I am so fortunate to be able to earn an income while being a SAHM. I especially enjoy being able to spend the summer with my two children. At the beginning of each May I begin to get excited about all the possibilities for summer activities and the freedom to do whatever we want together.

Now that my daughter is officially on summer vacation, I am feeling a sense of angst. It happens every year. Suddenly, all the free time I was so looking forward to is upon us and I realize I do not have a darn thing planned. It has only been a few days since the start of vacation, but everyone is already feeling a little lost because we are off our normal schedule. I realized today I had better plan our summer and plan it fast. Here is the result - a short list of what is on our plate for the summer.

1. Swimming lessons - a summer tradition. Every single parent I know has signed up their children for swimming lessons. My kids begin theirs at the end of June.
2. Camping - we set up camp in our own yard and spend weekends making smores and reading at night in our tent. We listen to the peepers, crickets and owls.
3. Canoeing and fishing - we are lucky enough to live near a lake and spend several hours a week canoeing and fishing (with a life vest for everyone of course!).
4. Hiking - Our town has a hiking club and sponsors hikes every Saturday. This also includes going for walks around the neighborhood as often as possible.
5. Beach/Lake - There is nothing like spending the day at the beach!
7. Whale watch - I hope the highlight of our summer will include a whale watch off the coast of New England. This is more for Mommy because as long as I have lived in New England, I have never been on one.
8. Picnics at the park - This is always a popular activity with us.
9. Day camp at the local farm - I personally try to avoid the pseudo camps (not that there is anything wrong with them) that involve sports, music, computers, etc. because I want my kids outdoors enjoying nature as much as possible in the summer. I call them pseudo camps because to me unless they involve nature, they aren't really camp.
10. Lots of time with family especially grandparents and aunties - Mommy loves this because it means I will have some time to myself over the summer. The kids love it because they get to be spoiled. Yea!

Well, I feel better already. We do actually have things to do this summer. Now I just have to fill in the calendar and we will be right back on a schedule and all will be right with the world!