Summer officially begins this week, but it is already in full swing at Casa Casey. There are new routines and rituals to be developed (now that school is over), work and home to balance (if that is possible), and family to spend time with and care for.
The big lofty goals I had planned for the summer are scaled back in order to focus on the main priorities of the day/week. My now-simplified plan for the summer is going to be: Food, Clothing, Shelter, Fun. If those categories of chores, tasks, and good times are attended to and created, then a successful summer is in store.
Here is my first major accomplishment to kick off the summer! My goal lately has been creating systems in the house that will allow more time focused on the Fun part of the summer mantra. My latest creation is a repurposing of a piece of furniture that was once a toy box and is now a command center to get ready to play outside.
The toys were consolidated (to be sorted through at a later rainy date) and the shelf became the place we now house our go-to items for outdoor prep and play. Sunscreen, bug spray, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, flip-flops, water shoes, and a tea set seemed to be the items I was scrambling for before stepping outside. Now, all items live together, and we can get out the door and into the bug-free sunshine in record time!
Like getting all your ingredients together before starting a recipe, or having all your supplies at your desk as you start a project, this outside play command center allows for greater efficiency, smooth transitions, and increased Fun time.
What can you create to allow you the same this summer?
