Here's what we've already checked off the list:
- Trickling Springs Creamery tour. Last week was their Open House and they offered tours of their plant. We only made it part way through because my children found it very boring. In their defense there was a guy asking a lot of questions about organic milk. Not very exciting for a three and five year old.
- Yardsale and lemonade stand. I love a good yardsale. Interacting with people. Making money off things you no longer want or need. What's not to love? My neighbor commented that she wasn't sure where I put all that stuff in a two bedroom townhouse. That's a very valid question. I was slightly embarrassed by how much stuff I had. Also, I would like to say sorry in advance to one of the teachers at Scotland Elementary. A sweet lady picked up my teacher Boyd's bear and commented to her son, "Great! A gift for your teacher for Christmas next year." Nothing like a used stuffed animal to say, "Thanks for all you do, Teach."
- Make family yearbooks. I no longer find joy in scrapbooking, but I want a way to document all our precious memories. I am planning to make photo books (from My Publisher) for the years of 2010-2014.
- OBX! We are Outer Banks people. Our family rents a beach house in Corolla every year and spend a week together at the beach.
- Finish decluttering. Probably more than anything else this is what I'm looking forward to. I am so tired of having things I don't need or don't bring me joy. I am have been working for three weeks on getting rid of the things we don't want in our life anymore. My house has been in a constant state of disarray as I do this. I have piles all over the house to donate, consign, throw away, give to friends...
- Swim lessons. My beautiful Amirah has been afraid of the water for years and I am determined to change that. Yesterday was our first day and it was painful to watch how fearful she was. She refused to participate. Yesterday afternoon my friend, Kelly, let us use her pool and for 30 minutes Amirah and I worked on getting her used to the water. She's excited for lessons today, and I'm hopeful that she will be able to face her fears.
- Splash park. The Second Street playground has a splash park this year and it's really fun. I've noticed when I go there I am often the only white person there. So I take my kids there on purpose. I think we do our children a disservice when we don't expose them to other cultures and ways of life.
- Knoebels. We have never taken our kids here before, but I've heard it's a great place for rides if you have young kids.
- Powerwashing the house. I know this sounds like work, but there is such a satisfying feeling when you've done something like this. It makes me happy just thinking about it.
- Kid's craft stand at the Farmer's Market. Every year our Farmer's Market has a day where kids can sell their artwork. I thought that would be really fun for Amirah to do. I don't have any specific ideas yet... Stay tuned.
- Paint hallway. We want to move by next summer, so we've been working on projects to get our house ready to sell. Our hallway (up the stairs) has been touched by messy fingers for half a decade. Time to touch it up.
- Roller skating. The kids really like going roller skating when we went in the Spring. I thought it'd be fun to try it again.
- Painting in the Park. I'd like to set up a table at Memorial Park with watercolors and paper and start painting with my kids. Then the best part? Invite other kids to make their own creations. Doesn't that sound like so much fun? I love watching kids create.
