Our Summer Bucket List

***Disclosure-This is a sponsored post as a Britax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories stated here are clearly my own.

Summer is here.  What have you and the family been up to?  Any fun things?  Our Summer starts before others because work around my son's school schedule.  He starts school early and gets out early.  This year I wanted us to make a list of things to do over the Summer.  I saw the movie New Years and it inspired me.  It doesn't have to be about spending alot of money or traveling very far.  The list you make can be your very own and you can be as creative as you like.  Of course depending on your kid's ages the list will be different.
Here are some of the things on our list to get you inspired:

1)  Meet John Doe-Do know your neighbors?  When you step out of the your house do you feel like people are watching you?  Why not, step out and say hello to the neighbors.  So step #1 this Summer should be to meet new people, your neighbors, your mailman, etc...Remember back in the days when it took a village to raise a child.  Well do you know your village?  This is a great way for the kids to learn about their surroundings, teach them about strangers, and start a conversation.

2)  Laugh-Now that you have stepped out, comes step #2.  A smile goes a long way.  Did you know an upside down frown is a smile?  Do things that make you smile!  Make silly faces with your kids.  Play staring games.  Laughter can burn calories, release stress, and work your muscles.  Stop, think about it.  Have you laughed today?  Do you play tickles with your kids?  Do you get silly with them?

  3)  Blood is thicker than water-We do not have many family members here in Houston or in the United States, so we appreciate each other alot more.  Do you have family members you haven't visited?  Some people have family living around the corner.  Summer is a time to slow down with the kids.  Hangout with your extended family.  Work out schedules where someone can take the kids for the day if everyone works.  Work around all the schedules and make play dates.  Enjoy the people you love now, today.

4)  Discover-Use this time to keep the kids entertained while the discovering your world.  There are so many things to see, touch, hear, etc...  Climb, go underground, slip, slide, the point is to get out there.  You will be amazed how much they learn from the little ones to the big ones.  There things to discover in your backyard, front yard, grandmas, etc...  Like have your kids every caught a lady bug?  Different color lady bugs?  Followed a butterfly at the park?  Seen a bird's nest?  Make it fun for your kids.  Outdoor fun can lead to much discovery.

These are some things to get you thinking about your Summer.  Fun doesn't have cost anything.  Stop and smell the roses.... as parents we too need a little break sometimes.  Have you slowed down this summer?