Summer Stylin'
With the Fam

Well dearest ones, it's June and we all know what that means! Wedding season (been there, done that), Father's Day (there's still time to shop! Must find extra-large bow to go on gift for hubby dear) and Graduation. Ah, yes. Graduation! Most people flash back to high school—the processional, the speeches, the mortarboards and black robes. (Hmm, having my own flashback here. While all the other girls sweltered in dresses, hose and heels under their black gowns, I remained calm, cool and collected—in a lovely shirred maillot and black wood-sole sandals! Quite convenient for the traditional après ceremony dip in the school pool! And while all the other girls spent the rest of the evening in dripping wet dresses, I was fresh and fetching in the gorgeous belted tunic I had stashed in my tote bag. Yes girls, it pays to plan ahead!)

And speaking of graduation, we just experienced the first in what can only be dozens of commencement ceremonies for years to come. I am speaking of the all-important preschool graduation, with its attendant pomp and circumstance. (And considering the fact that my little darling is in his first year of preschool, we will be able to enjoy the experience all over again next year!) As a rookie preschool mom I was completely unaware of the significance of this event. I figured mortarboards made of construction paper, a Fisher Price tape recording of the graduation march and punch and cookies in the courtyard while mingling with the other parents. That is, until I received the engraved invitation, RSVP card, and reminder that my voluntary (read: mandatory) $100 donation for a "little memento" for the teacher was due. Apparently my khaki capri's, flirty suntop and sassy new espadrilles will not be quite up to snuff since the invitation specifies "cocktail attire". Guess it's time to break out the LBD and killer heels, which I would normally be thrilled to have an excuse to wear, but somehow loses its appeal when combined with sticky little fingers and punch moustaches. Well, at least my hair will look great!

So, summer break has officially begun! All twelve weeks of it. Which can be a bit daunting when you are used to the kiddies spending most of the day at school or day camp! So what's a mommy to do with the little ones under foot all day? With a toddler and a new baby, my options this summer are a bit limited, but I'm determined to avoid being house-bound all season! So here's my summer guide to fun with the fam, as well as tips for staying stylish in the process:

• Plan a weekly Park Day with other moms and tots. (I can tell that this is going to be my salvation this summer!) Pack a picnic lunch, sand toys, Frisbees, and plenty of sunscreen. Our group meets every Tuesday at around 10:00 a.m. before it gets too hot. The kids run, shout, jump and play, we eat our picnic lunch just before we leave and the little ones are more than ready for a nice long nap once we get home! A summery skirt and top and casual sandals or ballet flats (think: pushing swings, waiting at the end of the slide, etc.) are perfect for cavorting with the kiddies.
• Make homemade ice cream. One of the best family investments we ever made was a great electric ice cream maker! Or do it the old fashioned way with a hand crank model and let the kids all take turns turning the crank.This is something even the tiny ones like to help with. This cheerful sundae dish set makes devouring the yummy confection even more fun!
• Backyard Bubbles. Make giant bubbles. This activity is best if the little ones all wear their swimsuits. They can get as sticky and gooey as they want, then turn on the sprinklers and let them play in the spray till they are squeaky clean! Join in the fun mom! This gorgeous halter and swim skirt will see you through many a backyard water fight! And if you are feeling a bit squidgy (hey, my baby is only three month's old!) toss on a super cute coverup!
• Driveway Art Display. Grab a bucket of sidewalk chalk and let your little ones release their inner Picasso! This is a great after-dinner activity. The weather has cooled a bit and you can keep an eye on them from the comfort of your lawn chaise, frosty cold drink and juicy summer novel at hand.
• Turf Target Toss. Set up a beanbag target toss on the lawn. Help the kids make these fun and squishy beanbags. Brush up on your juggling skills and really impress the neighborhood kids!
• Make a nature t-shirt. This has turned out to be so popular at my house that we make tee
• shirts for birthday parties, family reunions and holidays too!

Summer Style:

One of your best summer investments will be a great denim skirt. Not too short, not too long, juuuuust right! Paired with a floaty, flirty top and not-your-mama's footwear and you will definitely be the envy of all the other moms at the playground (believe me, there is nothing chic about bike shorts and baggy tee shirts)! A little summer bronze can go a long way too.

Just wanted to share a few fabulous summer finds! Your tiny tot will be adorable in these wonderful onesies from festastuff! While you're at it, grab a whimsical tee for yourself! These cute as a button hair ties are just the ticket for keeping your little one's locks under control. One of my best baby finds—these oh-so-cute babylegs! They are perfect for a little one just learning to crawl—keeps those tiny knees cushioned and safe. And they are perfect for when the air conditioning is just a bit too nippy for your babe—I like to keep a pair in the diaper bag because every restaurant, movie theater and museum has the thermostat set at about 60°!

For when it's just too hot to be outside:

• Head to the local cinema for a great family flick! There's nothing like a nice, air conditioned theater, a bucket of popcorn and a large Diet Coke to cool you off!
• Make a fort. Let the kids drape sheets and blankets over the dining room table to make their own hideaway. Earn serious cool-mom-brownie-points by letting them eat lunch in the fort (spread a sheet or beach towel out to protect the floor). This is also a fun idea for sleepovers!
• Keep an art bin handy and filled with art supplies. Colored paper, crayons, glue sticks, pom poms, pipe cleaners, popsickle sticks, markers, etc. Here's a great website for fun art projects.
• Check out the local library. Most libraries have summer reading programs for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens. There are also story hours and other summer programs.

Great websites for more summer fun ideas:

• www.funology.com
• kidsdomain.com
• familyfun.com

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