Summer Memories

Ahhh...the unmistakable smell of Spring/Summer is in the air. Summer is my favorite time of year, hands down. I love the feeling of stepping outside and having the humidity practically rob me of my breath. Nope, not kidding. I genuinely LOVE Southern Summers!

As a mom, one of my grand plans is to give my kids a taste of the Summers I cherished growing up. Back in the day, I spent many Summers at my aunt's place. We lived about a mile apart, and before my mom gave me the green light to bike there, she'd drop my bike and me off on her way to her factory job, which required a crack-of-dawn start.

I fondly recall waiting for my cousin to wake up—he took his sweet time every day! When he finally woke up, he'd grab a poptart, and we'd indulge in an episode of M*A*S*H before my aunt would firmly boot us out of the house until lunchtime.

Reflecting on it, I had a like-disklike relationship with the rule of being kicked out. My aunt's Disney VHS collection was larger and more exotic than mine. What kid wouldn't want to binge on "new" Disney movies? Remember, there was no Disney+ back then, and spending over $10 on a VHS was the epitome of luxury!

We eagerly awaited rainy days because it meant movie marathons inside. But, as anyone in the South knows, summer rain is as rare as a unicorn. Spring showers? Sure. Summer? Not so much.

Thankfully, my cousin and I were best pals from the time we could walk and talk. We did everything together: crafting stick roads for our micro-machine cars, splashing in a kiddie pool that barely covered us, sipping hose water like it was fine wine, and biking everywhere. Stranger danger wasn't a thing in the late '80s and early '90s.

In our hill country, biking meant navigating dirt roads and exploring the woods. I have a treasure trove of summer memories. Which brings me to today. How do I help my kids create their own fun summer memories?

I've got the kiddie pools and the sprinkler ready. I'm still on the fence about the slip n' slide because this old gal isn't keen on hurling herself onto a yellow tarp for the sake of demonstration (though my daughter will definitely insist).

We've got a sandbox and excavator toys, a water table, a swing set, and a concrete patio for chalk masterpieces. But it's not the same as dirt roads and woods.

My kids are suburbanites. Our driveway is concrete. The neighborhood sidewalks are concrete. We have a solitary tree in the front yard.

We live in an ever-expanding area with endless activities outside our home. I'm happy my kids are growing up with limitless opportunities. But there are days I miss gazing out the window at nothing but trees. And dirt. So much dirt!

So, I've had to tweak my vision for my kids' upbringing. When they're in the backyard during Spring/Summer, shoes are off. Feel that grass under your feet, kids! After school, it's straight outside while I whip up dinner (thanks, Aunt D., for always sending us outside!). As the days heat up, it's swimsuit time—go wild with the sprinkler and kiddie pools. Play in the sandbox.

Grab your helmets and your bikes and let's go for a ride. Fresh air always cheers us up. My kids love being outside with something to do. They can't go far without me being able to see them, but that means I have to step up my game. Thankfully, I like being outside as much as I can, so I am happy to go with them. But I'm even happier if my husband volunteers to go with them solely to the park (don't forget a mom needs her break time too!).

I tell my kids all the time to go play, play outside. Get fresh air. Ground yourself. Be kids. Be free. Teenage years and adulthood will sneak up before you know it. Enjoy this time—these are the memories you'll carry with you wherever you go.

--Amber