What I Really Want To Do Is....

...have a complete Summer Curriculum... i was even thinking having a theme each week. I'm working on it! Today the kids and i sat down and went through all the magazine ideas i have saved (i tear them out of the magazine and then keep them in clear plastic sheets in three ringed binders) and then went and bought big, white poster board. I plan to draw out the 8 weeks of summer (seems so super short!) and write in the activity for each day. I do have to work in the mornings a few days during the week, but we will have the afternoons to play together! i am hoping that if we all know what to expect each day there will be less time spent trying to manage 3 bored kiddos.

Here are just some preliminary ideas:

* Geocaching or Letterboxing- It's like a modern day treasure hunt and they are EVERYWHERE! Here are some good links:

http://www.letterboxing.org/

http://www.geocaching.com/

*Make a movie! I wanted to do this last year and just never got to it. I think it may be easier with the kids a year older. I am hoping to use some props and kiera can hold signs :) And then i know a really good home movie editor whose services i could pay for with homemade chocolate chip cookies..... josh.

* The Great American Backyard Campout on June 27th- This is us the past couple of years.

Our first year was on the balcony of our apartment (we made glow in the dark shirts) , the second year i was too pregnant to even walk into the backyard let alone set up camp, but last year the kids were excited to camp in the backyard. Check out the official website: http://www.nwf.org/BackyardCampout/

We are also camping in Yosemite & Laughlin this summer. :) Perhaps a favorite of mine!

Hoping to tie in Star-gazing/identifying while lying on a blanket in the backyard. If you can't find a Star Wheel to purchase you can print one out here.

Flashlight Tag. SUPER FUN! Everyone hides and the seeker runs around with a flashlight looking for all the hiders in the backyard :)

SMORES of course! Here are some pics of my kids post-smores. How can you resist this activity?

Mackenzie 2006

Kiera 2009

* Make our own ice cream. Yes, i am going to Wal-Mart to get an ice cream machine!!!! We already have a snow cone machine which is great to share with the neighborhood kids, parties at our house, & just a fun treat. We use it all summer! I'm thinking i know some friends and family that might enjoy an ice cream delivery from the donovan clan!

* I would like to leave our 4 walls every monday or whatever day works & just spend the day gallivanting around southern california. Here are some of my hopes & wishes:

http://www.childrensnatureinstitute.org/ - i think it would be fun to do a moonlight hike

http://www.rhythmchild.net/ - hope too see them at the descanso gardens. we absolutely LOVE THEIR CD. If you like to see your kids dance around to music other than "Wheels on the Bus" then you must purchase! You can hear them if you click on their website. LOVE IT!!!!!!

http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx - FREE FAMILY MOVIES!!! Yep. Free. It's just first come first serve and they are doing it in all the states.... i think.

http://daytrippingmom.blogspot.com/ - i will follow her blog and all the amazing ideas she has already researched!

k, so i still have tons more i wanted to share, but the pillow is calling my name. i hope to be better at blogging over the summer and maybe even add in the so many, many events i missed!

Check back for MORE SUMMER IDEAS! Also, don't hesititate to post under the comments some of your tried and true activities :)