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Summer break staples

Summertime with Kids

John Box June 4, 2018

It's the first official week out of school and "mom camp" as my kids call it has officially begun. As a work-at-home parent, summer break equally excites me and worries me at the same time. As I think about these fleeting years of them growing too big too quickly, I look forward to cherishing these days together making memories under the sun. At the same time, as one that thrives on routine and rhythm, the complete openness of summer break has me feeling unsettled and nervous!

Our kids will often wake up and wonder what day it is- "Is it soup snack day at school? Is it church day? Is it swimming class day?" Having some consistency week to week provides them (and me!) with a sense of security. When we paint a mental picture of the day for my kids, it prepares them to be resilient, open, and eager for the little adventures ahead.

At the same time, I want them to be able to use this summer time to explore their little hearts out, filling their cups with what speaks to them. I also want to avoid over-scheduling them and instead give them plenty of room to direct their own play. Someone asked us this past weekend-  "what are you goals for the summer?" Have fun was the best answer we could muster! But as a I reflected, it hit me: our goal is to find the balance between rhythmic routine and free-spirited exploration.

So, for this summer, I have mapped out one overall "to-do" for each morning of the week, providing a general rhythm to our schedule. This will be a loose routine for us to follow, and then we fill the remainder of our time with free play, bike riding, swimming, exploration, handcrafts, and enjoying the extraordinary gift of the ordinary day. Our week will look something like this:

Monday - grocery store errand
Tuesday - swim class
Wednesday - outing or playdate
Thursday - explore nature
Friday - pool time

For the afternoons, I also sat down with our two 5-year-olds and brainstormed our bucket list for handcrafts they might want to make and summer treats to test out in the kitchen. We've stocked up on some supplies to make a multitude of handcrafts with, available to them when they are eager to create. Our art cabinet contains:

- watercolor paints and paper
- fabrics
- yarns
- wool roving
- feathers
- dried flowers from spring and moss
- sea shells
- glass "jewels"
- acorn caps
- sun paper
- sewing needles, hot glue, scissors, etc

To see what we may be crafting or creating in the kitchen, I've finally started using that fancy pinterest app ;), and you can see here what we have on our bucket list. Having many of the supplies on hand already has given me some feeling of preparedness, while also allowing for spontaneity to create when they so choose.

With a little luck and patience, we'll find the right balance between rhythm and free-spirited play this summer. Here's to you and your little adventurers this summer too!

PS The book "Play the Forest School Way" has given me many ideas for nature-based play and I always rely on it to help me through school breaks!

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This is our place to connect. To share our love for merino wool. To explore the adventures of childhood. To celebrate the joys of parenthood.

This is our place to thank you. You have invited us into your home. We are forever grateful.

This is our journey, together.


SEE WHAT WE'RE UP TO...

Thankful for all the children. They are our light shiners, our joy makers, our hope deliverers. Always showing us how to spread kindness, love deeply, and make beauty in this world together. May we learn from their innocence, and carry their wisdom w
A closer look at our new merino wool long johns - we’ll have 4 new ribbed solids coming your way August 22! Say hello to the newest color mulberry, and super soft as ever. Will make the transition from summer that much comfier 😊
Tip for the novice family of campers- always do a trial test/set up of your gear before you’re out in the wild. This way you’ll avoid puncturing a giant hole in your tent roof 🤦‍♀️ and your kids will only be crying because of mama&rs
I’ll admit I was a bit cranky when I woke up for our shoot (and as the photographer, crankiness is not the best state to be in!). Letting little things bother me and consume my thoughts. But little by little as this shoot started to come togeth

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Chasing Windmills

Merino Wool Base Layers and Clothing for Kids

Chasing Windmills | , Denver, Colorado

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