Summer Camp, But Why Mommy Style

Who knew that going to the park could get boring? That playing on the playground could become a chore? Who knew that running and jumping could tire you out?


Its summer. (Well technically not summer and it sure doesn't feel like summer here) We are already on our summer schedule activities, gymnastics, play dates, park visits and trips to the zoo. I didn't schedule too much because she's only 3 1/2 and if I'm being honest, I kinda forgot to sign up for some things.

But we've been doing these for a while now and it seems kind of boring. So I'm looking for other activities to break up the routine. I thought even if she's not going to camp, we could have our own camp.

On the schedule are

Nature walks


Map reading


Arts and Crafts




Gardening and landscaping (plus less work for me)*


Trips to the beach*



And most importantly, swimming*


*Note these are pictures from last summer because we haven't actually done this stuff yet.

Back to Reality

The staycation is over. Bubs went back to work this morning. And we are back to our old routine. Well actually the staycation was a preview of our new routine, staying indoors.

The weather has turned cold. The leaves have fallen from the trees. The tundra is ripe for freezing. Winter is coming to my part of the world.

There will still be occasional ventures outside if the thermometer registers above 40. But it will not be the same. We will be bundled up in heavy winter coats with hats, scarves and gloves. Battles will be fought over the clothing options. Sweaters must be worn despite objections.

We will no longer ramble freely in the parks in search of squirrles, chipmunks and deer. There will be no more hikes looking for the perfect leaf. We will not stand on the banks of the river communing with the ducks.

Our journeys now will be ones of imagination. We will build magical castles in the dining room. Our living room will become dinosaur island. We will take our tea next to a volcano with all sorts of wild creatures. Lizards, snakes and parrots will be our companions. Bunny will be the queen of this magical mysterious place and I will happily join her on her adventures.

Queen of the Explorers

Two intrepid explorers set forth from Fort Wauwatosa to brave the wilds of the Menomonee River. They were lead by Bunny, the Queen of Explorers, who has spent many months honing her skills by tracking the movements of some sly dinosaurs.


They were in search of the wildest of wildlife. The cricket, the chipmunk and the duck, oh my.


They could hear the crickets chirping but could not find the elusive insect. All attempts to find him in the tall grass were foiled by this wiley bug.


They searched high and low and found the entrance to the chipmunk's kingdom. But alas, they were denied a glimpse of the royal rodent.


They made one final, futile attempt to find some, any wildlife. They brought out the bread hoping in vain that they could coax a shy duck out of hiding with the promise of food. But the duck would not cooperate.


Bunny, Queen of the Explorers, was tired and ready for a nap. But she did not give up hope that she would find her quarry. She vowed to return to the Menomonee River wilderness another day.