When I think about summer 2017 two things come to mind, preparation and fun. This summer I need to prepare for baby number 2, but at the same time, this is the first summer my daughter is old enough to enjoy! I also feel the need to make it extra special for her before her new sibling arrives- last summer as an only child!

Being a meteorologist in North Texas, summer isn’t one of our busier seasons. The 10 day forecast is full of sun and heat. This is the time of year I use most of my time off and have several activities planned for our family. We most recently returned from vacation in Hawaii. My daughter got the experience the beach and dolphins for the first time, she was in heaven!

While we can’t do trips like that all the time, I’m planning trips closer to home. My daughter loves to explore and my husband and I love showing her new things and places. Watching her experience things for the first time brings us so much joy. She always gets so excited and says “wow” with a big smile!

I’m also all about the free activities. Our library is great, they have a tons of educational programs geared for her age group. If you haven’t been to your local library yet, I highly recommend looking into what summer activities and reading programs they offer. We also have a community center that offers swimming lessons. We are hoping to spend Saturdays at the pool.

The age gap in my children will be 22 months. My goal is to get my oldest almost potty trained and in a “big girl bed”. We’ve got some work to do though, she is scared of sitting on the toilet and I know the first nights in her new bed she will be trying to escape from her room. I don’t want to buy another crib or have to double my monthly diaper shipment! The crib needs to be moved into the empty nursery. I also have to decorate!

Life gets faster and busier every day. When I look back at summer 2017 I want to remember that I enjoyed every second. Every day with my daughter is amazing, so whether we are playing at the pool or struggling with potty training I know this will be a summer to remember!