Things To Do With Your Summer Holiday

Mummy likes lists.  You might have gathered that over recent posts.  Her biggest problem is getting Daddy to use them.  He doesn�t like the calendar, he won�t write anything on the shopping list.

It looks like we�ll be opting for the Staycation this year, perhaps the odd night away here and there, or visiting relatives, so Mummy�s putting together a list of things for us to do in that time.

It�s not going to be like the list she has for things for Daddy to do, like mow the lawn, clean the gutters, paint the chicken coop.  No, it�s designed to make sure we don�t waste our time together discussing what we�ll do every day instead of actually going and doing it.  It�s not rigid (the holiday is meant to be fun, after all) so we�ll be able to assess the weather and how we�re feeling on any day.

The list won�t be a Must Do list, because we run the risk then of people being disappointed.  Rather, it�s a list of suggestions or �would-like-to-dos� so we have something to refer to when we�re stuck for ideas.  We read about lots of good ideas, or hear recommendations from  friends, but because we�re not on holiday at the time, we forget.  The List is a �working document,� and as it�s in its inception this summer, we�ll keep adding to it and referring to is as the time goes on.  I think it will really come into its own on the cold, wet days in the autumn.

Anyone is allowed to add to the list.  On the summer holiday, we�re planning to go to a butterfly farm (my idea), go kayaking (Daddy�s idea, and one that involves me and Mummy meeting him at a designated place) and join the teddy bear�s picnic at our local National Trust place (Mummy�s idea, believe it or not.)  It�ll have �regulars� like feeding the ducks, and I think they�ll already planning to take me to a carnival and a fireworks display this year � I was just too small last year.  And we already have panto tickets!

Mummy�s hoping we�ll be specific enough to avoid the usual weekend stalemates where we�ve agreed by 9am that we�ll go for a walk, but it�ll then take hours and lots of tears and huffs (just Daddy!) while we decide where that�ll be.  The Tourist Information Centre has lots of ideas for that sort of thing, with maps for walks and interesting things to look out for en route.  We�re collecting them.

We�re going to stick it on the fridge, so everyone can see it.  I just hope Mummy doesn�t make it too complicated, say if she tries too hard to categorise things � cheap outings, rainy day activities, things to do at home etc.  She�s getting excited about it already.  She has a book for me where she records all my �firsts� and little mementos of things I�ve done, but I have a feeling that might become a more accessible account somewhere in the kitchen, somewhere to remind us of the fun things we�ve done.

Today, we added visiting a soft play place and going to an aquarium, both on friends� recommendations.  No doubt you�ll hear about some of the things in the coming weeks!

Do let me know if you think there�s something I should definitely have on my list.

CB