Fun in the Backyard Sun

The other day we were taking the time to bathe our beagle in the backyard. The kids were in their swimsuits and we were ready to get wet (which is what happens when they decide to help lol). Of course while I was scrubbing the dog down, they took the hose and were squirting each other. It was all in good fun and it made me smile each time I looked at them.

Then came the time to put the hose away.

“Please, Mom? Can we please play in the water more? Can we do the slip n’ slide? The sprinklers? Squirt each other more? Water balloons? Please, please, pleeeeease?”

At first I said no. I thought of the mess, cleaning up after, and all that I needed to do inside. After all, we just got done moving this past week and there was still stuff to unpack and organize. Yet as I looked at their faces and thought of summers past and remembered my own summers, I knew that these memories would not only be precious to me, but to them as well. And so I said yes.

I sprayed the hose as they ran back and forth until we found the sprinkler. I took pictures and then I sat back watching them squeal with delight.

What was I so worried about? My silly excuses seriously tried to keep me from this? The simple joy and pleasure of some backyard fun? I loved it.

Sometimes we as adults need to remember that children are making memories too and to say “yes” to them sometimes.

Happy 4th of July! Make some memories with your family today, especially those kiddos.

Summer

Let me start by saying that I love summer, but it is not for the reason that most do. Sure going to the lakes, barbequing outside, being able to take an evening stroll in perfect weather can be nice. School is out and time seems to slow down for most.

If we are talking about weather and seasons I would say that I prefer fall or winter. I like the cold. I like being able to cuddle up under a cozy, thick blanket while I sip my tea and knit or read a good book. I like bundling up in layers and holding kids all snuggly in their layers and blankets.

For me, as I see summer stretched ahead of me I am excited for making memories. Simple memories of mornings at the park before it gets too hot. Memories of afternoons spent playing in water or enjoying playdates with friends. Memories of laying in the grass and looking at the clouds or watching my boys explore both inside and out.

These are the simple moments, but these bring me the most joy and contentment.

My heart leaps for joy knowing that summer is here and school is out, if only for a couple of months. I get a thrill out of seeing it stretched out before us, and I start to plan what we can do. I think of art projects, fun foods to try, places to go, things to do, and I conjure up a big list of goals I want done before summer ends.

But then I stop myself. And I have to keep stopping myself. I am a planner. However, history tells me that all my plans usually go to waste. I spend so much time planning that I lose out on those little moments that I treasure, so this summer I vow to not plan.

I vow to spend each day enjoying the moments that I am blessed to have with my family. If my plans work out, great. If I get to scratch off some of those summer goals I want to accomplish, awesome. But if I don’t, it’s ok. As long as I know that when the inevitable end to summer comes, we can say that we made the most of our summer and we have a host of memories tucked away that we can treasure for a lifetime.

What are your favorite things to do in the summer?