Summer Traditions

The other night I started reminiscing about all the things I have learned from him through out my life.  There were so many but a few that stuck out were his love for games, service and family traditions. Traditions in particular have become one of my absolute favorite things. Nothing brings me more joy than spending time & making memories with my little family.  We have started to make our own traditions and the excitement it generates within my kids is fascinating. Some of the most fun we have is in the summer when there is lots of free time!

One of our favorite traditions is taking the kids out to dinner the day school gets out to celebrate a good school year and to kick off summer break! Another tradition is a mommy/ daughter back to school shopping day in L.A. at the garment district.

I think my kids would probably tell you that their most favorite tradition is our “summer fun jar”!  This starts the first monday after school gets out and for family night we sit around and brainstorm fun things we want to do from June to August.  Most of them are simple and cheap. Ideas in the past have included:

water balloons~beach day with friends~picnic at the park~bike ride around the lake~lemonade stand~petting zoo~kite flying~hand ball tournament~afternoon at the county fair~s’mores by the fire~craft day~movie night at home~walk to ice cream~star gazing~bake sale~train ride~shake shack~bowling~popsicle/ ice cream making~sand castle contest~matinee at the theatre~roller skating~breakfast on the trampoline~side walk chalk art~merry go round~candy shop~pool games

In our home you have to earn picking from the jar. Getting chores done in the morning and good behavior are required. The reward system works well for my little people and also keeps mom sane. We usually end up pulling out 3 papers a week and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being just as excited as the kids. I look so forward to our mini adventures together.

With just 7 days left of school here in California we are all looking forward to this fun time of year.  Do you have any fun summer traditions? I love hearing new ideas.  Feel free to leave a comment and share!

XOXO