2:21 am
Renée A. Schuls-Jacobson
This will be an interesting one. Get ready to let your big camper squirm during those “boring moments”; I have found that one “I’m bored” followed by a quick “Here’s the toilet brush. I could really use your help!” usually teaches kids to stop complaining about boredom. In fact, that’s usually when the creativity kicks in! 😉
Can’t wait to hear how the camp-lite summer goes.
June 9, 2011 at 2:03 pm
KateWester
Love that! I will use the toilet brush line!
June 9, 2011 at 2:32 pm
karmaspot
I will definitely be attempting the toilet brush line. I’m also thinking that the dog leash, ironing board and dishwasher line might be used in desperation… and my last resort will be the yoga mat line!!
June 9, 2011 at 2:29 pm
karmaspot
Yes. This might turn out to be his best summer yet or reason to sign up early for CSL next year. We shall see. Luckily this boy likes to bike, swim and is starting to like to run so I have someone to play with this summer… at least I hope so 😉
June 11, 2011 at 2:06 am
bob
Nice post, and I am just as worried as you are.
June 11, 2011 at 12:10 pm
karmaspot
“Bob” we will just take the summer day by day and it will be GREAT! I will treasure this extra time with my wonderful boy because in a blink of an eye you (I mean he) will be off to college and onto adulthood. It will be a fantastic summer!