How to Live Up the Last Days of Summer

Hard to believe, but Fall is coming.

In many parts of the country students are already back in school. The days are growing cooler and shorter.

While my own kids aren't school age yet, I look forward to the changes Fall will bring- less crowded library story hours, cooler days spent at home or out enjoying autumnal colors, scarves and boots, and pumpkin everything {especially pumpkin spice lattes! amen?}. By far, Fall is my favorite season.

Yet for all that I'm in no rush for the summer to end. Fall means that Winter is coming, with its long cold days and cooped up kiddos. While I'm excited for Autumn, I'm sensing the need to soak up these last summer days.

What's my plan? I'm glad you asked!

1. Get outdoors as much as possible. My kids love going outside, but many times I allow my screaming To Do list to keep us holed up indoors. I'm trying to use nap and bed times more productively, and selectively overlooking chores that can wait in order to maximize our outside time. Soon enough we'll be packing up the sidewalk chalk, water toys, and kites. When that day comes we'll all be sad. Best to make the most of these warm sunny days!

2. Make a last minute summer bucket list. If you're anything like me, you still have a handful of activities you'd like to get to this summer and haven't touched. It isn't too late to write your summer bucket list and make a plan for executing it! I'd still like to get my kids out to our local parks and water play place a few more times, visit the zoo, go to the Farmer's Market, and hit up the pool. It won't happen without a bit of planning on this Mama's part.

3. Move indoors stuff outdoors. This coincides with number one- any indoor activity that can possibly be done outside, should be moved there. Reading together, craft projects {bonus: easier clean-up}, handiwork and even computer work {provided you have a laptop} are all nicer out of doors. My kids outside play time is one of my favorite multi-tasking opportunities. I catch up on my podcast listening, read, write thank you notes, and make phone calls all while watching them play. It's actually a very nice break from housework!

One of our favorite things to do in the summer is eat outside. Whether we have a picnic-style lunch or a sit down dinner at our patio table, enjoying the fresh air and summer scenery is such a pleasure.

4. Eat more summer food. Watermelon, ice cream, funnel cakes at the fair, colorful fresh produce at the Farmer's Markets... these are the tastes we'll long for come January. So I say eat up now- as often as you can! Schedule a couple more barbecues with friends, get to the fair, take advantage of seasonal sale prices. Now is the time my friend. Don't miss out!

5. Slow down and savor. Life is moving way too fast. If we don't stop to smell the roses we may miss out on many of life's most beautiful moments. Take time to breathe. Get a break from the air conditioning and enjoy soaking up some sun with your babes. Make a big old mason jar of iced tea {my favorite summer beverage} and drink deep. This summer will be over before we know it, and our chance to enjoy it is now.

Photo Via Andrew

Here's to a delightful last few weeks of summer!

"This is the day that the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!"