Fresh watermelon.
Homemade ice cream.
A cold glass of lemonade.
We can literally taste summer and its refreshing sweetness. The season invites our senses to come alive and not just our taste buds. Summertime brings the smell of sunscreen, the sound of crickets, and the feel of sunshine on our skin.
Maybe we are more keenly aware of summer’s simple pleasures because we feel permission to slow down. The absence of schedules for our kids allows us room to relax. There aren’t homework assignments to check, lunches to pack, or car lines to join. We can trade our “to-do” list for a “today” list and indulge longer, lazy days.
My childhood summers were made of sleeping late, playing with friends, and a family vacation. The calendar for my daughters is different, crowded with assorted camps and organized activities. I don’t mind it, really. Summer camps give them experiences I can’t at home, things such as canoeing, horseback riding and rock climbing.
I’m careful to build in time to relax. Our rhythm is one week on, one week off. Rest is underrated. Kids need time and space to build forts from couch cushions, adventure through books and endlessly play video games. My brothers and I thumbed hours of Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros and RBI Baseball!
“We had a good childhood,” my little brother texted recently as we reminisced with our big brother about favorite cartoons. “I miss those days.”
I miss them, too.
About a year ago I made a list of things I enjoyed during summers as a little girl. I wanted my daughters to glimpse what life was like when I was their ages. I still carry those moments close and thought it would be meaningful to make new memories with Abby Kate and Lily with what I call “old-fashioned” fun.
Eating homemade ice cream.
Watching fireworks.
Catching lightning bugs.
These are the moments summer is made for. The leisurely pace opens our eyes to God’s creation and the beauty around us. We are not only allowed but encouraged to simply
Taste.
See.
Be.
The Bible tells us to “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) These words of praise and gratitude are my inspiration to find God’s goodness in simple summer fun. So, throughout June and July I’ll share 7 fun ways – one each week – to make memories with your kids this summer. None of the experiences has to be fancy and a few of them can be enjoyed for free!
I would love for you to join me as we play our way through summer. I will share our experiences on my website julieecholsreyburn.com and on Instagram @julieecholsreyburn using the #tasteseebe hashtag. Let’s make memories together this year – with our kids and with each other!
