The days are getting shorter. The back to school shopping lists are staring me in the face. The sign-up emails for after school activities have started. How is it possible? I feel like summer just started. I had big plans for all the things I would accomplish this summer. Then… life happened. Days are busy, evenings at home after work are short, and time flies. Soon, the sun will rise after I walk in the doors of work, and set during my commute home. I cherish the summertime, the fresh air, the warmth. I’ve decided to make a little bucket list of 5 SIMPLE things that I want to do before the summer ends. If you decide to do any of these yourselves, share a pic on social media and tag me! I’d love to see what we can do for OURSELVES before this precious season comes to an end.
1. Sip a cup of coffee outside. So simple right? But I have not done this once this summer! We are constantly on the go. But I can feel that warm morning sun on my face, the gentle breeze, hear the birds chirping in my head. It brings such peace to sit in the calm. This is a must do for me before the weather changes.
2. Go for a long evening walk. We are lucky enough to live in a neighborhood with endless sidewalks and even a nature trail. I usually only enjoy that trail when I ride my bike with the kids to the playground. Once they start school,on my off day I try to get in a run once I get them on the bus. But that only allows a few short weeks before the weather changes. The setting sun, the crickets chirping, the frogs croaking… its BEAUTIFUL! I will soon miss it completely if I don’t get my rear end out there and enjoy it!
3. Pack a picnic. The only picnics I’ve taken part of this year is at evening swim meets. It’s time to plan a picnic with the kids. I think down by the lake or the river is where we will enjoy some time outdoors. Maybe we can skip rocks, go for a hike, and just sit and talk about all the things they enjoyed this summer. PB&J, Watermelon and pretzels sounds fantastic to me! Sometimes the simple things are the best.
4. Go to the Drive-In. Have you ever been? As a kid this was one of my favorite things to do as a family? Pack in the back of the van with our pillows and blankets with our bags of snacks and watch movies in the car. There is just something nostalgic about the atmosphere. I better check my local listings and get this planned ASAP.
5. S’mores. Need I say more? We need to get a fire in before the weather fades. Roast those darn marshmallows and eat that gooey goodness. Sticky fingers, sticky faces. Does anything scream summer more than S’mores?
I hope you can find some time to create your own end of summer bucket list. I would love to hear what you put on your list!