I'm so excited about today's post!  For a few reasons -- first, we had a great time creating it and second, it's a post about SUMMER!

For the past few weeks, we've been working on our Summer Adventure List - a.k.a. the summer bucket list. 

We've created a list of fun things to do during summer for the past 12 years.  Once my oldest turned 4, he had a lot of ideas for things he wanted to do and places to visit during summer vacation.  About the same time, my husband and I realized that we wanted to experience a variety of things with our kids while they were still young.  So, we started our annual tradition.

Most years, we just have a list, sometimes colorful or worthy of a place on the fridge, but mostly it's just a list of fun things we'd like to do (along with a few new things to learn too).

But this year, we got creative!

March 22^nd is World Water Day

It's a day for all of us to remember that water is an important resource in our life and clean water is a limited resource for many around the world. 

Everyone can make a difference in preserving this natural resource, even the youngest among us!  In fact, the kids might even teach us adults a thing or two.

 

If there's one thing we have a lot of in our house, it's the kids' artwork.  They are always making such cool projects at school and I never want to just throw it away.  So, I have quite a bit around the house.

 

Lately, some of the most common questions in our house are "Mom, do you know where this country is?" or "I heard about this place on the news/in school, where is it?" 

And with the Olympic Games this summer, I imagine that we'll have a lot more of these geographic questions.

My response "Let's find it on the map."

 

As kids grow up, it's important for them to have their own spaces, learn some reponsibility with regards to taking care of their things, be able to become independent and feel that they are contributing to the family. 

Here are a few ideas for easy ways to change your home environment so that kids can do more for themselves, enjoy their space and help out around the house:

Every year we look forward to summertime at our house!  The excitement of the 'we can do what we'd like' days that we all love to enjoy.  But, of course, the kids do want to do some activities that require us to keep track of what day it is :)  So, here's a quick and easy way to pull together all those papers, camp schedules and items needed for on-the-go summer fun!

Do your kids have their countdown clock for the last day of school started?  Have them help you do one more thing before they ditch their school supplies for bathing suits!  Sort through all their end of year school supplies to see what they can reuse or recycle for next year!

 

It's the official start of Spring, and if you're like me, you're itching to get some of those big chores done around the house.  Getting closets cleaned out, prepping the yard, and cleaning out the clutter -- why not have the kids help during this yearly event. 

It's important for kids to learn some of these yearly chores. 

Here are a few age-appropriate things the kids can do during spring cleaning along with some fun books to read:

How would you like to make a resolution that you know you’ll keep this year?  How about 12? 

I know what you’re thinking, sometimes it’s impossible to keep one resolution, much less 12 - but here’s the plan:  one resolution each month that will help families to become more connected, creative and healthy.  

Welcome to the 'Edventures with Kids' Blog!  We’re so happy you’ve stop by to Discover, Learn & Connect with us.  Some of the regular items we’ll share with you include:

• Exploring Kansas City