Friday, June 28, 2013

Baby Birds, Fireflies and Summer Dreams

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By: Annie Chamovitz

From: The Cumberland Creek Mystery Series
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan
Book 2 Title: Scrapped


 By Annie Chamovitz

Summer can be difficult for even the best families. You know, the ones that have umpteen activities planned and never watch tv or let the house go. This year, we have have had our ups and downs. It has been particularly hard for Sam, our oldest. Here is a child that was so busy during the school year that we all longed for a deep, relaxing breather. And now, suddenly, we struggle to find things to do. But we do like to keep it simple.
In our search for things to do, I am often amazed at how the simplest activity will thrill them. Last summer, the boys like walking to also the Dollar Tree, buying candy and then sitting on the bench outside and watching the birds, cars, people, as we eat.
When they were little, we went for walks every morning—the kind where they sat in the stroller and I pushed. That was great exercise for me and a wonderful opportunity to talk about the trees, birds, flowers, cars, neighbors, and so on. Sometimes that did not work out. The boys launch a strike against me. They wanted to walk and to not get in the stroller. Of course, those days are over. Our boys are growing up fast.
Some of the best summer time experiences, so far, have been right here at home. Our neighbor, Pat, called us over one morning to look at baby birds she had nesting in her fern on the carport. The boys were amazed at the tiny, strange looking, frail creatures. We’ll be watching all summer as the birds grow. Sam and Ben were pouring over Mike’s birding books yesterday.
Sometimes I feel guilty that we are unable to sign our boys up for fancy camps or activities. But then I remember how important my long and “boring” summers were in developing my mind and imagination.It's as if the mind needs some breathing space and I think that's what summer should be for kids.
Last night, we let the boys stay up a few extra minutes so they could see the fireflies in our backyard. I hope they will always keep the sense of wonder and amazement that we saw that night. I don’t know what was glowing more—the fireflies, or the eyes of our boys.
Do you have big plans for the summer? Or do you plan on a “staycation”?

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6 comments:

  1. Julie Tucker-WolekJune 28, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    I love this book... great post!!

    Reply
  2. Mollie Cox BryanJune 28, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    Thanks, Julie!

    Reply
  3. Mary PrestonJune 28, 2013 at 10:29 PM

    While I do love to travel & visit a staycation is sometimes just what I want & need.

    Reply
  4. DianneJune 29, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    Over the years, we've done a few small vacations but mostly a lot of staycations. This year we're actually going on a big trip (our first big one)...to Alaska

    Reply
  5. Mollie Cox BryanJune 29, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    Alaska! wow! Thanks for commenting Mary and Dianne!

    Reply
  6. AurianJuly 1, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    This year the money is put in the house, which means a vacation at home with all my books around me. Not so bad either. If I do go away, I want to see the country where I am, taste the foods, see the sights, and also relax a bit.

    Reply

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