Summer Goals.

Summer is almost officially here. But, in my mind, it always starts June 1st. If you've followed me for a while, you may have already read that it is my favorite time of year. If I could spend 11 months out of the year in full-on-summer-95-degree-heat-beachbound mode, I would. (I'd save the twelfth month for fall, because I do like a few days of sweater wearing.) Because I want to make the most of my favorite season, I usually plan out some ways to spend it well. Nothing too concrete; just 'this is what I'm aiming for' sort of ideas.
Here are my top five for the family.
1. Continue learning. Summer is perfect for exploring, discovering, and playing. I am going to embrace the dirty feet and hands, sweaty foreheads, and rugrat appearances and focus on spending a lot of time outside, in nature, at the beach, and in the midst of God's created beauty. It is the perfect backdrop to continue our education well into the summer months.
2. Live slowly. Philly loves sloths. We talked about their living habits the other day... that they aren't really lazy, but just like the slow life. Hello, sloths... you are totally onto something. Here is to slowing down and enjoying the small pieces of summer that make it so, so good (i.e. buttery corn-on-the-cob; coconut-smelling lotion; and iced afternoon coffee, just to name a few).
3. Day trips. We have a tiny, three-day vacation planned (hopping over to NYC for Yankees, a Broadway musical, and a visit to a museum), but I want to be sure we spend at least one day a week (or so) trying something new, visiting a place we love, or trying something local we have not done before.
4. Outside living. All we need is a sheet, a tent, and a few good books...and we are set for the day. Light up the tiki torches, the barbecue, and the fire pit. Break out the bug spray. Spend some nights sitting under the stars, talking/dreaming/laughing. This is what I hope the kids grow up and remember about summer.
5. Be creative. Encourage it in the kids. Encourage it in each-other. Write the book. Try a new art medium. Give the kids brushes and paper and paints. Find ways to cultivate it in Phil (he is a huge reader, total music geek, and even writes occasionally, too). Take the opportunities daily to push ourselves in new ways of creating; no limits, boundaries, expectations. We are made to be creators, so I think it is a good way of worshiping our God and especially want the kids to know this while they are young.

Oh, and one more! The occasional afternoon nap. Niamh is already taking me up on that one:).
What is on your summer goal list? Or winter list...for you guys across the globe:)...