School's Out

It is official!! School's out for the summer! I now have an 8th grader and a 4th grader. WOW! Time flies when you are living life like it's golden. So now it is time for lazy days and fun times. I enjoy spending time with my children. What I don't like is them thinking my name is Julie(the activities director). So what exactly do we do when we are not visiting other locales?

We spend our days (and evenings too) at the pool. I require my kids to spend 30 minutes of their day with a book. They have to participate in the Summer Library Program. In addition to reading, they also have to do other educational activities. Specifically, multiplication facts for the rising 4th grader. We try to improve our handwriting skills. We also take our report cards to Bowl America. They credit a free game of bowling for each "A" earned by your child during the school year. It is a fantastic way to spend a rainy day. The games expire in September. For more information check out www.bowl-america.com.  You can also checkout www.kidsbowlfree.com for another free bowling experience. There are also free movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Regal Theaters. Usually, there is a "G" rated movie and a "PG" rated movie for your children. For more information on that, check out www.regmovies.com. Oh I almost forgot, my children think going to Barnes  & Noble is a field trip. They also have a reading program where your child can earn a FREE BOOK. Details can be obtained in any of their locations. I suspect there is information at their website as well. Check them out at www.bn.com.


Because we live in the DC area, it would be foolish to not visit all of the Smithsonian Museums. They are free and more importantly, they are air conditioned. They are fun and entertaining and your kids don't realize that they are enhancing their learning too. I'm all for that. Note that the key to most of what I've mentioned is FREE. That is an operative word. We take road trips. Virginia Beach is 3 hours away and there is no better place for us to spend time as a family than on a beach somewhere. I am also hoping that this year, we have an opportunity to visit Ocean City, Maryland. Can't beat the boardwalk experience. We love playing miniature golf and eating seafood.


The best way to spend summer time is visiting loved one near and far. Family time is priceless. We will hit Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Cleveland this summer. We are spending a week in Mexico at an all inclusive resort. I will blog about that experience upon our return. We all have our passports and can't wait for that trip. My son can't wait to get on airplane again. It should be wonderful!

All that said, I hope that you all enjoy whatever pleasures that summer has in store for you. Enjoy and treasure the time with your family and friends. Take joy in the simple things that your town has to offer. You can't beat a county fair or local festival, especially food and wine types. Then there is the fresh fruit and open air markets. Can you tell that I love summer as much as I love the Christmas season? I absolutely love a good watermelon and juicy nectarines. YUM! Life is short and sometimes all you will have is the memories to sustain you. Don't take the little moments for granted. Be safe! Do some community service! HAVE FUN! Love your family! Smile! Be a blessing! Happy Summer!

SN: I forgot to mention one of the other sites that you will love(and love me for leading you to it). If you need a coupon code for any retailer for savings or free shipping, you need to check out www.retailmenot.com. I am so sorry I forgot to mention it to you! It is a gem!


Copyright June 18, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe