The pitter patter of your feet upon the sidewalk as you race me to the house brings flash backs and realization that your time as a child is speeding by. I’ve always wanted to be that mother, the kind of mother that my children were proud of. That the first day of school they’d be asked what did you do this summer? Their response full of excitement and happiness as they spoke of the many magical places they saw. Next year Isabella will be in first grade… Boy did the time fly by. I can remember our first trips… Just you and I, as we adventured to D.C and New York and our many trips to West Palm. It seems like yesterday we were listening to music heading down the 417, snacks in hand and smiles on our faces.
Not only is Isabella growing up too quickly in my eyes, so is my sweet baby girl Elleanna. To tell you girls the truth, you will always be mommy’s baby girls (whether you like it or not ha-ha). Elleanna began daycare/school this spring and will be attending throughout the summer while I am working. Another reason why I would like to make the best of our summer. My chunky monkey is now walking, talking and climbing trees!
So let’s begin our summer bucket list on a budget! We have about 9-10 weekends together during this time, as well as my Thursday’s off which is about 10 as well. Where can we go? What will we see? What adventures await to be added to the wall of family fun?
I’ve been doing research into the Turtle Hospital in Key west as well as the aquarium. That would be a perfect weekend get away.. Due to the fact the distance is around six to seven hours driving time (ouch!).
I’ve also been looking into the springs around Florida and beaches.
- Silver Springs: Glass bottom boat tours, canoe and kayak rentals. (Those might not be great for the children, but more research to come.)
- Rainbow springs: Swimming, tubing, snorkeling, hiking with gardens and waterfalls. (This could be a more family friendly activity.)
- Saniable Island Beach ( which is about a four to five hour trip to both Saniable and Captiva.)
- Captiva Island which is north of Saniable (both locations would be wonderful for the shell seeking children I have.)
- St Augustine: Ghost tours and the Fort as well as the oldest wooden school house. Many historical sights as well as memories of my childhood trips with my Auntie and Mother.
As you can see I’m just beginning my research on some outdoor activities and places to take the children this summer. If you have any other ideas or perfect places to show the children please comment below. Here’s to keeping the children outside and away from technology to make memories because we all know that we don’t have many summers left until they are grown and no longer wanting to be around mommy. I dread the day they tell me they don’t want to cuddle or not to kiss them at school.
Melissas-Miles 