June 

It’s finally here ... the last day of school! 

Throw the backpacks in a corner, hide the lunch boxes, throw away all the old papers, open the windows and race to the pool. Summer is here at last -- the day we have been waiting for all those cold, long winter nights when everyone was curled up on the couch in their warm pajamas and favorite blanket, not brave enough to walk outside.

It’s time for picnics and parties, beach days and parks. The windows are open, the neighbors are grilling and no one comes inside until dark. The kids are happy, exhausted and covered in chlorine or sand, just happy to be with their friends and siblings.

It’s June and summer is here! 

July

Fireworks and hot dogs, baseball and ice cream. It’s hot, but that’s OK because we have been waiting half the year for sun. The kids are getting restless, but as long as we stay busy they are good.

Sand castles and spray parks, pool games and bike races. Stay outside and build an imaginary fortress or swing to the stars. Be young and be happy.  

Don’t fight—again—it’s summer and we’re having fun!

Let’s go to the zoo -- yes, we’ll be there soon, don’t worry. 

It costs how much?

OK kids, put on your sunscreen. Where’s the bathroom? You’re hungry again? Don’t fight.

No, you can’t have a souvenir pen/doll/blow-up toy/lighted necklace.

OK, we’re done, everyone in the car. Stop fighting. Yes, we’ll be home soon.

Ahhh, summer.

August

It’s SO hot in here -- turn on the air, keep the doors closed, shut the blinds. Stay in the basement if you’re too hot. Just stop fighting already! 

Find something fun to do on your own! I’m done entertaining you.

Don’t hit him, give the toy back, stop whining.

No, we can’t go to the zoo again. Why don’t you go swimming? I know you’re bored but I'm busy.

We’ll go to the movies where it’s nice and cool inside if you stop fighting. I’m not taking you anywhere fun if you don’t start being nice to each other.

That's it. In the car we’re going to Target. Yes again. Because I said so, that’s why. In the car, we’re going clothes shopping. Because I said so, that’s why. In the car, we’re going to get school supplies. Because I said so, that’s why.

When is summer going to be over?

September

Just a few more days, we can do it. Is that it? I think I hear it ... yes, that’s it!

It’s finally here ... the school bus is finally here!