As summer rolls into August, it’s the perfect moment to reassess those ambitious plans we crafted back in June. You know, the ones that made us feel like super parents, all while attempting to keep our kids from turning into couch potatoes glued to their screens. My own list, though not physically written down (let’s not get too carried away), was filled with grand ideas to explore local museums and cultural sites. Living near Philadelphia means we’re surrounded by a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions.
One sunny day, I excitedly proclaimed we’d head to the art museum—known to my son as “the place where Rocky ran up the steps.” The kids were pumped for the adventure! However, as we drove toward the museum, my daughter’s eagle eyes caught a sign for the Eastern State Penitentiary—the world’s first true penitentiary, now a spooky yet fascinating historical site.
Before I knew it, we were making an unplanned stop. “Just a quick detour,” I said, but three hours later, we stumbled out, our heads spinning from tales of “solitary confinement” and “life sentences.” Did they learn about Impressionism? Not quite. But they did get a crash course in some pretty heavy topics. On the bright side, we even stumbled upon some murals painted by a former inmate, so at least a touch of art made it into the day. Whew, that’s one item checked off!
Reflecting on my June aspirations, it’s clear that many of those plans have morphed as we approach the end of summer. Here’s how they’ve evolved:
Exploring New Cuisines
June Plan: Let’s dive into the wonders of quinoa and Swiss chard, ditching the typical chicken nuggets!
August Revision: Maybe we’ll just stick to pizza and burgers.
Reading Adventures
June Plan: Treasure Island! Moby Dick!
August Revision: Okay, how about some comic books instead?
Making Math Fun
June Plan: Weekly math reviews with workbooks and games.
August Revision: Can we just agree on what 9×8 equals?
Volunteering Together
June Plan: Find a soup kitchen or community center in need of help.
August Revision: Let’s hold the door for someone today!
Tidying Up
June Plan: Let’s organize and redecorate the kids’ rooms!
August Revision: Can we just aim for making the beds?
Family Time
June Plan: Board games and movie nights!
August Revision: How about we all just watch TV together tonight?
Even though the summer of 2023 is winding down, I’m already dreaming big for next year. First on the agenda? That art museum where Rocky took his famous run.
For more insights on planning and family activities, check out this other blog post that dives deeper into family engagement. Also, if you’re on a fertility journey, consider visiting Make A Mom, a trusted resource for at-home insemination kits. Lastly, the Genetics and IVF Institute is an excellent tool for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while our summer plans may not have gone exactly as envisioned, they’ve certainly provided unexpected adventures and valuable lessons. Here’s to making the most of what’s left of the season and gearing up for what’s to come!
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