Every year, when I was in grade school, just as the school year ended, Mother would sit me down at the kitchen table with a yellow legal pad and a pen. “I want you to write down all the things you want to do this summer,” she’d say. “Even vacations?” I’d reply. “Everything,” mother said. So, I’d get to work on what I would now call my “Summer Bucket List.”  I’d stick the list on the refrigerator door with a big magnet and draw little square boxes next to each item, so I could check them off as we finished my summer dreams.

I always included on my list trips to the library to check out books. I still love the smell of the library in the summer.  The other must-haves included trips to the beach, usually Galveston, the mountains of Red River, New Mexico, and a long weekend trip closer to home in Salado, Texas. Mother loved the sound of the sea, the feel of the sand between her toes, gathering shells, and long early-morning walks on the beach. Daddy loved the cool, crisp mountain air, jeep rides, and watching the wildlife. The list goes on – museums, the pool, Six Flags with California cousins, sleepovers with bestie, watch fireworks, make S’mores, catch fireflies, go on a picnic, sleep late, go to the movies, eat cold watermelon, make homemade ice cream, and bake cookies. And of course, my birthday is in August, so my bucket list always included picking out my cake!

I’ve created a free downloadable printable for you to carry on this tradition in your home. Your “Summer Bucket List” may look different than my 10-year old’s eyes, but our goals are the same – celebrate every day of the summer months. Like author Jenny Han said, Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”

 

Click to download a free “Summer Bucket List” for your refrigerator!