Summer Parenting

I think parenting in summer is the best. I am in my natural state as a parent. We have no deadlines or places that we have to be at specific times or layers of clothing to bundle us all into when we want to be spontaneous and just go somewhere.

The days start with sunlight and open windows. The birds chirp and wake us early. We spend time out back, playing and gardening. The girls are super into weeding right now, habit that I am happy to cultivate (pun 100% intended). We look at bugs, we work, we play, we invent gamers or projects. I love it all. 

Eric and I have been crazy busy this year. He pulled a 60+ hour work week last week! While we are so happy for all of the professional growth we are also in need of a slower pace. We need it. The girls need it. So we are going to scale back a bit on the professional excess and spend more time playing with the kids, making memories, exploring our state.

Today our goals are checking out a state park, playing in the yard, gardening, art, dog walking and of course hammock time.

Summer

I didn't think I was a summer person. I had it in my head that spring is where it's at with regard to my seasonal favorites. Now though, I am not so sure. Summer here in Wyoming is the best. The not too hot days are followed by perfect evenings spent on the back porch. Windows are open to let fresh air blow through the house. I spend much of my day watching the girls play in the back yard. We watch the birds and other animal regulars that share our space with us. The girls pick strawberries before they are ready to be eaten and I have completely given up the fight at this point in the season.

The sun ripens the tomatoes and each day the girls inspect the garden and give me status updates. I sip pink lemonade and work on the yard while the girls run around like feral children. They are covered in layers of sticky funk and dirty grime. The blue chalk on their cheeks seems like a permanent feature, no longer do I double-take, thinking they've developed a freakish bruise. Nope, it is summer and that is how it goes. We are all covered in tiny bruises and insect bites from time spent outside. Actually, the insect bites are all me. For some reason I am like a blood decoy for mosquitoes, no need for citronella candles, just invite me to you next outdoor party.

We paint on the back patio most days. We eat our two out of three meals on the porch. The sparrow's late summer babies are just learning the ropes and often test out their new skills where we can watch them as we eat. The cooing of the doves, the screeching of the jays, the occasional whizz of an invisible hummingbird are our music and entertainment.

Summer is starting its grand wind down. The leaves are losing their color, the apples on our tree are ripe. The grass is still green, but you can tell its about redy to give up the ghost. The morning air is crisp and the night air has just a bit of cool to it now. A few more weeks and it will be done. We will move on to our six days of fall and then, before we know it there will be snow (and wind). The windows will be closed and we will gaze out our back window, onto the patio, and dream of summer days while we sip our hot tea and eat our winter stews. We will relearn how to drive in the winter and remind ourselves that it takes twenty extra minutes to get everyone in their winter gear. That will be good too, but I will most certainly be dreaming of summer.

Outside All Day

Yesterday I was determined to spend more time out than inside. So we did. First we went down by the river so Cordelia could collect some objects for the nature table. We wandered through the shallows and the brush. I just let the girls set the pace and the destination. We had a fantastic time.















When we tired of that it was time to head home for lunch and Elise's nap. Over lunch Cordelia talked about how much she loved nature. Elise slapped her food around the tray and laughed at her sister. It was good. Then it was nap time. Elise slept while Cordelia and I read some books and snuggled.

After Elise's nap we went out on the back porch to relax and play. There was chalk and play and a unicorn and investigating and it was lovely.






Later we took a nice evening walk with the entire family. It is these days, or their memory, that will pull me through a long winter.

50 Summer Activities for Little Ones

Summer is upon us and while it is absolutely wonderful to spend our days outside it doesn't work at all if I don't have something for us to do. So, I have been building a little list of activities for us to choose from. I thought I would share it with you and hopefully you can add to it as well!

50. Garden. No matter your child's developmental stage there is always some gardening to be done...even if you don't have an actual garden. Plant some seeds (larger seeds are better for little hands), get your kiddo a watering can, a small plant to replant, some dirt to play in, whatever you think and just get to it. Don't trouble yourself with cleanliness or the actual care of a plant, this is about the learning and engagement not plants.




49. Let's just get this one out of the way shall we? Kiddie pool. Tried and true the kiddie pool is a summer classic. Just don't forget to move it or all of your grass will die. Also, if you don't have a place for a kiddie pool just visit your local rec center or public pool and swim with that kid! Always a hit!

48. Rainy day? Build a terrarium.

47. Library! Visit your local library. Unless you are out of your mind you will use the wonderful resource that is your local library. Most libraries that I have ever encountered have many summer programs for all ages. Think weekly story time, reading programs, performances, etc.

46. Make and fly a kite!

45. Evening? If you don't mind letting your little one stay up a bit late you can do some star spotting. Add glow sticks to the mix and it will be magical.

44. Make a wind-chime or a wind sock out of things you find together. Don't think sophistication here. Find some sticks or rocks, maybe use some paint, yarn and done. Let your kid get creative, if they want to tie their old shoe onto it, let them---it won't have to hang forever.

43. Make some art. Pull out paper, crayons, paint, whatever. let your kid make some art!

42. Kick up the art making a notch and do some outdoor art. Use materials gathered in your yard or while on a walk and glue them to canvas, cardboard, whatever. Use the them to trace, dip them in paint, etc. Use your imagination and most importantly let your little one use theirs!

41. Go to a ball game and cheer like crazy, being ready to leave early if your kid gets bored or worn out....games tend to be fun for a while and then drag on, at least in our experience.

40. Come up with a list of random acts of kindness you can do with your kid. Be sure to engage your child in the activity and make it sneaky fun....ding-dong ditch a friend with treats, leave a special note or drawing for a stranger, etc.

39.  Don't underestimate the power of the play date. Meet up with some friends, prepare yourself for a few tantrums or sharing meltdowns (they are inevitable) and then set up a few different play stations so the kids can move freely without hovering.

38. Live near any water? Make and float a boat.


37. Make a stepping stone.

36. Press flowers. You can press them simply between the pages of a phone books (hey those things still have a use???) or buy an elaborate flower press. Your call.

35. Make (perhaps this is something a parent should do) and paint a birdhouse. Not feeling the whole "make a birdhouse" thing, just go to your local craft store and buy a blank bird house. Let your little one paint it as crazy as they desire. Then try and find the perfect place to put it!

34. Mix it up. Take your library books and a picnic blanket to the park and do some reading outside in the shade or on the grass.

33. Prepare a picnic together and then go on a picnic. If it's a rainy day just picnic on the floor in the living room.

32. Take a walk and go rock hunting. We walk around the neighborhood and find rocks that my daughter thinks are "cool."  I do have to remind her that we can't take rocks from the yards of others. She likes to bring a bag to collect them. See 31 and 24 for more ways to use your rocks.

31. Paint some rocks. Then find a high profile location to place them.

30. Not everyone has access to a hose, but if you do, just pop a bathing suit on your kid(s) and set up the sprinkler. It was fun when you were little and it is still fun now.

29. Make a dirt box....I know, what? Grab a box, fill it with leftover potting soil or dirt. Add some measuring cups, buckets, spoons, toys, anything and watch as your kid digs in. So simple and so entertaining. If you are brave just add water.





28. Make your own popsicles in the morning. Popsicle molds are super cheap and easy to find this time of year. Bonus points for making creative and healthy pops. Get your kid involved in choosing fruits to blend and flavors to combine.

27. When your popsicles are ready, enjoy them in the heat of a summer day. Use this as an opportunity to discuss the different flavors, see if you can identify the fruits and juices used.

26. Water balloons and squirt guns or any type of drenching device is always a huge hit. The most fun is when mom and dad give in and get soaked as well.

25. Let your kid get as dirty as possible. Make it a challenge. Give them dirt, mud, or whatever you think will get them filthy. Seriously, covered head to toe is the best thing in the world. Then hose them down before giving them a bath.

24. Use a rock collection to make a letter or design. We have a big rock "W" in our front garden, assembled from a zillion little pebbles. We add to it regularly and it looks pretty cool too.

23. Bake or cook something. Get your kid involved in mixing, supervised pouring or measuring. If it is a hot day just do it earlier rather than later or you will regret turning that oven on this summer.

22. Check out your local museums, rec centers, etc. Most museums have summer programs and activities for kids of all ages.

21. Visit a park. Coat your child in sunscreen and let them play. Be sure to pack some drinks to keep cool.

20. Rainy day? Dress up time. If you don't already have a dress up box this is the perfect time to visit a few thrift stores and stock up on a dress up box. If you can sew add a few things of your own design as well!

19. Take a walk around your neighborhood. We like to do this around sunset. Nice way to be friendly with the neighbors, learn street names and just to look around.

18. Treasure hunt or scavenger hunt. You can make a map for older kids or just have a simple scavenger hunt for the little ones.

17. Use some chalk. Write on your sidewalk. Hang a chalkboard somewhere that your kiddo can have access to it. Set out some chalk and let it happen. My girl likes to come and go with it.


16. Try out some classic outdoor games. Ring toss, tic tac toe, four square, catch, frisbee, simon says, red light green light, freeze tag, hop scotch....anything you remember from childhood. A great opportunity to share and make new memories.

15. Ask your kid what he/she wants to do and, if it is possible, make it happen.

14. Make a fort, inside or out.

13. Visit a nearby national park and take an easy hike.

12.  Grab some toddler binoculars and go exploring. Bird watch, bug watch, people watch. Add a sketchbook to the mix so your little one can "take notes."

11. Go to a local farm and pick fresh fruits or veggies...then come home and make something together.

10. Throw a theme party and invite the friends, needn't be a big or expensive party, just something different. Involve your little one in the planning, making, decorating process.

9. Make bird feeders. Then find some good spots to hang them. Don't have a yard, just go to the local park.

8. Visit your community web page for a list of activities around your town. All communities have a home page. You can find out times and dates for everything that your community is doing: arts festivals, free museum days, free swim days, farmer's market, parades, festivals, etc. I live in a very small town in Wyoming and I can tell you that there is something going on every day!

7. On a super-hot day let your child take a "bath" out back. Fill the pool with bath toys and use biodegradable shampoos and watch how something normal becomes something crazy fun!

6. Camping. Not interested in sleeping outside with your little one? Then just go "camping" for the afternoon. Set up a little tent and read or play inside.

5. Make and decorate mini (vegan) pizzas. Show your kid how to make food faces or let them do their own thing.

4. Make and hang garden stars. The project requires time collecting, making and hanging!

3. Draw or paint pictures for friends and family far away and mail them the art.

2. Start a family band. Make  and decorate instruments using household items (drums from pots, wax paper over a comb, shaker from a paper towel tube.

1. Do nothing.

Do you have anything to add to the list? I would love to hear your ideas!

Vegan Recipe: Coconut Pineapple and Blueberry Popsicles

 Let's face it summer is awesome, but this summer it has been awesomely hot. Cordelia and I have been craving cold afternoon snacks. So I came up with a simple and delicious Popsicle recipe for Coconut Pineapple and Blueberry Popsicles. I was able to include Cordelia in the making process so this was a double success.

Ingredients

• 1 c. pineapple coconut juice (we used this stuff, found at a local store)
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 1/2 tsp.- 1Tbs. vegan sugar
• handful of fresh blueberries and pineapple, cut into bite sized pieces
• Popsicle molds (we used these, but you can find molds at most stores for very little cost)

Directions

• In a large bowl combine the juice, coconut milk and sugar. Whisk.
• Pour into the molds.
• Plop in the blueberries and pineapple at random
• Freeze
• remove from molds, run the outside under warm water for a moment if you are having trouble removing from the molds.
• Enjoy!!!!

Stay cool. Stay cool!

The Sweet Spot

We've hit that sweet spot, my favorite time of year. After dinner we often head out for a long walk through our neighborhood, talking and taking in the scene. Perhaps we will stop at a park so Cordelia can blow off a little excess energy before bed. Well, that's the theory, but she never really tires herself out, she's two.



We will head home as the sun is setting, the twilight seems to linger forever this time of year. We spend the rest of our evenings outside in the backyard, not really doing anything at all. Cordelia eats fruit popsicles. I wander around and do random yard work until Eric reminds me that I am pregnant and I should just sit around so I try to.







We talk. We play. Cordelia explores. Bumblebee lounges in between running through the yard like a freak.



Sometimes the cats come to the back door to watch with disdain.





When the light begins to fade it is time for this two year old to settle into her bedtime routine. A great way to finish the day. How I love this time of year. I can't wait to add another little lady into the mix! For the record I can now say that I am due next month!

Dreaming of Summer

Last night was kind of a long night. Cordelia is fighting off a minor cold and she was pretty restless. She spent the night in our bed and intermittently woke up to ask, "Momma wanna hold me?" or "Momma, Kleeeeeeeenex!" So my sleep was understandably disjointed, but in between the wake ups I had dreams of summer...





I dug my hands into rich soil. Cordelia and I walked barefoot in the grass. I watched ladybugs crawling about on leaves. My dream was nothing particularly special, just a combination of memories and plans, but it left me feeling a little bit of that summer sun inside.





The next month is usually the last major blast of winter with it tapering off in March and April. Generally this is the point in the season where most of us begin to feel a little bit claustrophobic going from one heated environment to the next. So, this dream was just what I needed to remind me of the good times to come. The dwindling summer rays on the green grass, more time outside than in. Open windows. Birds chirping. Pink lemonade. Watermelon. Oh and this summer we will have such a wonderful gift. Yes, I am absolutely dreaming of summer.

End of Summer

I know that it isn't technically the end of summer, but since I start teaching my class tonight it kind of feels like the end. Well, I started teaching my online course on Monday, but since that all happens on the internet it feels kind of imaginary.

I will get my books, notes, syllabus, etc. in order today and this evening it is off to start a new school year. I will meet my students. I will let class out a bit early, to ease us all back into the semester. The sun will still be out when I leave the classroom and get into the car, but I know that by the end of the semester there will be darkness and snow and we will have slipped through the end of summer, through fall and right into the heart of winter.

I hate to say goodbye to summer (well not the 97 F we expect today) and all of the green growing things, but I am so excited about fall and our first Christmas in our new home.

I still have some veggies to harvest in my garden before the season officially ends. Most of our summer plans have been completed. We traveled to Montana, South Dakota, through Wyoming, Colorado and North Carolina. We have had plenty of company from all around the United States.

So, now I am saying goodbye to summer as I break out my teacher clothes and get back to reality. What a lovely summer this has been!

How do you gauge the end of summer?

Remember

Some days it feels like the earth is rotating a little too quickly around the sun, that seasons are just too short, that this daughter of mine is growing too fast. Some days I try so hard to burn these little moments into my mind so that I can access them again in the future, when we are on to a new stage and a new adventure.

I try and remember the way the sun feels on my skin, the slight breeze, the sound of a distant mower, Bumblebee rolling in the grass.

I hope I will recall Cordelia saying, "Watermelon good mama," because she just discovered how wonderful watermelon is---for the very first time! I try to memorize the feel of chubby toddler arms wrapped around my neck as a little girl, mouth dripping with watermelon juice, "whispers" in my ear, " Love you mama."

I wonder will I remember that exact moment?

Photographic Evidence of a July Day

Hot One

Yesterday was full on summer. The day was hot, hot, hot. I took Bumblebee on a mid-morning walk and about halfway through she looked at me and seemed to give up all hope that she would survive. She's a bit on the dramatic side when it comes to heat.

Later, we had our first barbecue of the season over at my parent's house. Mom and I had a little trouble getting the grill going, but it finally took off.


We had veggie burgers and some veggies. Have you ever had pineapple on a veggie burger? It's so good. Dinner was delicious. The highlights included Dad and Eric thinking that they were hilarious joke tellers and Sam having a little mishap with his beverage. Mom and I just bore witness to the nonsense.


When Eric and I got home we discovered that our house had been turned into a blazing inferno. OK, that's an exaggeration, it was just uncomfortably hot. I opened the windows turned on some fans and tried to keep my enthusiasm high. I tried to stay low to the ground, so I may have been crawling around taking photos, not my most glamorous moment.

Soon I gave up on trying to pretend that I could handle the heat and rolled around on the floor with Bumblebee. Just a note, when you're 6 months pregnant rolling-in spite of a distinctly rounded belly-is not very easy. Getting off the floor involved some serious grunts and maybe a pathetic plea to Eric for help.

In spite of the heat it was still a delightful day because:
a) Barbecues make me happy
b) It was the start of Eric's weekend.
c)Sometimes a girl just needs to roll around on the floor and be wimpy.