Summer

Most summers start with big intentions and long lists outlining all the things I plan to do with the kids. Then, by the time September rolls around again we've barely done anything and all those promises I've made to the kids are left unfulfilled. Take last year; We went out and bought camping supplies, then before we could go I broke my ankle and was left unable to walk for weeks.

This year though, Im determined to give my kids the kind of summer I experienced as a kid. We did stuff and had fun. We weren't confined to out backyard everyday, (like my kids were last year) and we actually knew how to ride bikes (yes that means that only my oldest can ride a bike without training wheels).

There's not a whole lot of things to do in this city however and I usually have to really dig to find inexpensive family activities. This past weekend, Jason and Owen were out of town visiting family so it was just the older three kids and I, from Friday until Monday. We didn't have a vehicle but we decided to go for it and do as much as we could. It's not everyday that I get to be stroller-free on outings.

So Saturday we spent the morning doing our usual routine of lazing around and cleaning. Then, around 11am we left for an adventure that included 7kms of walking, ice cream at McDonalds, 2 family festivals, a visit with a friend, a trip to walmart and yes, a ride in a taxi. We got home completely exhausted but after a short break, one of my brothers picked us up for a pool party/bbq at Ross and Melissa's house. By the time we got home, the kids were beat and went to bed without much fuss while Mommy enjoyed a glass of wine and the quiet!

Sunday saw us walk to a nearby restaurant for breakfast followed by a trip to the candy store to spend the gift cards all three kids had been saving. We had a lazy couple of hours while I had a nap and roasted a chicken for dinner, but then we were off again. This time we went to one of the parks on our street and played for a long time with some neighbourhood kids. I even made a friend with another mom of four who lives on our street. Before heading home, the boys wanted to go for a walk along a stream that runs behind our house. They spent probably a half hour throwing rocks and other items into the water, while I sat patiently by. Eventually after the youngest had gotten his shoes all wet I convinced them to return home where we turned on the sprinkler and washed away all the dust and dirt from the day.

It was a fun weekend and exactly what summer is supposed to be.