Our Summer Traditions: Unrushed and Sun-kissed

Post updated 3/12/21

The changing of seasons is always a delight. I love the transition into summer. The sound of an ice cream truck in the distance, the trees covered in bright green leaves and the warmth of the sun felt instantly on your skin as you step outside — summer has arrived in all its glory.

The lightning bugs are out in full force and the garden hose (or hose pipe as some call it) is ready to alleviate the heat from sweaty children. The evenings full of sunlight call us outdoors to experience sunsets, stars and mosquitos (don’t forget the bug repellent)! The long walks, bike rides and backyard baseball games are all treasures of this remarkable season.

Relaxed Schedule

We kick things off with our annual family camping trip on Memorial Day weekend. From then on I schedule one week at home and then the next away. It might be Vacation Bible School the first week then chilling at home the next. We may take a road trip one week to see family and the next week spend our days biking, watching movies and adventuring in our own neighborhood. I’ve found this type of schedule works best for our family.

Some summers we stay home more than others. The times that we are home, provide the kids and myself the freedom to live in a more laid back way than we do during the school year. We have a loose schedule but I try my best to let the kids and myself chase rabbits as often as we’d like.

Memorial Day

Technically Memorial Day falls in spring but it feels like the start of summer. We take a family camping trip every Memorial Day weekend to a state or national park. We are cabin campers and appreciate the AC and in-cabin bathrooms the cabins provide. Something we learned from Brent’s aunt and uncle is that every year on vacation they would let their kids stock up on whatever junk food they wanted for the trip. We follow this and of course, it’s a hit! We love exploring new areas and always look forward to this little getaway.

Summer Celebrations

The holidays we celebrate during the summer are Father’s Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day. Our anniversary also falls in June. Another celebration I’d like to add to the list is hosting a Summer Solstice party.

One of my favorite holidays (I have a few) is the 4th of July. I love that the kids have an excuse to stay up late. I feel bursts of happiness watching the fireworks glow and sparkle. We usually are with friends or family which makes the event even more special.

One tradition we’ve started is to make homemade ice cream every 4th of July. We discuss it as a family and everyone weighs in on what the flavor should be. We’ve made chocolate, cookies and cream, rocky road, mint chocolate chip, and Butterfinger. Last year we tried our hand at making strawberry lemon sorbet, it was a hit (with the adults at least). Every year without fail the boys spend hours watching the ice cream machine churn the mixture into ice cream. Such great memories!

Slow Time with Family

Usually every summer we get to spend extra time with family. Those that live far away will come for a visit or we’ll travel to see them. It’s so nice to have more relaxed time together. We’ll share meals, catch up on each other’s lives and plan outings to do together.

The kids especially love getting to spend time with their cousins. They’ll play on the slip-n-slide, climb trees and have sleepovers which make it an unforgettable summer for all. I have so many fond memories of summers with my cousins.

A Little Planning Goes A Long Way

We find it helpful to make a summer fun list at the beginning of the season to ensure we make the most out of the summer. I’ve created two different versions of a blank summer fun list for you. You can find them here. They are both free and easily printable, enjoy!

Ready to Dive In

I pull down the swim bag from a high shelf in the closet. It’s full of beach towels, pool toys and goggles. I restock the sunscreen and bug repellent plus buy a new citronella candle. We outfit the boys with new suits and I buy one for myself. Shoes the kids can wear in water is another annual purchase. For the past couple of years, they have preferred croc-like shoes. These are my go-to sandals for summer fun – arch support and waterproof plus they’re cute.

So much is ahead, gardens that are showing their first signs of produce, water guns that are ready for full-on battles and iced tea that needs to be sipped. I’m looking forward to porch-sitting which is always a hit in my book. I like going out in the morning or sitting in the shade of the porch roof during the afternoon. Being outside, even though it’s hot, is something that gives me a great deal of happiness. May you find the hidden treasures of this summer as well as the opportunities for enjoyment that are right before you.

I’d love to hear some of your summer traditions or ones that you’re hoping to start.

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