Thirteen Things for Summers End

1. Enjoy Nature- take your child fishing, kite flying, or on a walk to enjoy the last of the warmer days.
2. Get ready for school- have a Back-to-School fashion show for your children to try on clothes from last year or clothes bought ahead to make sure they will still fit.
3. Don't forget the shoes- i try to buy 2-3 sizes ahead, but they may not always fit across different brands. Have your children try on shoes to make sure they have gym shoes and school shoes ready to wear.
4. Safety First- check your smoke detectors and fire alarms. replace batteries as needed. Create an escape plan that all members of your family can follow.
5. Outerwear check- make sure you have the proper coats, jackets, sweaters, ponchos, raincoats in the sizes that your family will need this fall.
6. Vehicle Check- Make sure your vehicle is up and running smoothly. Get your oil changed and keep a full gas tank. Get your fluids and brakes checked to be sure everything is up to par!
7. Stock up the refrigerator- make sure to buy healthy snacks that are quick to prepare. Make ahead pancakes or waffles or muffins and freeze them for early school mornings.
8.Fill your water bottles. Keep plenty of cold, fresh water handy to grab on the go. With school, practices, and meetings you will want to stay hydrated on the go!
9. Check shot records and physicals- not just for your children but your pets as well.
10. Check car seats and make sure your child still meets the height and weight requirements for that seat. Check your states law and make sure you have everyone secured properly.
11. Schedule a family meeting to coordinate schedules and plan meals. Meal planning cuts down on the rush and anxiety as well as the extra expense of drive-thru food. Remember to add breakfast and after-school snacks to your grocery list.
12. Remember your child's teacher with a note of appreciation or a gift basket of goodies for the first week of school.
13. HAVE FUN!! Enjoy the last days of summer before the cool weather strikes.