Here we are: a month into summer, living out our goal of an old-fashioned summer. If you have followed me for the past few years, you know that we move to the lake full-time in the summer. I love this time of year for many reasons, but especially because summer at the lake provides our girls a glimpse of the good ol’ days. At the lake, they learn how to unplug.
Yep, you guessed it. Very few electronics, no TV, and no wifi. Disclaimer: I have wifi, but the girls have no idea it exists at the lake. And that’s okay!
So, what does an old-fashioned childhood look like? It looks like no alarms, no camps, no playdates. Life happens outside. Your only clothing options are play clothes or swim clothes. There’s no need for shoes other than sandals. Old-fashioned summer is playing with your sisters, enjoying the outdoors, figuring out your own entertainment, and being bored. (And Lord help us all: do not ask for another snack!)
We host a lot of friends who enjoy our happy place. We love the lake because we love to share it with others. The girls see their friends on the weekends and show off their surf and ski skills.
It’s funny how often I get asked: “How do you stay here all week?! Do they fight? Don’t they miss home and their friends and camps?”
Yes! They fight. They make me nuts. But guess what? They would do the same at home.
The lake is the girls’ happy place as well. They don’t miss home and they don’t miss being in town. Sure, they will get older and their preferences may change, but for now, I’m soaking it in, loving these days. I hope we have many, many years of the same old-school summers.
Guess what? You, too, can create the summer you dream of for your family and friends. Go get it! Put down the electronics, camps, and playdates and just go old-school. I promise you won't look back!