Summer Fun Activities

Looking for some fun activities for the kids this summer? Our R.S. Midweek Activity for June is Summer Activities for kids and easy lunch fixings. So... I've been stalking Pinterest and have found some great ideas for summer activities. Here's a direct link to my Summer Activities board. I made up a resource list of links to pages of ideas and all kinds of things to make and do. 

My favorite place, before starting a summer list, is found on thirty days of homemade (*). Scroll down and find the Summer Chart. It lists suggestions of things for your child to do before being allowed to get on electronics. Keeping kids moving and using their imaginations is the idea to busting boredom and creating an atmosphere of both learning and fun!

Some of my other favorites are Reading Challenges, punch cards, Vocabulary Jar, Cooking Challenge, and Kids Summer Camp. And the DIY Sand and Water Table is awesome!

I will make another post on "lunches" after our meeting on June 20th. In the meantime, have fun making your own lists of Super Fun Summer Activities! 



Summer Activities, Schedules, Bucket lists, Boredom Jars 

http://www.theidearoom.net/summer-bucket-list-100-things-summer/

http://creativesavingsblog.com/life-and-style/cheap-free-summer-activities/

http://www.naturalbeachliving.com/free-summer-activities

http://smartmomsmartideas.com/75-free-summer-activities-for-kids/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes

https://earlylearningideas.com/project-unplug-boredom-buster-exploration-jar/
http://loveandmarriageblog.com/52-responses-im-bored/

http://overthebigmoon.com/60-days-of-summer-fun/

http://www.chaosserveddaily.stfi.re/2013/06/06/ten-fun-summer-kid-activities/?sf=dpalvgk#aa

http://playdatesparties.com/2016/06/100-kid-approved-summer-activities-2.html

http://www.designlovesdetail.com/fun-in-the-sun-our-bucket-list-for-summer/

http://www.muminthemadhouse.com/ultimate-summer-activities-lists-bored-jar-lists/

http://www.stay-a-stay-at-home-mom.com/fun-cheap-things-to-do.html

https://www.somewhatsimple.com/summer-schedule-for-kids/

http://intentionalmoms.com/how-to-plan-a-simple-fun-summer-for-your-kids-and-you-free-printables-included/
https://www.primroseschools.com/blog/summer-bucket-list/
*http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/printable-summer-binder-activity-sheets/#_a5y_p=1809464
http://www.livecrafteat.com/live/daily-activity-planner-for-kids/

Punch Card (activities, chores, raok)

http://thechirpingmoms.com/summer-punch-cards-for-kids-free/#_a5y_p=6247772
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/kids-activities-summer-punch-cards/#_a5y_p=1853066
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/wp-

http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/wp-

Chore Cards
http://www.theidearoom.net/printable-chore-cards

Random Acts of Kindness (raok)
http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2016/07/65-random-acts-of-kindness-ideas-for.html

Reading Challenges/Activities
http://www.ateachableteacher.com/summer-reading-challenge-list-for-kids/
http://andreasnotebook.com/summer-fun-read-the-book-watch-the-movie/
http://www.readingconfetti.com/p/need-activity-for-book.html

Educational Activities
http://www.happinessishomemade.net/20-educational-summer-boredom-busters/
http://www.whatdowedoallday.com/summer-word-jar-plus-tips-and-ideas/

Cooking Challenge
http://www.makeandtakes.com/creative-kids-cooking-challenge

Scavenger Hunts

http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/photo-scavenger-hunt
http://www.kcedventures.com/blog/photo-scavenger-hunt
http://www.theresourcefulmama.com/summer-scavenger-hunts-free-printables/

http://iheartcraftythings.com/simple-color-scavenger-hunt-kids.html

Kids Camp

http://www.thedatingdivas.com/kids-camp/

http://www.thedatingdivas.com/101-camping-kids-ideas/
http://www.stillplayingschool.com/2015/06/play-learn-colors-rainbow-kids-activities.html?m=1

Self-Reliant kids
https://selfsufficientkids.com/

https://selfsufficientkids.com/life-skills-kids-need/

Lunch Box Jokes

http://www.thecraftedsparrow.com/2015/07/free-printable-lunchbox-notes.html
https://www.kristendukephotography.com/fruit-veggies-lunch-box-jokes/#_a5y_p=4347349

DIY Sand and Water Table

http://rhythmsofplay.com/top-10-sand-and-water-tables/

What are your ideas for Summer Fun?

May Blooms

In the Merry Month of May... is the beginning of lush color that landscapes my yard. From April to October is the season of flowers... my favorite!

Blooming flowers of vivid purple, pink, white, and yellow are scattered among rocks, beds, old boxes, and pots. 

Colorful petals burst into full bloom in the early light. 

Sweet fragrances fill the air. 

The texture and shape of the petal heightens my awareness to its uniqueness. 

I am in awe as I watch the bee carry nectar from bloom to bloom, spreading joy to every corner of the garden.

Buzzing bees, fluttering birds, and yellow butterflies bring life and harmony to the ever changing garden. 

I am totally aware of a higher power, and my heart fills with gratitude for God above... the creator of all.

The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me! 

Iris

Lilacs

Creeping Pholox and Lily

Lavender

Creeping Pholox, a hearty and reliable ground cover, spreads and creeps among the rocks of the beds and waterfall. 

Bridal wreath blooms are giving way to bright green leaves.

There are some flowers that are close to blooming....

Peony

Daisy

Wisteria

Potted plants....

Wave petunias and trailing vines.

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop

Land of the Leprechauns

Tiny footprints, fairy dust, signs of mischievous play... often led my brothers and sisters and I on a magical hunt for the leprechaun every Spring. 

The excitement of leprechaun hunting usually began on St. Patrick's Day. Irish folklore was brought to life first thing in the morning at our house. Mom could be heard in the kitchen as she was preparing breakfast... cheerfully singing Irish songs or reciting an Irish blessing. Because many of her ancestors came from Ireland, the Irish influence was very much a part of her home life growing up. I have fond memories of visits to my grandparents' home as a youngster and having grandpa sing Irish songs to us kids in his deep brogue voice. 

Mom made every holiday magical and St. Patrick's day was no exception. It was as if she became a child again herself! She made the day fun with tales of leprechauns, good luck, wearing the green, and filling our minds with imaginations of finding the "pot of gold". 

It was always the "pot of gold" we kids were on the hunt for. 

After school, we would scour the front and back yards for clues of little people. Clues in the willow tree and on the path to the barn yard would surely lead us to the "pot of gold"! If we were lucky enough to see a rainbow that day, it would even be easier. You know there is a "pot of gold" at the end of every rainbow!

I don't ever remember finding the "pot of gold" but it was the fun of the "hunt" that is forever engraved in my mind. And, lucky for me, as I grew older, I realized my "pot of gold" was actually... home. A home that was filled with love, security, acceptance, togetherness, fun, work, imagination, exploring, discovering, faith, and family. 

The Mr. and I went to Ireland a few years ago, and I discovered for myself the wonders and beauty of the place of my ancestors. 

I had often dreamed of going to Ireland to see: 

1) the land of the little people, 
2) lush green valleys, brooks, and rock walls, 
3) steep cliffs in mystic mists, 
4) castles of long ago, 
5) secret gardens and passages, 
6) hidden treasures, 
7) mystical figures. 

It wasn't hard to see that Ireland had all that... and more! But I found the people of Ireland were the real treasures of this beautiful country. I've never been to a more friendly, welcoming country than Ireland. The food was delicious and our "bed and breakfast" experience was better than any other European country we had been in. In fact, the atmosphere and accommodations were exceptional.

One of my favorite places to visit was in Southern Ireland... Home to Blarney Castle and gardens. It was there that we explored the Rock Close, a beautiful emerald green garden filled with secret passages, waterfalls, and hidden treasures. We may have even got a glimpse of a fairy!

Blarney Castle

Secret Garden

Dolmen - "The secrets of this megalithic tomb portal are lost in the mists before history began. Was the great rock rolled or was it lifted? Why does it still sometimes rock?"

"What magic and mysteries has it guarded over the millennia?" 

"We cross the portal with care - and wonder."

Wishing Steps - "For hundreds of years, the Blarney witch has taken firewood from our Estate for her kitchen. In return, she must grant our visitors wishes."

"If you can walk down and back up these steps with your eyes closed - some suggest walking backwards - and without for one moment thinking of anything other than a wish, then that wish will come true."

The Fairy Glade - "Any faerie folklore of Ireland are famed the world over for their mischief and charm. They have of course been here longer than any of us and it is our duty to keep them safe in this special glad."

"They do, however, have a native cunning, so if you spot one, don't let it be fooling you."

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop