Three weeks into summer vacation and so far so good. Spirits are high and irritation levels are low. The dreaded I’m bored has yet to rear its head, and the children are enjoying each others company.
Whether this will last remains to be seen, but it has been a joy to watch them together these last few weeks.
At the beginning of the holidays we wrote a bucket list. This was the best thing we could have done as we always have the makings of a plan; even if it just involves heading out for ice cream!
The kids are loving ticking things off, and deciding what we do next. And I for one am grateful for the ready-made ideas; ideas that everyone has already bought in to.
Why have I not done this before?!
This weekend we headed to Breakheart reservation for a scoot and a swim (that’s three ticks on the bucket list!) and it struck me that perhaps the biggest difference this year is actually that the wee girl can now keep up with her brothers in everything, or at the very least make a good job of trying.
Last year, scooting to the lake would have been an activity for the boys, with the wee girl confined to the stroller so that we had some chance of keeping her brothers in sight.
This year, she scooted along with them. Well, behind them, but she scooted!
And, this inclusion saves upset and frustration; it makes activities fun for all, no one is left out.
Their bond continues to grow, and seeing the boys wait for their little sister or help her or simply include her makes my heart swell.
And of course, they continue to make wonderful faces as soon as the camera appears, which makes me smile every time.
I hope that the summer vacation continues to cement these sibling relationships, before the chaos of school and preschool descend in September, when it will be all too easy to forget how much they enjoy each others company.
Watching them play together fills me with pride, and I am reminded just how lucky they are to have each other. And how lucky I am to have them.
It must make such a difference now that wee one is scooting rather than being pushed in a stroller. You can see how the three of them are having so much fun together now. By the by just read and pinned your bucket list post – what a fab idea that I must copy asap!
It’s making a huge difference, makes things so much easier, even if we take the stroller on occasions, we don’t need it now :) And, glad you like the bucket list :)
Happy holidays! A bucket list for the summer makes so much difference, doesn’t it? Gives it some goals and purpose I guess, and certainly makes good things more likely to happen than just making it up as you go along (though a bit of that’s good too!)
It really does, it’s already been so much better having ready-made ideas on days where we want to do something. But yes, the making it up is good too :)
Gorgeous photos, all so full of their personalities and their close relationship with one another. I hope the summer holidays continue to be fun and full, great idea to work from a bucket list xx
Thank you Jocelyn, we’re loving the bucket list :)
I always love reading your updates about your cuties as they always look so happy to be in each others company and it’s lovely. They are indeed very lucky to have each other! Xx
Thank you Caroline :)
Oh Sara these are beautiful. They look so adventurous together and having fun. You can tell they all have a great sibling dynamic together even if there is a little competition or bickering for normal siblings. ;) I can’t believe how much they are starting to look alike here too. Beautiful #siblings
Thank you Jenny, they have their moments (!) but they do get on most of the time, and it is lovely to see!
They look like they’re so close and having a lot of fun. And your biggest boy has shot up so much suddenly! Hope the rest of the summer is just as much fun x
He really has! He suddenly looks so grown up :)
A lovely set of pictures Sara. I remember the difference it made when my youngest could properly join in with activities, it made all the difference xx
It is making such a difference, so much easier to go places x
Your guys are so cute! I love the idea of a bucket list too, definitely going to be doing that this weekend. We’ve got another week til the summer break. It seems later than everyone else this year. #mycapturedmoment
Oh, that does seem late, although we get out much earlier over here. The bucket list is going really well, definitely recommend it :)
Ah i love these photos Sara, kids are fab aren’t they never fully co operate when you a taking photos but they are always my favourites x
Nope, never cooperate, but I’m starting to love the funny faces :)
Awwww …. the sibbling love is obvious; what gorgeous pictures you captured. So lovely that your little girl can now scoot with her brothers and that her brothers show consideration for her. May their love continue to grow :-) #MyCapturedMoment
Thank you, I do love to watch how they interact and they are very good together, most of the time :)
Absolutely lovely photos! I love the idea of a bucket list! x #MyCapturedMoment
Thank you! The bucket list is great, really helping to make the most of the summer x
Oh the not getting left behind must make such a wonderful difference. right not Pip isn’t at all bothered that he can’t keep up with his sisters but I can see it being frustrating when he’s a bit bigger. It’s going to make for a wonderful summer for you and the bucket list sounds awesome!
It really does make a difference, a lot less frustration for everyone :)
What a great series, Sara – your children will appreciate this when they are older. Summer bucket lists are great – I created a School Holiday Ideas Jar for my daughter last year and it has been a great success, however I think this Summer we are going to do a Summer Bucket List, with all the things we WANT to do this coming summer (note: I am in New Zealand, so it is our Winter at the moment).
Thank you! The bucket list has been great so far, it’s the first time we’ve done it and I’m kicking myself that we didn’t do it sooner :) Enjoy planning for your summer!
Aww – these pictures are so sweet! It’s lovely that they all get along so well and great that the older brothers look out for their little sister. Hope you’ll all have tonnes more fun for the reminder of the school holidays. #MyCapturedMoment
Thank you, it is lovely to watch :)
Lovely post and pictures – and great to hear you’re having fun. I am sure this will be such a fun Summer and they will really relish the time together. Jess x
Thank you, it’s already been such good fun :)
It sounds like they are doing so well three weeks into the holidays. I love that you have made a bucket list and that it was done together. As much as I don’t want Little E to grow up too quickly, I am looking forward to her being able to keep up with her brother x
It’s bittersweet isn’t it! It’s all going far too fast, but the extra year has made such a difference!
Here’s to more spells of irritation levels being low and good spirits being high! They look so close Sara, it’s a lovely thing to see x
Thank you Annie, we really have had a good summer so far, long may it continue!
What gorgeous photos, it looks like they are really enjoying the summer holiday. Great idea having a bucket list, I might get Little Mr A to do one!
Thank you Tami, they are having fun so far, and the bucket list has been great!
They really are a tight knit bunchy who obviously enjoy each other’s company. Nothing could make you more proud and wonderful to be capturing these moments. #whatsthestory
They do, although they certainly have their moments :) They do make me very proud x
Oh I do the Siblings Project, such a great idea and prompt to get the kids together for a series of shots. These pictures are lovely, your girl is the mini image of you Sara. I hope the dreaded “I’m bored” moan stays away for as long as possible. Thank you so much for linking up to #MyCapturedMoment xx
It is a lovely project. I hope so too, we’re doing okay so far!
Gorgeous photos, life must be much easier now all 3 can scoot places!
Definitely much easier :)
Such gorgeous pictures lovely, you must be really proud of them x
I am, thank you Aby x
Looks like another great day. I love the idea of your summer bucket list, and even more, I love that you are actually making these things happen!
Looks like a fun day :)