School Is Back In Session!

Here we go another school year about to start up again. My son is going back August 27th. Crazy if you ask me. It would be nice if the school system gave the kids until after Labor day. What do you expect from a school system gone wrong, Sad since it is America and we have lost our number one status in the world. One of my missions in life is to try to figure out why the government keeps implementing programs that simply don't work. That will be a hub for another day. One I look forward to writing.

Like I said in the summary I am not sure who is more depressed me or my son Jeffrey that the summer is coming to an end. My favorite season is summer and I do enjoy having Jeffrey around. We live in a wonderful neighbor hood with lots of decent kids for him to be with. They have grand adventures together. Mostly guarding the neighbor hood from the bad guys, with their toy rifles and pistols. Trust me we all feel much safer in the neighbor hood with the troops keeping us safe!

With about two weeks left of summer, I have been thinking of ways to make the up coming school year easier for my little marine to slide back into the routine. So, for the next couple of weeks planning fun things for him to do before going back. This weekend was Water Country, he loved the river ride, most certainly his favorite. That was mine and his Dad Michael's favorite also.

The run to Walmart to get the school supplies. Okay not fun but had to be done before the store ran out of the good stuff.

2 packages of #2 pencils

1 package of eraser caps

1 package of colored pencils (12 count)

1 box of crayons

1 package of markers (8 count)

1 crayon/pencil box

2 boxes of dry erase markers (total of 8)

1 dry marker eraser

1 pair of scissors

1 highlighter

6 glue sticks

1 blue two-pocket folder

1 homework folder, your choice

1 two-inch 3-ring binder

6 one subject spiral notebook, wide ruled with holes (2 red, 2 blue, 2 green)

1 small personal pencil sharpener

1 box of large Ziploc bags (optional)

Okay so that is the supplies .... remember the day when city taxes covered most of these items.

Poor kid the whole time I hate school speech. At least it is over with and we can now just come up with fun things to do to keep Jeffrey so busy that he doesn't really think to much about school.

That said, what to do for the next couple of weeks. Lots of trips to local beaches, and play dates with friends. A break from the math and reading work I have had him do all summer. No choirs, just freedom to pretty much do whatever his little heart desires.

One more trip this summer to Newport RI to visit the mansions hopefully he wont be bored. Jeffrey just likes to take little trips so it should be good. He gets to eat out on these trips. One of his favorite things to do so it is all good.

For the rainy days before school starts again, video games and trips to the movies. Taking friends in tow when possible. He gets to play video games only when weather is bad during the day. Other wise only a night time thing. Kids don't seem to get outside enough these days. Jeffrey prefers to be outside, grateful for that. Hope it sticks even when he is older.

Other things we plan to do is to take Jeffrey into different cities to look at local history. We live in the greater Boston area which of course is rich in American history. He did a school report this past year on Paul Revere so it is wonderful to be able to take him to where Paul made his famous ride yelling "the British are coming, the British are coming"!

Of course we'll have to take him to Quincy Market. Busy little square with lots of stores, food to try, flower stands and street performers to watch. Boston is an incredible place to visit, so much to see and do there. Sure glad I don't live there. Much prefer small city or town living, more my pace. It is grand fun to go and watch the people, see the buildings and all the different stores.

For the most part just letting him be a kid. Playing in the neighbor hood, riding his bike, skateboard or roller blading. With no pressures for the next two weeks until the school year gets going again. Makes me a bit sad that he is off to school yet again, and I wont have my little buddy around to make me laugh. Until he gets home from school of course.

Those are some ideas of how to help kids enjoy the last bit of their summer. Listed below I included some things cousins and friends did over the summer to keep their kids busy.

~ sailing lessons

~ camping trips

~ summer camp

~ circus camp (most cool on this one, never even heard of it)

~ volunteer work at animal shelters

~ visit VA hospitals to keep veterans company. Teaches our children who the real heroes are.

With that enjoy the rest of your summer, because before we know it the bulky coats, hats, gloves, scarfs, boots and shovels will be back. I don't mind saying yuk, I'm just not a winter person.

Thanks for reading,

Alison Ruth