Every summer starts with the same goal: keep the kids busy, get them outside, and make some great memories before school starts again.
As a mom, I've learned I don't need a perfectly planned schedule to have a great summer. Honestly, the less pressure I put on myself, the more fun we all have.
Here's what our summer has looked like lately.
1. Pool Days Whenever We Can
If it's a hot day, there's a good chance you'll find us at the pool. We love spending our summer at Bergamont—it's an easy way to get outside, wear the kids out, and spend a few hours together without having to overthink the day.
2. Spending More Time at the Lake
One of the best parts about living near Madison is having beautiful lakes just minutes away. Some of our favorite afternoons are spent swimming, fishing, or grabbing dinner on the way home.
3. Saying Yes to Friends' Houses
Some of the best days happen when another mom sends the text, "Want to come over?" The kids disappear for hours, the moms get to catch up, and everyone goes home tired. That's a win.
4. Trying New Parks
Madison and the surrounding communities have so many great parks, and we've been making it a point to mix it up instead of always going to the same one. New playgrounds somehow buy me another hour of entertainment.
5. Last-Minute Adventures
I've stopped feeling like every outing has to be planned. Sometimes it's deciding after lunch to grab ice cream, head to the splash pad, or see where the afternoon takes us.
6. Keeping Popsicles in the Freezer
I don't know who enjoys them more—the kids or me—but they're basically a food group in our house from June through August.
7. Letting the Kids Get Dirty
Mud, grass stains, sandy feet, soaking wet clothes... I've accepted that it's all part of summer. It usually means they had a great day.
8. Eating Outside
Dinner on the deck, pizza at the park, snacks by the pool... somehow every meal tastes better outside.
9. Giving Myself Permission to Stay Home
Not every day needs to be an adventure. Some of our favorite afternoons are spent riding bikes around the neighborhood, playing basketball in the driveway, or having neighbors wander over to play.
10. Remembering That These Summers Don't Last Forever
The laundry will still be there tomorrow. The dishes can wait another hour.
My kids won't always ask me to jump in the lake, push them on the swings, or race them down the sidewalk on scooters.
So this summer, I'm trying to say "yes" a little more often.
One of the unexpected perks of being a Realtor is that I get to explore so many different neighborhoods around Madison. We've found some of our favorite parks, beaches, and local spots simply because I was showing a house nearby. If you have a favorite summer spot that my family should check out, send it my way. I'm always looking for our next adventure.
By: Laura Parman
