Drink Deeply: Summer Bucket List

There’s 104 days of summer vacation

And school comes along just to end it

So the annual problem for our generation

Is finding a good way to spend it

Like maybe. . .

Building a rocket

Or fighting a mummy

Or climbing up the Eiffel tower

Discovering something that doesn’t exist

Or giving a monkey a shower

Surfing tidal waves

Creating nanobots

Or locating Frankenstein’s brain

Finding a dodo bird

Painting a continent

Or driving your sister insane

As you can see

There’s a whole lot of stuff to do

Before school starts this fall

So stick with us ‘cause Phineas and Ferb

Are gonna do it all

So stick with us ‘cause Phineas and Ferb are

Gonna do it all!

I love the theme song of Phineas and Ferb. I’ve somehow memorized this tune -- even though I've never watched an episode -- and it really summarizes my sentiments. Of course, “It’s Summer” (by Selena Gomez) is also a fitting song but probably not as little-kid-friendly. Whatever beat we’re jamming to around here, electricity is in the air as we embrace this sizzling season.

This summer, nostalgic activities are all the rage. I’m combining a less structured approach (i.e. no camps or formal programs aside from swim team) with an intentional bent towards nature, crafts, physical activity, and treats that we can enjoy right in our own home and community. We brainstormed our summer “bucket list,” and it’s great fun splashing into new activities.

It's fun to reminisce about the "good ol’ days". . . when we played outside till the streetlights flickered on, caught fireflies in jars as the sun melted down, built lemonade stands on hot sidewalks, smacked gum while sorting baseball cards (at least this is what Brian says he did), searched for cloud pictures in the sky, and played endless games of catch, freeze tag, and wiffle ball.

But why do these have to be fleeting memories? I’m inspired by tons of great blogs, articles, and websites with summer fun ideas, and our family chalkboard is bursting with upcoming activities.

So, be intentional this Summer 2011 . . . grab a child (or in my case at least 6 or 7), and make a memory to share with generations to come. After all, there’s 104 days of summer vacation so let’s find a good way to spend it!

P.S. We’re still in June, and we’ve already enjoyed some major milestones! Super Sam turned 5, Village Green Swim Team is in full swing with lots of ribbons being collected, Miss McKenzie turned 11, our adoption dossier is finally on its way to Ethiopia, and we’re crossing more items off our bucket list everyday.