Several weeks ago I wrote about the endless summer and gave many ideas for activities that moms, dads and kids could do to avoid summer boredom. Now I'm writing this and I am wondering where the summer went!
I thought it would be fun to give you an update of how our family survived--even enjoyed--the summer.
The Lemonade Stand
My daughter begged me all summer to do a lemonade stand and finally on Saturday we did! I want to teach her how to serve others, so instead of selling lemonade in order for my daughter to earn a buck or two, our goal was to raise $20.00 to purchase a flock of chicks for an impoverished family through Heifer International.
We made about 3 gallons of fresh-squeezed lemonade, both berry and plain, and we asked for donations instead of setting prices. My daughter and a friend made a sign for advertising and we set up shop at the end of our driveway.
Thanks to the generous donations of friends, neighbors and passerbys, we actually made $111.50--much more than had we just sold lemonade for our own profit I'm certain. I am very pleased but as I glanced around a kitchen full of squeezed lemons, sticky syrup pans and melting ice I had to remind myself that "I am raising a daughter, not making lemonade". Especially as the two little helpers scampered out to play on the swingset instead of washing dishes!
Actually, I learned that many lessons are to be learned through selling lemonade. First, the kids learned that lemonade comes from lemons not from a Country Time canister. Secondly, the kids learned how to greet someone politely, explain why they were selling lemonade and asking for a donation, express gratitude for the purchase and keep money safe. Thirdly, the kids reviewed the coin and paper denominations and practiced counting (in English and in Spanish!) Lastly, together the girls decided to purchase a"Flock of Hope" which includes a flock of chicks, ducklings and goslings for two families. We all learned so much that I am thinking we need to do it again--next summer!
Reading Everyday
I decided to start reading short novels with my daughter this summer, starting with Charlotte's Web. However, Aunt Heidi introduced us to a new one, Kenny and the Dragon. What a treat! It is a great read. It has been refreshing to read something beyond Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella.
Unfortunately, I have not been diligent in having my daughter read to me. I'm going to pay for that when school starts, but it is never too late! During the next two weeks, we will start practicing for school--she reads to me, I read to her, practice sight words and go to bed early-yeah!!
Writing Everyday
This has been more spontaneous than planned but there are several notes all around the house. One indicates "Mom not allowed"--in my own room. You see, my daughter loves to watch television in my room and she knows that I won't let her watch without my supervision or a time limit. So of course, Mom is not allowed!
There are also a couple of notes expressing sadness at the consequences Mom gave. Well...I'll take writing in any way, shape or form.
We also did some scrapbooking where she put the pictures on and wrote the text. It will be such a treasure when she is older!
The Fun
We also played at parks, swam at a local water park, went to an amusement park, hiked beautiful trails, made ice cream and visited grandpa and grandma.
Any summer regrets? Just one. We never took the field trip to the Water Conservancy District to find out where poop goes. I keep explaining the process but in some cases, I guess seeing is believing. I still have two weeks. Who wants to go with us?
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