Summer Vacation Begins

Today is the second official day of our summer vacation.  Addy had her last day of Kindergarten on Monday.  So here we are, home for the summer.  The fighting has already begun.  Is it time to go back to school yet?

I'm just kidding.  Actually, I'm looking forward to this summer.  I'm trying to plan fun activities to keep us busy, but not totally break the bank.  That's the tricky part.  I have some ideas though.  Obviously we will participate in the library's summer reading program.  The library also has fun free programs set up that my girls are very excited about, like when they can go and learn about dinosaurs, make a rock garden in a platter, and learn how to use watercolors to paint trees.  On some Tuesdays they have storytime at Panera Bread, and on Wednesdays that have stories in the parks.  Those are all free to attend, and I plan on taking full advantage of that!

I'm going to plan picnics on some days.  We'll pack a nice lunch and go eat at a park somewhere.  Maybe we'll ride bikes or scooters around the trails in the state park that is close by.  When it's raining - like today - we can go to a McDonalds play place for some fun.

Of course there is the typical summer adventure type things that we will want to do.  Going to the zoo for one.  Since starting school we gave up our family membership because we can't go as much as we used to, but we'll make sure to go once over the summer.  The zoo by us has an exhibit where we can pet stingrays and one where we can walk into a tent full of butterflies.  Add the dolphin show in there and it's a perfect day!  The kids also want to take a trip to the Kohl Childrens Museum.  That place is so much fun!  And of course the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one of our favorites.  But, all those things cost money so we'll have to see what we can do.

And no summer would be complete without swimming lessons and a few afternoons at the neighborhood pool.

Sounds like a lot of fun, huh?  But I'm striking a deal with my kids.  Certain things must be done before any of these fun activities take place.  They will help me around the house with some cleaning and organizing projects.  We will read a book every day.  Addy will practice her violin every day before we head out to activities.  And of course we had the conversation about how we're not going to be going someplace fun every single day.  Mommy can't handle that!  I need days at home sometimes.

So it begins.  Today is raining so I think we're heading to McDonalds after I vacuum and Addy practices her violin.