caroline and carson’s summer bucket list

I’ve been sitting on these portraits for more than a month, waiting to share them once we officially said adios to second and third grade and ushered summer into our horizon… and so it’s time! Summer break is officially here and Caroline and Carson are OVER-THE-MOON thrilled about all the fun their going to have with their summer bucket list over the next two months. And if I’m being completely honest, I’m excited to not have to pack lunches, get them out the door in the mornings and get a little reprieve from our normal daily after-school activities as well.

Our favorite sitter is home from college for the summer and she’s got all sorts of incredible activities, outings + crafts planned in between their camps they are participating in: Camp Wonderfully Made, Pinecove Camp, Brentwood Academy Cookie Decorating Camp and Art Smart Kids Art Camps as well as Roots Hip Hop and Dance Intensives ensure the phrase “I’m bored” better not come out of their mouths = hahaha yeah right, I know it’s only a matter of time!

With that, this past weekend we were sitting down having dinner, discussing what we each wanted to check off the list this summer, so I crafted our very own 2021 bucket list and that’s exactly what I am sharing here on the blog today… and yes, this year we went with quality over quantity, hoping to knock out some big, fun family specific events:

We thought it might be easier dividing them into months so we can rest assured we are checking things off in a timely fashion. We actually kicked it off with a water balloon after school let out on Friday, though I’m certain I got the tail end of all the water and was absolutely drenched!! Next weekend, we head to the lake so I know we will complete the other two May tasks easily.

For me, summer is a time to reflect on the end of the school year, look back at everything we made it through [this year definitely takes the cake for everyone I’m sure] and it’s also time to really be intentional about how we spend our time together. I try to take off more often, check off social media for a good bit–especially when we’re at the lake–as to focus on my girls and Jeff and really get in that quality time we all love so much… too much hustle and bustle going on as of late so this is our way to “hit the pause button” a little more often. Remember that saying, the days are long, but the years are short… it still holds true my friends and I now have a fourth grader AND a third grader–I simply cannot believe it.

So, my wish is that you make your own must-do list this summer… say YES to all the things your kids want you to do with them [within reason of course] but give them a reason to make these next few months matter as a time they will always look back on fondly!

AND TELL ME YOUR TOP SUMMER BUCKET LIST PLANS, TOO…