Welcome Summer! Start a new tradition.

This week marks the official first day of Summer. Weird, right! It’s felt like summer around here for awhile—school’s out and the temperatures are inching toward triple digits, but the summer solstice actually takes place on June 21st. We started marking the first day of Fall a few years ago, and it has quickly become a favorite tradition, and I thought it was time to give all seasons their due! Summer maybe my least favorite season, but I firmly believe every season has fun things to celebrate and look forward to. I just love the idea that years from now my sons might see Summer Solstice on a calendar and head out for ice cream, or toss a water balloon… just because we did growing up and the nostalgia of it is too much to pass up, or maybe if I’m really blessed they’ll spring me from the nursing home and take me along!!! I don’t think it has to be anything grand…just something a bit out of the ordinary, something that screams summer, something to make the day feel special. Here’s an inspiration list, 10 fun ways to Welcome Summer. 1. Is there anything more summer-y than Ice Cream? Visit a new or favorite ice cream shop, make homemade ice cream or even host an ice cream sundae party. 2. Have a movie night featuring a classic summer movie, such as Sandlot…or any of them on this list! Get extra festive and make it an outdoor movie. 3. Mark the day with water—water balloon fight, sprinklers or even a pool party. 4. One word—s’mores!!! Make classic S’mores or set up a s’more bar and compete to create a new delicious concoction. 5. Backyard camp out. I’m not big on camping but I know camping out in the backyard would really excite my boys. 6. A simple evening with Summer Bingo and some yummy treats. This free printable bingo is super cute. You could even read some new summer themed books. 7. Stay up late to catch fireflies. 8. Host a popsicle party! Invite the neighbors or cousins over for popsicles to toast the new season. 9. Hit up the local sno-cone stand for a refreshing treat. 10. Have your first watermelon of the season—go old school and get a seeded one so you can spit the seeds!