I used to think that if I could only follow a schedule I would be doing things right. That's how the summer would be amazing.

Last summer I was ashamed and felt bad about myself for not being able to follow the schedules and routines I saw on Pinterest and other people's blogs. If they could do it, why couldn't I?

What I realized is, I didn't really want to do it.

When I spent every other day of the summer hauling the kids and all their gear to the beach, zoo or museum, I got burnt out.

This summer, I am doing things differently.

We don't have a schedule. Well, except for important things like eating, sleeping and quiet time.

We aren't going a million places.

Tuesdays we go to grandma's and play at her beach. The girls take a quick shower while my husband makes dinner. This way we're not in a hurry. We get to take our time and enjoy a leisurely beach day.

We have impromptu dance parties. They make crafts out of the recycling. We play in the backyard. We go for bike rides. We talk Barbie. We eat a lot of ice cream. Sometimes we even make s'mores (though we do it when it's still light out).

Some rainy days, the kids lie around on the couch all day.

I pay attention not only to the kids' needs, but also to my needs. When they don't want to play outside but I do want to be out there, I go on the deck. I can feel the sun and the breeze and hear what's going on, while also enjoying the beautiful weather.

Sometimes they don't do what I wish they would, but that's OK. I don't want to control their every moment.

And when they want me to put on my bathing suit and have a water fight, my first instinct might be to say no — but I say yes. It's worth it because I love running around the yard with them and hearing their laughter and shrieks of joy.

We're never in a rush. We do things at our own pace.

That's what makes summer fun for us.

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