Saving Summer

Nothing screams "Summer Fun" like planned fun.

Just kidding.

Kind of.

As "un-fun" as it may seem, I've found that planning and creating a summer calendar actually leads to a really enjoyable summer. It ensures that I’m not stretched too thin so I can still say yes to all of the things that make summer fun for my kids and me.

If you are looking for a way to preserve your sanity and have a ton of fun this summer, here are a few things that our family does to make the most of summer.

Summer Bucket List

We make a “Summer Bucket List” every year. It's our tried and true method for summer fun. If you aren't familiar with the concept, it's basically a brainstorming list of what everyone (including mom and dad!) wants to do during the summer. We list activity ideas, events we want to attend, and general fun things. Here's a Summer Bucket List Template you can print off and use. To use it, just set up a time when everyone from your family is around. One person grabs a pen and writes down what everyone suggests for the list.

I find that these prompts really help the family come up with good ideas:

• Which friends would you like to spend time with this summer?
• What is something you'd like to learn this summer?
• What's your favorite snack for hot weather?
• What do you like more, the beach or the pool?
• What was something fun from last summer you want to do again?

Setting up the nonnegotiables

To set up a summer calendar you can print blank calendars, or you can use your normal planner or calendar app (Fantastical is a great app). The key is to use whatever you know you will look at and check regularly so you follow through on what you said you were going to do without overcrowding your schedule or double booking yourself.

Here are the things I fill in my calendar first:

• Any family vacations/trips
• Any other obligations I’ve already accepted invitations to (weddings, baby showers, BBQs, parties)
• Add all camps and/or lessons that I have already signed kids up for. If these are half days or less, I indicate how much driving time is needed so I don't over schedule.

Edit your Summer Bucket List

After you have noted all of your existing commitments, have a conversation with your spouse to make sure that you both want to do all of the ideas suggested from the Summer Bucket List. Now is the time to scratch anything on the list that you don’t have room to do. If that feels disappointing, remember you can just bump them to next summer.

A quick note: I realize that this sounds a little like you just invited everyone to write their summer dreams and here you are being the "summer dream crusher." Our kids have honestly never noticed what's been missing from the original brainstorm list. There is still a bunch of fun in each summer.

Create your summer calendar

Now it’s time to start filling in your calendar! Start marking up your calendar and blocking off the dates you want to go to the beach or invite the neighborhood over for a taco night in the front yard. Which nights are going to be date night for you and your spouse? Which weekend is the getaway for you and a few girlfriends??

Some things that I like think about as I'm making our calendar: - How many activities am I willing to commit to each day? Is one enough? Can my kids handle two without melting down? - Whom do I need to contact to make sure their family's calendar fits with mine so I can schedule that campfire night or sleepover? - Which days will we just stay home? - How much lead time do I need to plan, shop, or pack for an activity?=? What about the work it takes to clean up afterward? - When does school start? I need to make sure I have time to get everything ready for that.

Hang your calendar where the family can see it

This is especially helpful if your kids can read. Some people have a monthly white board where they write their family's schedule. Some people tape their calendar in a place the whole family can see, like inside a pantry door or to the fridge. Our family utilizes a shared calendar app. My older children like to keep a paper planner of their own. When our calendar is set, I help them fill in their planners so that they know what to look forward to each week!

Summer = Saved.

Something else that will save summer

Our Summer Bucket List includes a lot of time outside. One thing that I make sure we have on hand is Young Living's Insect Repellant.

I first used Young Living's Insect Repellant in Ecuador. As soon as the sun went down, mosquitos began to eat us alive. A literal swarm. As soon as I applied this bug spray it was like magic. Problem gone. Instantly. Since then I've taken it to 4th of July fireworks, camping trips across multiple states, the Sierra Nevadas, and on family visits to the Midwest.

I love that this insect repellent works, and I also love that it is DEET-free, which is more than can be said of the classic insect repellants you get at most stores. It's been tested to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas using 100 percent naturally-derived, plant-based ingredients. That means you can use it on yourself (and your little ones) and not concern yourself with the synthetic materials used in many traditional repellents. You’ll also love the pleasant, citrusy aroma and smooth, non-sticky application. I know our family does!

Thanks for reading! What’s on your bucket list this summer? Do you have any fun traditions that you are planning for? I’d love to hear about it! Just hit reply if you’d like to respond. (When you hit reply, your message goes directly to my email. It’s a private conversation between just us.) I read all your messages and try to respond, but not always in a timely manner. Sorry! And if you enjoyed this email, you’d be doing me a favor by forwarding it to someone else who might like it.