Baby's First Summer

All of this crazy Texas rain is really taking a toll on me. I am thankful that the lakes are full, and that we can actually water our yard regularly this Summer. However, this Momma is ready to start showing her sweet baby boy how much fun Summer is. 

Here are 22 things that I want to do with Jace this Summer:

1. Give him a canvas to paint on and watch him go crazy! I plan on doing this for him on the morning of his birthday, wearing nothing but a diaper.. and paint! I can't wait to watch his face light up when he digs his tiny fingers into the bright colors and creates his own little masterpiece. It will be beautiful, and I will keep it forever.

2. SWIM, SWIM, SWIM! Every day we stare out our window looking at a giant hole in our backyard hoping that it will stop raining long enough for them to finish our pool. Eventually, we will beat the Texas heat in our backyard by enjoying the beauty of splashing and laughing hysterically together. Very cautiously, we will have so much fun teaching our sweet boy how to swim like a little fish.

3. Take him to the Dallas Zoo. I love seeing his face in awe every time he sees a different type of animal. Yet, I'm thinking we better hurry up and get this one out of the way before the serious Summer heat begins. 

4.Take him to the Dallas Aquarium. The Dallas Aquarium is one of my favorite Aquarium's I have ever been to! It's not too big, and not small. It will be the perfect thing to do on a hot, Summer day that will take just enough time out of the day to where he enjoys it and doesn't get too anxious and cranky.

5. Read him as many books as I can. Maybe even visit the Library! I'm hoping to add to his own little supply of books this Summer. I feel like I keep reading the same ones over and over, which I know he doesn't mind, but I sure do. I love reading to him, and doing different voices, sounds, and seeing him look up at me and giggle. I love watching his little mind soak it all in.

6. Pack a Picnic. Ah, who doesn't love a relaxing picnic? I want to pack up and head out to a beautiful park, throw out a big blanket, chow down, lay down, soak in the breeze and sun, and let him pick at the grass and flowers as much as his little heart desires. 

7. Check out a Class together. Maybe a Mommy & Me Yoga, or a fun Music class? If anyone has any recommendations I would love to hear them!

8. Go on a nature walk at the Heard Museum. I just found out about this little gem, and it's right down the street from me! They have six different trails all ranging from .5-1.5 miles, and it's full of wildlife and nature! I can't wait to take him in his baby jogger and enjoy the day outside.

9. Play in the rain. Right now, this is the LAST thing I want to be doing. BUT, it will be nice in the heat of the summer to enjoy dancing and playing out in a night Summer rain. Maybe even sticking out our tongues and catching rain drops.

10. Blow Bubbles/Make our own Giant bubbles. I have never attempted to make my own bubbles, but this is something that I must do. Here is a website with several recipes: http://www.babysavers.com/how-to-make-bubbles/

11. Shop the Farmer's Market. Jace loves fruits and veggies, and I would love to stock up on fresh produce for us. Also, it's such a great place for babies to look at colors and feel so many different textures. I want to let him run his little fingers along the ridges of carrots, and tickle his sweet cheeks with a bunch of fresh parsley; and show him the bright colors of the ruby red strawberries. 

12. Make our own goop. Just like the homemade bubbles, never done it; but ready to try it! I want to see his reaction when he touches it and slides his hands through it. Here is a fun blog that teaches you the story behind it and how to make it: http://tinkerlab.com/goopy-cornstarch/

13. Rangers Game. This is just a must.

14. Boogie Down. We usually do this on a daily basis, or I do at least. I want to take plenty of time to jam to music and dance goofy all around the house.

15. Have baby dates. I want Jace to be as social as he can be this Summer! I want to invite Mommys + babies to have swim dates, lunch dates, park dates, whatever! 

16. Celebrate turning ONE. You can bet that this Momma already has his first birthday nearly planned and ready to go. Of course I know that he will never remember it and could care less, so yes, I'm selfishly doing it mostly for my own excitement. But, I want him to have the best first birthday he possibly can, and I can't wait to share the special day with his closest family and friends. Plus, I can't wait for him to dig into his first Birthday cake and make his Daddy freak out by making a HUGE mess!

17. Perot Museum. I know that Jace is too young to really enjoy the Perot, but it would be a cooler thing to do on a hot Summer day, plus he loves just being strolled in his baby jogger. I've heard the Perot Museum is so much fun and a must-see. So this is on the list mostly for my own entertainment.

18. Build a Fort. I grew up with my Mom making me the most AWESOME forts out of sheets, and anything she could find. I want to do the same with Jace. I want to set up a huge fort with obstacles for him to crawl through and of course, for me to play in as well. Duh.

19. Relax at the lake. As many opportunities as we can get we would love to drive to East Texas and spend time with my side of the family and enjoy my Aunt & Uncles beautiful home on the lake. Jace recently had his first lake and boat experience and absolutely loved it. We can't wait to do it again!

20. Fishing/Camping. This will have to occur closer to Fall when it starts cooling down, but Matthew and I love to go camping, and Jace is getting to an age that I think would be pretty enjoyable to take him and watch Daddy fish, and enjoy a night out under the stars.

21. Make popsicles. I want to make my own healthy, fresh popsicles! It looks like a lot of fun, and will be so refreshing out by the pool.

22. Enjoy an outdoor concert. I would love to set up a blanket on a breezy, nice Summer evening with my sweet hubby and Jace and listen to some fun music. I know Watter's Creek offers concerts during the summer, as well as the arboretum.

If any of you Mommies have any other fun ideas that you want to share that you plan on doing with your children this Summer I would LOVE to hear! Once again, I hope this rain settles down so we can get started enjoying Texas weather as we know it.