Creating Summertime Memories

As a kid, I spent some of my best days on the beach near our summer home in Union Pier, Michigan. In the morning, my parents gave us school work. However, by noon, as the temperature climbed and our cousins waited for us to finish, we were free. Free to swim, free to bike, free to buy candy at the country store. It was wonderful.

30 years later, you can't touch Union Pier's  lakefront property without paying exorbitant prices. My family sold our complex when I was in college but I still I want my girls to experience similar carefree days. 

In Kenosha, they can.

I feel like we have a lakefront resort community in our backyard.

It's the first week of summer vacation. I'm trying to mix fun, sun and school work. Here are a couple of highlights from our day:

1.  Breakfast at the lake:

Common Grounds is my favorite coffee spot and a great way to start the day.

2. Homeschool:  I really like the Charlotte Mason homeschooling methods. I especially like the way she encourages parents to educate kids outdoors. Our science lessons are in the garden and in the picture below my goal was a stress-free math class on a park bench. Unlike in big cities, it's just us. Absolutely delightful.

3. Early Release: By noon, school work is finished. Free time!