It’s Memorial Day which means summer is practically upon us! There are some amazing things about the warm weather and freedom from a daily school schedule. However, there are also a few things that are not so great about summer. I thought it would be fun to share the ups and downs of summertime in the south with my kiddos.
Five Things I Love/Hate About Summer
1A. Going to the pool!
I love the feel of cool water on my skin and the weightlessness of floating in the pool. It’s a fun activity for all of us and it’s a short drive to our neighborhood pool. Sometimes we invite friends and have a great time.
1B. Putting sunscreen on three people every 1.5-2 hours.
My daughter and I burn fairly easily so regular sunscreen application is a must. I’m glad that we now have face sticks and spray sunscreen for easier application. And the kids are old enough to lotion up their arms and legs. It’s no fun trying to sunscreen a toddler.
2A. The warm weather!
I am cold natured so I love weather where I can wear flip flops and short sleeves. I am more likely to get outdoors if the sun is shining and I don’t have to bundle up in coats and hats.
2B. The humidity.
I don’t particularly enjoy sweating through my clothes even when standing in the shade. My parents live out west where there’s not much humidity and I enjoy the break from the sweltering heat and humidity of Georgia when we go visit them.
3A. Having a leisurely schedule.
During the school year I wake up at 5:30 which is not my favorite time of day. Summer means sleeping in and laying around until it’s time for the pool or hanging out with friends. We have plenty of time to find fun and free activities like Chick-Fil-A’s Cow Day. It’s a break from school work and a chance to relax and breathe. So wonderful!
3B. Listening to the kids fight from seeing each other all day every day.
I get it. There is such a thing as too much family time. But there’s not a whole lot to be done about that during the summer. At least when we’re at the pool they seem to get along for the most part.
4A. So much daylight!
It’s so nice to wake up to daylight and be able to stay up later. The days feel longer. We have more time to spend outdoors hiking, playing, swimming, etc. It makes me happy.
4B. The bugs.
All creatures seem to enjoy the warmer, longer days of summer. Especially mosquitoes. During the day, the heat is often too much for them, but in the evenings when it’s nice and we want to be out socializing with friends or attending outdoor concerts and firework displays, we have to practically bathe in bug repellant. We also see plenty of gnats and wasps.
5A. Fresh fruits and veggies galore!
We plant a garden each spring. It’s so wonderful when everything is ripe and we can pick our own berries, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, lettuce, basil, and peas. The kids are more likely to eat something if it came out of our garden.
5B. The kids want to eat 24/7.
During the school year, the kids seem to be just fine with three meals and one afternoon snack. I don’t know if it’s all of the outdoor time or the lack of a regular schedule, but in the summer they seem to be hungry all the time! Snack requests come at all parts of the day – an hour after breakfast, two hours after breakfast, three hours after breakfast, an hour after lunch, two hours after lunch, two and a half hours after lunch…etc. Where does it all go?! At least we have plenty of healthy options available.
Do you agree with my list? Do you have anything you would add?
