July Memory Making

In keeping with my resolution to be more thoughtful and organized when it comes to celebrating the seasons... here are some plans and random thoughts for July ~ a few days late!

Special Dates to Celebrate

*July 4th ~ Independence Day*

This is always a fun day. We do pancakes or waffles with strawberries, blueberries, and vanilla ice cream for breakfast, then head out for a day at the lake with family. We have a cookout and swim, fish, canoe, and/or play yard games. We head back home for a quick dinner, then out again to see the fireworks!

There aren't a whole lot of special dates in July, which is probably a good thing what with summer camps and summer practices. There are, however, a whole lot of things to notice and do!

Things to Notice and Do This Month

• Make sure our American flag is in good shape; replace it if needed

• Enjoy the daylilies that seem to pop up everywhere this time of year

• Sit on the screened porch during thunderstorms

• Install air conditioners in the upstairs windows 

• Pack a bag for summer fun

• Remember to water the garden during dry spells - we're having one now!

• Wait for that first tomato from the garden

• Finish homeschool plans for the fall

• Jot down notes about this past homeschool year (transcript-style) for my high-schooler

• Listen for crickets and cicadas

• Grill as often as possible - it's too hot to cook inside!

• Enjoy raspberries from the garden - it looks to be a bumper crop this year

• Corn-on-the-cob season begins

• Get a bunch of fun toppings and have a "make your own sundae" night

• Try to remember to deadhead the flowers

• Watch movies with popcorn and lemonade when it's too hot to be outside

• Make time for the kids to use the pool whenever possible

• Catch fireflies in jars (then release them)

• Make popsicles

• Make homemade ice cream

• Eat every dinner on the back porch

• Try to spend some time just sitting outside and soaking it all in - it's summer!

Happy July!