Half Over

Though the summer season technically just started (June 21), its half over for school-aged children around these parts as well as the parents (me) who have to rise and shine a wee bit earlier on school days to make sure their tots are tidy.

I know my kids enjoy their lazy, laid back summer days. Though it takes a good week and a half for them to shake their up early school day ritual and it takes about the same amount of time to transform them back into school shape. However, it takes me a little longer than that to get into my mommy school mode after a relaxed summer.

But my morning lemon zinger tea concoction and Good Morning America will help ease me back into the routine. The truth is I am just not a morning person by nature and neither is Jacob. So after dragging myself out of bed I slink onto his room to start tugging on him.

My daughter Robyn, however, is everything I am not naturally—early to bed and early to rise. She functions like a well-oiled machine on autopilot. Many school mornings find her awake, showered, and dressed before I’ve began my tea. She’s a wonder to behold. My morning routine with her usually just includes reviewing her hair, checking to see if she brushed and flossed, and if any pertinent papers need my autograph—the rest is done and in order without fail.

Following Spring Break, I always ask my kids what they want to do for the summer because they are both at that age where not just anything will fly. This year they both had the same reply—nothing! Understandably so from both of them.

Jacob had a troubled school year with an educator his mom rather he not had of the five possibilities—we were both waiting on May since last August. Not that she was a “bad teacher” she just wasn’t right for my son’s personality and learning style and I knew this because Robyn had her before partially. It was my first off teacher experience since becoming a mom and likely not my last but hopefully so. With that in mind all he wanted to do was breathe deep sighs of relief.

Robyn had a busy school year starring in her school’s production of Aladdin, Jr. which began with summer auditions and rehearsals thrice a week, almost every week, from September to April. Then add in her school responsibilities and normal extracurricular activities Girl Scouts, tennis, etc. it made for a very busy year for her and her chauffeur.

Unlike like last summer, when we had several big trips on tap like Wisconsin, Chicago and Myrtle Beach along with our normal mini vacays in Savannah and Tybee, they just wanted to rest up since summer days are so fleeting. Thus we really haven’t done much of anything and they have been completely content with that.

However, we will soon be embarking on one big summer event to reward their success last school year. Our escapade will take us to Orlando for a Sea World adventure while staying at some fandangled resort where they can do most anything while mommy just watches. I pondered a Universal visit but thought better of it with the lines and the July heat. With stops in Savannah, St, Augustine and Coco Beach, I am sure the kids will appreciate doing “something.”

I am sure we will squeeze in some more fun-filled activities like Six Flags, Dave & Busters, Malibu Crossings, and Nickelodeon Slime City before the big back to school day arrives, anything to keep my young one off the box, X Box that is, and the Playstation.

For all you parents of young students, enjoy what may remain of your leisurely summer mornings even if it is only 30 extra minutes or so—they count.

Ohh, and be sure to be on the lookout for back to school sales now, not in the days just before school starts. Some of the best deals are going on, I know because I bought uniform pants, all styles for both girls and boys, on Sunday for $6 per pair. That was a deal I couldn’t pass up especially when my kids grow out of their school gear halfway through the year.