The Summer List 2011

The evening of the summer solstice we began working on our summer list. It's a process that takes several days each year.  First, we brainstorm what we want to do over the summer.  Our list usually includes new things to learn, to try, places to visit, as well as many old summer favorites.  Once we have our list ready we work on an art project that will serve as a way to capture our ideas.  For this summer's list we painted craft sticks, which was very fun and relaxing and is definitely a craft we'll return to.  The sticks had to dry for about a day and during that time we added to our list.  Finally, I wrote down our summer list items, one per stick.  We're keeping our idea sticks in a simple white container and referring to them often for inspiration.  In years past we've done about 60% of what's on the list and added all sorts of other activities along the way, and I expect this year will be similar.  It may seem like a lot, but in truth our summers are mostly filled with sleeping in, hanging out at the pool and in the backyard, putzing around the house and enjoying having everyone in the nest again.   

Here's some of what's on our list:

• Make sun prints
• Make art outside
• Fly a kite
• Make paletas
• Sign up for the library reading program
• Go berry picking
• Go to Nature Center classes
• Roast marshmallows and hotdogs at night
• Stargaze
• Make a picnic basket and go on picnics
• Learn to ride a bike (Sabrina)
• Learn to swim (CC)
• Learn to crawl (Maya)
• Go to Spain
• Have a fireworks party
• Have sprinkle parties
• Visit National parks
• Have neighborhood happy hours
• Make rhubarb recipes
• Make plum recipes
• Write poetry
• Visit the Washington monument
• Go to see outdoor movies
• Go to local beaches
• Dance with colored scarves
• Go to concerts
• Speak Spanish
• Visit a butterfly show
• Catch lightning bugs in jars
• Catch butterflies with new nets
• Have a lemonade stand
• Use fabric markers
• Make giant soap bubbles
• Have a water balloon party
• Make flower prints
• Study gnomes
• Shop at the farmers' markets
• See a play
• Visit Berkeley Springs, WV
• Make masks
• Decorate china plates
• Make lemon cookies with yellow sprinkles
• Have movie nights
• Play card games
• Go to the Arlington Fair
• Have a yard sale
• Go to the pool
• Have a Beatles dance party
• Make rainbow foot and hand prints
• Visit the American Girl store
• Write to our penpals
• Read chapter books as a family
• Go to the Father-Daughter dance
• Find heart-shaped rocks for our collection