Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone and summer is here, the biggest travel season of the year. Hopefully, you have plans to get away or even just to take time off for a staycation. (Check out the previous blogs on the importance of taking time off, staycations, and even travel tips.) My husband is really busy at work in the summer, so no big trips for us as a family during these months when so many people take time away.
Over the weekend, though, we went to my family’s annual reunion. It’s in middle-of-nowhere south central Texas. Literally, you pass a sign on the way that says “No gas 95 miles” (I wish I had taken a picture this time around). The family reunion is time for family, fun, and hanging out (with no distractions from work or the outside world, thanks to spotty cellphone coverage). And then, we took the kids to an easy-going resort about 45 minutes outside of Austin. My husband and I decided that we wouldn’t respond to emails or texts. My phone’s purpose was to take pictures. We had time together – playing, swimming, exploring, and trying some new things – s’mores were a HUGE hit.
It was 4 days away nearby. No stress of long trips on a plane to far off locations And, that short time away helped set the tone for the summer. I’ve shared about my attempt to be more intentional – this season isn’t any different. I’ve set the intention for fun with our young boys – swimming, visiting local splashpads, attending outdoor children’s music concerts, and enjoying time at playgrounds (yay for simple pleasures). And, I’m still making sure I have focused time to work when the boys are at camp or the few hours we have someone watching them each week before camp starts. My intention on that front is to be more productive with less time. Hyper focus for shorter periods. Trying something new for a few months.
As you’re reading this, I’m hoping you’re thinking about time with your own kids. Have you set the tone for the summer? Do you have fun plans coming up? Any good tips on taking full advantage of summer time fun with family? What changes do you make on the work front in summer, if any? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.
