Digital Reflections: Simple Summer week, cont.

One of the things I have noticed as a result of having a busy summer planned is that the simple everyday activities have gained more momentum. Not that we do them more, actually that we do them less, so they are enjoyed even more. We are almost finished with our Simple Week, filled with ordinary days that included VBS, School, lots of cooking, minimal formal crafts, few structured activities, lots of friends over. Perfectly good ordinary summer days, but they are being appreciated because we haven't spent our entire summer doing these things.

Today, I was reminded about an afternoon when we were rushing home from another part of town a good hour from here, when my oldest saw a merry-go-round in a neighboring park and he began talking about how he had never been on a merry-go-round. I was so shocked, but they have removed them from all public school playgrounds around here, and I guess I just hadn't thought of it before. So I pulled onto a cross street, made the turn and headed back to that park. And for about 10 minutes he ran and jumped and lay down on a spinning merry go round. And when he got in the car, I told him, "well you cant ever say you haven't been on one now" to which he responded, "thanks mom!" Don't despise the simple things and learn to take advantage of those moments when they are presented to just BE in the moment, creating experiences and lasting memories for your kids.

And then there are some real simple things to do on a summer while waiting for your older brother and sister to come home from vbs...like pulling out the halloween costumes.

Or making mud pies....

then you can get all settled in and comfy for a late afternoon movie...

or head outdoors to play in the sprinkler....

It doesnt have to be something planned or scheduled, it doesnt have to be something spectacular or expensive, you just have to BE there, BE responsive to their ideas, BE ready for anything, BE creative, BE silly, BE spontaneous...just BE with your kids.

I cant wait to post about our summer plans for next week. I will be back to our theme week on Sunday's this Summer...and lets just say, its "out of this world" fun!!