Free Time

A funny thing happened today- this morning, for the first time this summer vacation, I got up, packed 3 little lunches, rushed around getting everyone ready, and took all 3 kids to day camp. I dropped them off at 9:30 (really it was closer to 9:45) and for the first time in about a month, I had 3 hours to myself. What now? They will be at camp every morning this week. I have a dentist appointment on Wednesday and a trip to the eye doctor on Friday.

It's now summer in Atlanta, 90 degrees before noon and about 200% humidity so power walking is out, and I don't belong to a gym. Of course, my first stop was Starbucks which is a treat these days. Believe it or not, I've been making soy, mocha lattes for myself at home most day. Next, I ran to the mall to make a few returns and exchanges of various kid items, and finally, before carpool line, I ran to the grocery store to grab a few things to pack in tomorrow's lunches.

There you have it, nothing earth-shattering, and nothing that I couldn't have done with the kids in tow. After 4 weeks of spending most of our time together, I think that this week is a good break for me and for the kids. We've had lots of fun so far, and I am still glad that we don't have too many things on the calendar for now. This summer has had plenty of unexpected twists and turns, we don't need lots of scheduled ones. That said, for the sake of sanity, my latte to you is to schedule some down time for yourself if at all possible. Even if you spend the time doing a few kid-related errands, it's nice to get a little time without the kids along for the ride.

Camp

Camp brings different things to mind for different people. In these days of over-scheduling, it seems that every person and place around is offering some sort of camp. $200 to spend the week building forts, cooking, swimming, etc. Last week I took my kids to the zoo where we saw campers from Zoo Camp. Mason asked me if he could go to Zoo Camp sometime, and I told him that we were having our own private zoo camp as a family.

For me, the word "camp" brings one place to mind, the summer camp I attended as a child, teenager, and counselor. I returned a few times after college for the annual reunion of former attendees, and recently, thanks to Facebook, I have reconnected with many of my childhood camp friends. This year I went to the reunion for the first time in 10 years, and I took both of my daughters. It was amazing to watch Charlotte do many of the things I once did there in a place that is remarkable unchanged in the last 20 years (flush toilets are a nice addiditon since my camper days!). Several of my old friends were also there with their children who will be campers with my kids in the coming years. My baby sister is also a counselor there this summer.

I realize that not all summer camp experiences were like mine. CJL (my old camp) provided a great backdrop to my high school years, and I love that I can now share it with my daughters. So here's my latte today - share an experience from your childhood with your children. It could be a place, an activity, even a favorite recipe.

One side note: I realize that my lattes have been anything but daily, I'm going to try to get back into a routine. Look for more soon!

A Great Big Bag

As the mother of 3 (ages 3, 5, and almost 7), I'm trying to navigate a relatively unscheduled summer vacation.  I've quickly realized that I need to be prepared for anything!  Without realizing it, I guess that I had gotten lulled into the ease and schedule of the school year.  It has been a while since I've had full days to plan with all 3 kids, but I'm quickly getting back up to speed on what it takes to keep everyone happy.  Here is a list of the things you might need with you at all times:

1. A change of clothes for anyone under the age of 10 - you just never know what type of accidents might happen and you don't want to cut everyone's day short because you don't have the right wardrobe.

2. Lots of water - My kids each have their own water bottles that are with us at all times, but I have to carry a backup supply as well.

3. Sunscreen - This is a no-brainer, and it should be an SPF of 50+.  Last night, after 2 hours in the pool during peak sun hours, Mason told me that his shoulders hurt.  It is actually the 1st time he has ever gotten a sunburn, and now we all understand the need to reapply regularly.  Luckily Charlotte (who is very fair like her mom) was wearing a bathing suit with a t-shirt style top.

4. Colored pencils and paper - Summer in the south is not a good time to carry crayons around in your bag, trust me.  Colored pencils serve just as well and make much less of a mess than markers.  You never know when you'll need to entertain everyone for a few minutes.

5. The right bag - It would be great to just have one bag that went everywhere with you each day, but that doesn't work for summer outings.  You need a pool bag that is big enough for towels, goggles, toys, comb, etc., and a backpack that is comfortable to carry on trips to the mall, zoo, etc.  A shoulder bag/purse might work for trips to the bookstore, playdates, and, of course, Starbucks.

6. Snacks, snacks, snacks - Take advantage of the summer and the chance to get fresh fruit, I love when we take a snack break and all the kids eat is fruit.  Goldfish, crackers, teddy grahams, are all good choices also.  If you're meeting friends, make sure you have enough to share just in case.

Be prepared!  That's my latte today, be prepared with a bag of tricks and plenty of coffee at home so that you don't have get everyone dressed and out the door before you enjoy your daily latte.