Happy Spring Break

One more reason to love spring--- Spring Break!!! Ours starts Monday, April 2. Maybe I am crazy- but I actually like to have my kids off from school. I love it when they get out for summer, yet at the end of the summer, I am craving the routine that back to school brings.

When the girls arrive home from school Friday afternoon, on their pillows, they will find, "Happy Spring Break" goody bags waiting that contain:

• A new swimming suit ( we will hit the beach 2-3times, at least)


• New Sunscreen (had to buy it anyway- might as well make it fun)


• New Beach Toys


• Some fun snacks to bring with us on beach days


• A new book to read for the week


• New flip flops


• Fabric for Megan to make a project on the sewing machine.


• Some Easter craft and Egg decorating supplies


• Microwave popcorn for an afternoon movie


• Nail polish for pre-beach Pedicures
  

I am still looking for a good movie to include and a few other things--- ideas?

Other years I have included disposable cameras and scrapbook supplies, sunglasses, hats, outfits, Easter clothes, cookbooks, aprons, baking supplies, coupons for movies, skating, bowling, craft supplies, etc. It just depends on the age, interest, and what we want to spend our time on during the break.

I found the cutest swimming suits at Target---I'll post photos when they wear them. They are Pink with even brighter large pink polka dots! I love polka dots-especially large ones!

The goody bags will be centered around this pink polka dot theme!

With a little planning, spring break, or any other time off, becomes a time to look forward to.

A few "rules" that make spring break enjoyable for us:

1) We sleep in

2) We keep our schedule very flexible and open

3) No unnecessary appointments ( cancel lessons, tutoring, etc.)

4) Only 1-2 days are for "play dates" with friends at our house or them at another's (I try to guard the

time as 'ours') I do not want my house or pool full of so many extra children that I do not have a

a spring "break" I am not afraid to tell a neighbor child it is time for them to go play at their

house.

5) At least one day, we invite our entire circle of friends from church, school, neighbors, etc. to

meet us at the beach. It has become a fun tradition. A beach full of moms and kids we know. We

end up staying all day. Once in a while, if I am brave, we will invite a large group to the house

for a pool party day. (We tend to do the pool invitations more during summer break)

6) Bed time can be late- but we still need bed time. I still have them bathe and dress for bed early

after dinner, and then they can spend the evening watching a movie, playing games, reading,

or whatever they would like to do.

7) I don't spend the time "spring cleaning" I usually get this done when they return to school and I

am refreshed and ready to tackle a mess or a project.

8) We try new foods, restaurants, and recipes, yet at the same time try to make food preparation

as simple and enjoyable as possible

Sometimes- all we end up doing is going to the beach, resting, going to the beach, resting..... nothing else. I can usually tell if the kids just need to stay home and do very little or if we are up for lots of activity and going. If our school and activity schedule has been in hyper gear, then we plan as little as possible for our break.

Happy Spring Break!