The cicadas are singing their summer melody and the heat is all enveloping making it hard to breathe at times but the crew is getting through the day with minimum complaints. As long as no one is hungry or tired happiness exudes on the kid's faces just from being out and about.
My kids have been very social expecting to have many occasions and outings this summer. Our summer calendar was jam packed this season with summer camp, kindermusik classes, our weekly jaunt to the Kohl Children's Museum, live concerts at the park, and the summer reading program at the library.
The Museum offerings are bountiful. (Check out my review on yelp). Our routine included capping off the day with a hot pretzel. We learned that the Bavarian pretzel(lightly salted) from Kim & Scott's Pretzel Bakery & Twisting Cafe was an okay order for the milk allergy family member. The chocolate chip pretzel was also a sure bet for the peanut/egg allergy member of the family. The deal was sweetened when I scored a Buy one Get one Free coupon out of the Oaklee's Guide Summer 2008. I used one coupon each time we visited the museum. The library stacks gads of these small booklets next to the free Chicago Parent circular and Chicago Baby magazine.
Summer camp brought on new experiences and allowed my children to socialize, become involved in structured activities, and free play in a fun and creative atmosphere. Different art projects hang on the kitchen walls from each child. They are proud of the their work and like to display their efforts week to week.
It's funny that by the end of the Summer Camp schedule the kids have finally 'caught on' to the new ideas that have been presented to them from the start. For example, my oldest son ate all the lunch that was given to him on his last day. Prior to this, he would only eat the snack chips and cookie and disregard the sandwich and apple slices. Or he would take two bites of mac and cheese, and then wait to buy a snack at the pool concession stand. The choices at the concession stand consisted of soft serve ice cream, pretzel with cheese, or barbecue potato chips. It was the first all-day activity experience without mom or dad.
Another son of mine enjoyed his first camp/class without mommy and without his older sibling. His first day he was labeled an observer and chose to watch instead of participate. After explaining to him that he should become more involved, a realization came over his face, he understood that he did not have to wait for big brother or mommy to have fun. It's almost like he found his own interests, and independence, his own identity. He would exclaim to me after every class, "Mommy I was happy today with my teachers and friends!"
As for my youngest, and only daughter, she understood that her "pretty dress" that she adamantly asks to wear is set aside for the requisite camp shirt and shorts(or skirt). By her last class, all the kids understood the concept of circle time and everyone sang "If You Are Happy and You Know It..." I loved that the she got down and dirty with the paints and the glue and the playdoh, she understood that it was okay to get her hands messy. Best of all, I did not have to worry about stains or spills, because it was not my house.
Kindermusik classes allowed for us to keep in touch with our music classmates and their p-units. "Creatures in the Ocean" was the theme of the class. We learned about dolphins, and whales, sharks, crabs, the beach, and Sailboats. We loved it best when we jammed and danced to the tunes.The kids love music and especially parades. The July 4th parade was an extra special treat with marching bands. The kids enjoyed the cultural dance and festive costumes.
The Concert in the Park series introduced the kids to jugglers, magicians, and musicians with their eclectic beat, and some 'cheesy' jokes. It also allowed me an outlet to meet other moms and caregivers whom like me look for engaging activities for the kids.
The Summer Reading program has been a huge success and encourages the kids to enjoy reading. After reading a book (or books)the kids are given the opportunity to report the details of the book to a volunteer, play an age-appropriate game, and receive a small prize. Prizes ranged from Panera meal coupons, to plastic animal print sunglasses, to mood rings and even medals. The kids have read almost 100 books this summer.
The program introduced the kids to a new favorite author and book series. Ricky Ricotta and his Mighty Robot by Dav Pilkey and pictures by Martin Ontiveros. The series is one of the first enjoyable chapter books that has opened our eyes to "The Big Battle (In Flip-O-Rama). This series is a must read to find out who wins.
Summer Camp is officially over and I fret over what activities to do to fill up the last of the summer days. Summer is winding down and talks of Christmas party planning (yes believe it, heard over the yelp message boards) is making my head spin.
When the cicadas finish their musical score, it will be about time to pack the summer clothes away and ready for the start of school. School supply lists are out and crossing off checklist supplies looks to be an arduous task.
As of yet, a whole month remains for backyard barbecues, farmer's markets, and outdoor festivals. I will be cliche and say, "We still have the time to soak in as much of this summer sun and not let Summer lovin' happen so fast."
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