School starts in one week.
That’s right, summer is already over!
I fretted and worried last June over what we would do and whether I would survive my first summer as an “at home” mom. And it flew by!
This summer my kids never once told me they were “bored.”
We relaxed in the pool at least once or twice a week.
We visited no less than five different playgrounds.
We didn’t go to the beach but that’s okay. The local news frightened us off the waves with reports about the sharks, the rattlesnakes hidden in the dunes, then cases flesh eating bacteria in our city. Each news report made our pool look more and more inviting.
We put our season passes for the zoo to good use and enjoyed the animals and splash pad almost every week.
I didn’t get to all my plans this summer because there were some days that we just stayed home and enjoyed being together. As nervous as I was of being with the kids all day every day for the whole summer, I am grateful for being able to be here with them.
As you can see, we didn’t go on vacation this summer. Being Florida residents, we normally take our trips in the “off season” because crowds, crazy heat and humidity, and afternoon thunderstorm are a sure fire way to trigger epic meltdowns from the scrugglets–and their Mommy!
We do have a grand plan to thoroughly enjoy our last week of break.
Here is my before we go back to school end of summer bucket list!
- One or two last trips to the zoo
- Playing in two new playgrounds
- A walk along the river
- and a trip to Adventure Landing’s Shipwreck Island Water Park!
We haven’t been there in a year but the wave pool, slides, lazy river, mild to wild rides, and pirate ship are calling our name!
For our local readers: Here is a deal and coupon code just for you!
Do you have an end of summer bucket list? When does school start in your neck of the woods?
Carolin says
Wow, here in the UK school has only finished three weeks ago, but it looks like you achieved a lot and had a lot of fun during your break. I might try a bucket list for autumn. They look like a great way to keep you motivated throughout the season and are a nice prompt, if the kids are bored and you have no idea what to do.
Thanks for linking up with Monday Parenting Pin It Party x
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Jhanis says
Ah the re-entry. Wishing you loads of fun on the last week of summer!
And the shark news sounds scary!
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Herchel says
There are always sharks in the ocean. I am totally terrified of the flesh eating bacteria.
Rebecca says
RATTLESNAKES IN THE DUNES?! Are you kidding me? I’m terrified already! I lived in Florida for a couple of years growing up and my top 2 scariest beach stories were in FL. One: I was in the water when a boater passed by and yelled “SHARK!!!! GET OUT OF THE WATER!” (don’t even know if there really was a shark); Two: My friend was stung by a stingway in the back of the ankle and for whatever reason was profusely bleeding. But it seems like everyone in FL has a pool and that is the very best place to be sometimes! Lol Your kids are adorable and I cant believe Summer is already over. 2014 is flying!
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Rabia @TheLiebers says
We still haven’t gotten to go camping and it’s not looking good for that to happen, but we’ve had a really great summer anyway. Maybe we can camp in early fall sometime!
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Roshni says
Your kids are really cute!!
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Herchel says
Thanks Roshni! I think so too but I am biased 🙂
Patte says
OMG! I forgot how much I enjoy the pictures of your Scruggbugs!
You all had a great summer and I am jealous that I only got to the zoo once and zero times to a pool!
But, I guess that is the bummer attached to be able to make adult choice like eating ice cream for lunch.
Enjoy your last week of summer fun!
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Herchel says
Cleaning and maintaining the pool is WORK but it is a small price to pay for getting the kids to get some exercise despite the Florida heat. Our zoo passes more than paid off for itself. I’m surprised the workers don’t know us by name lol. I’m glad you came by to visit, Pattie!
April Grant says
I didn’t do anything this summer. I just realized that I’d chill. Granted we just moved across country, and this was our first summer here. I wish I could’ve done more, but with the two little ones, I just didn’t end up doing much.
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Herchel says
There’s nothing wrong with that. You needed to take some down time for you and the kids to relax after something as stressful as moving. We plan to move halfway across the country next summer. Not looking forward to it!
April Grant says
Overall, the positives WAY outweigh the negatives. Exploration wasn’t on the list. I’m new here, stopping by from one of your friends who mentioned you at the BlogHer conference. I’m happy to have found you, even though I can’t remember her name. 🙁
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Herchel says
What?! Someone who was at blogher mentioned me? 😀 You just made my day. That’s awesome. I plan to go next year but just couldn’t get it to work out this year. Either way, I’m glad you decided to check out my blog.
Karen says
It certainly does seem the summer went by in a flash. I can’t believe school will be starting soon. Water parks are always great for the kids, but picnics in the park, movies and trips to the library are some of our favorite things to do.
Herchel says
We picnic several times a week, including when we go to the zoo. It is definitely a favorite activity
Tricia The Good Mama says
It’s a weird feeling for me because I am usually getting ready to go back to school at this time (former teacher). I am now staying at home, but I love your list and your pictures. We are soon to be moving out of the city, so I think I want to get to all of the parks and museums that are close by before the summer ends and we move.
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Herchel says
We plan on moving next summer so I know the feeling of wanting to enjoy what is near by as long as possible. Good luck on the move 🙂