"NOT back to school" Celebration

We're just a couple of weeks away from the school year starting in my area. Why does summer always pass so quickly?

As a new homeschooler, it was hard on me on that first day of school when all the neighborhood kids went back to school. Although I knew I was supposed to homeschool my son, the self-doubt, fear of ruining him, fear of him missing out on an important experience, and jealousy that the other moms had a few, or several, hours without their big kids home to take care of... reared it's ugly head as I sat there knowing all the other kids were on their way to school.

Those feelings quickly passed as I stopped and looked at my amazing kids and felt again in my heart that I was doing what God had asked me to.

The second year, we decided at the last minute to pack the kids in the car and head up to Bear Lake which is right on the Utah/Idaho border. We rented a little cabin at the KOA, brought some games with us, and went to the grocery store for food.

When we got there, we realized that the campgrounds were almost empty, and we had the beaches and picnic areas to ourselves. We rented a boat one day and had a blast. The kids loved the novelty of staying in the tiny cabin and eating fun food and playing games. It was amazing. We came back so happy and ready to start our school year.

The following year we couldn't go right when school was starting, but a few weeks later we went to Yellowstone... and it was beautiful. The roads were almost empty. We had the campground to ourselves. If you've been to Yellowstone in the summer, you'll understand the contrast this would be. It was memorable. The kids still have their picture-changing bookmarks of Old Faithful after all these years!

So a great tradition was born! We call it our "NOT back to school trip".

This year it's going to be another trip to Bear Lake to enjoy the amazing Caribbean-like blue water and let the kids play all day in the sand. On past trips, we've taken some day trips to discover the different things in the area... there are some beautiful canyons, and caves you can take tours through. We usually make a trip to one of the famous raspberry shake places. And we always bring games and art supplies to do in our camping trailer. So, so fun.

So if this sounds like something you'd like to try, think...What does YOUR family love to do? What could you do to make a "not back to school" experience that's super fun for your kids? It doesn't have to be a trip. The museums, swimming pools, and amusement parks are often still open that first day or week (check the calendars first of course), and they often have significantly less numbers. Although this year... who knows, with all of the new homeschoolers jumping in the pool!

So think about it! You'll come up with something great! And you'll make memories that will last forever.

You can do it, Mama!

~Angie