I know, 2020 has been already quite the adventure. Even though we aren’t necessarily having the summer we planned (perhaps sipping mai tais at a swanky resort with child care facilities? #2021goals) we really have no choice but to work with the summer we’ve got! I frequently think about the idea that we’ve only got 18 summers with our kids. Despite the many troubles we are facing in the world right now, let’s make this one count for them. And so, here is our 2020 Family Summer Adventure List!
Ps. my list is inspired by the terrific Laura Vanderkam, who has published her summer fun list online for the last few years. I gobble up just about every single thing she writes!
Spend a day at the beach. Which beach remains to be seen, but with Galveston an hour away, I know we can at least get in a couple beach days close to home. Now that he’s older, Bebe is loving beaches and I want him to have some traditional summer fun at the beach.
Perfect homemade ice cream. We tried this out last week! I think the recipe can be tweaked, so my goal is to perfect my recipe.
Visit a new neighborhood, town, or city. This is a goal almost every summer, and there are tons of places within my city and my state that I have never been. Time to change that!
Make s’mores. Because summer. (And Bebe’s never had one!)
Take time to appreciate fresh local produce. Texas watermelons can’t be beat, and this is the best season for other favorites like sweet corn, peaches, and strawberries. Luckily, Bebe loves his fruit! Most summers we barely pay attention, but, like everyone, we have slowed down and are appreciating the small things this year.
Diversify our bookshelf. The events of the past weeks have made me realize that Bebe’s bookshelf does not feature enough viewpoints from people of diverse backgrounds and traditions, and I am making this a priority.
Seek out new green spaces in Houston. We have been making frequent use of several green spaces, like the Houston arboretum, but there are so many more that we have been completely neglecting, like the lawn around the Turrell Skyspace at Rice and various parts of Hermann Park. I’m particularly looking forward to checking out the Japanese Garden.
Plan special birthday celebrations for Mr. LOTG and Bebe. I have a few tricks up my sleeve for these summer birthday boys…
Happy Summer, everyone! What adventures are you planning?