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It’s August! That moment has arrived to reevaluate those ambitious summer plans. Each June, I conjure up an intricate mental checklist of activities I want to share with my kids over the summer (written lists? Not this year). If my plans had a title, it might read something like, “Grand Aspirations to Enrich My Children’s Minds While Preventing Them from Destroying Expensive Electronics.”
A highlight on that list was to explore various museums and historical sites in our vicinity. Living just outside of Philadelphia, we have a treasure trove of cultural experiences right at our fingertips. Recently, I excitedly announced our day trip to the art museum (the same one my son merrily dubs “the place where Rocky sprinted up the steps”). My kids were thrilled (because, of course, it’s where Rocky ran), making it easy to get them on board.
However, we never reached the art museum. On our way, my daughter spotted a sign for the Eastern State Penitentiary—“the world’s first true penitentiary”—which, though no longer operational, offers tours that can terrify little ones (and their parents). I agreed to a quick detour, thinking it would be a brief visit…
Three unsettling hours later, we emerged from the penitentiary, having purchased a soft pretzel from a vendor who may or may not have been officially selling them, and headed home.
So, did my kids grasp the contrasting styles of Impressionism and Realism as I envisioned? Did they get a glimpse of Pop Art? Not quite. But they did learn about terms like “solitary confinement” and “death row,” not to mention “gangster” and “life sentence.” Valuable lessons, right? Oh, and I must mention that a prisoner had painted murals in the chaplain’s office years ago, so they were exposed to some art after all. Phew! That’s one item I can check off my list!
This experience led me to reflect on the other lofty plans I made back in June, which I’ve since adjusted as we approach the last month of summer. Here are a few highlights:
New Culinary Adventures!
June Plan: Let’s dive into the wonders of quinoa and the thrill of Swiss chard! Who needs chicken nuggets and fries when we can explore the Mediterranean diet?
August Revision: Let’s stick with the classics!
Literary Exploration!
June Plan: Treasure Island! Moby Dick! Little House on the Prairie!
August Revision: …or maybe some soon-to-be classics!
Math Fun!
June Plan: Weekly reviews with workbooks and online games.
August Revision: What’s 9×8? Or 8×9? We good?
Volunteerism!
June Plan: Search for a local soup kitchen or retirement community to lend a hand.
August Revision: Quick! Hold the door for that lovely old lady!
Organization? More like OrganizaFUN!
June Plan: Let’s clear out, organize, and redecorate those bedrooms!
August Revision: Can you just make your bed, please?
Crafty Projects!
June Plan: It’s the perfect time to start a new hobby—how about sewing?
August Revision: Maybe next time?
Family Nights!
June Plan: Board games, puzzles, and sing-alongs!
August Revision: Let’s just watch TV in the same room tonight, shall we?
The summer of 2023 is almost wrapped up, but I have BIG plans for 2024. First on the agenda: that art museum where Rocky ran up the steps!
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In summary, as summer winds down, it’s a great time to reflect on our plans and adjust expectations. Whether it’s a detour to a historic site or simply watching TV together, making memories is what truly counts.
Keyphrase: summer plans revision
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