Summer’s Half Full

This morning my daughter, Taylor, and I went downtown to Kerrytown. We wandered the little shops, chatting it up with local merchants, and spending a wonderful 2 hours, just the two of us. (She’s 11 years old and still let’s me hold her hand! (Gotta Love it!)

What struck me everywhere we went people would ask Taylor, “Are you having a good summer?" She would politely respond with a “Yes!” Immediately following that typical summer-time question, was “Are you looking forward to going back to school?"

Ann Arbor Public Schools have been on summer vacation for 45 of the 82 days. Labor Day is 37 days away (please don’t double check my math…just go with it!) So, summer vacation is just over half way through.

So, before you run out and buy back to school clothes, school supplies and rain coats, remember… Is your summer vacation “cup” half full or half empty?

Mine is half full. (My dad is a card carrying member of the Detroit Optimistic Club and two time president of it, so it goes without saying that I had to adopt this positive view occasionally!)

So, ask yourselves this question….What do you want to do during the 2nd half of summer? Our family is sitting down tonight to make a list of activities we want to do. I will report back. (Maybe) I encourage all of you to do the same. If you come up with any cool ideas (and I am sure you will.), please reply to this blog!

Make a list. Put it up somewhere with maximum exposure in your house, and vow to do as many of the activities as you can! You can break this list down into sections, such as outdoor/indoor activities, day trips, over night adventures. Perhaps make a list of all the people you would like to see. Our family is spread out over Michigan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and beyond. Throughout the school year, it’s near impossible to spend an entire day with extended family, but summer offers a bit more flexibility.

Take advantage of the long summer days and nights, because we all know they won’t last long!
~Sara