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s kids busting out the doors on the last day of school, we thought summer vacation would last forever. But before we knew it, July Fourth had passed and there we were school shopping and dreading the approaching start of another academic year (OK, maybe not all of us dreaded the start of school). As working adults, we know the summer is even briefer, yet we continually add to our mental "we-have-to-do-that-this-summer" list. Inevitably, we find ourselves in September saying, "Where the heck did the summer go?"
That's why it's a great idea to make a "Summer Fun To-Do List." This is a super family activity and can spark a fun introduction into organization for children. Start out with the must-dos, which likely will include a July Fourth picnic/fireworks display, Labor Day outing and a trip to the fair. Then ask each family member to come up with two or three summer activities to add to the list. They can be as simple as a backyard campout or a half-day bike trip, or as large as a family vacation and a trip to a nearby theme park. But remember some of the best family fun to be had doesn't cost anything (or much) - make home-made frozen treats; go on a backyard bug hunt and see how many insects you can identify; make a birdhouse or feeder and see who shows up.
The whole idea is to have fun, so don't make your list so long it feels like you have your whole summer blocked off. If you have some other inexpensive ideas for family fun this summer, feel free to drop me a note. I'd love to share them with readers. In the meantime, be sure to check out the fresh articles in this edition of the Laundry Room. Sincerely,

Randy F. Radtke
Editor

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