Reflections on Summer – Mommy Blogger

08/28/2018

Elyse Lalonde has always called Saskatoon home. She started on the motherhood journey in the Summer of 2015 when she had her son. Elyse is a working mom, always seeking a fine balance in life with a busy toddler. As a MommyConnections “alumnus,” she enjoys socializing with moms and babies her son’s age. Elyse has always enjoyed writing and journaling, and hopes to share her experiences (good, bad, and sarcastic) with the online parenting community in Saskatoon

When you have a little one, Summertime is just the bees-knees. I can send my dude outside to play, to get creative, and have him explore the natural word around him (albeit, urban nature from the comfort of our fenced suburban yard).

There’s so much to explore, and so much to see, right in our own city! And you don’t have to go far from home to have a fun time.

This summer, we’ve been to the zoo, and the park(s) next to the zoo. We’ve gone to the Berry Barn, Kinsmen Park, the River, the Lake, the Train Museum, outdoor pools, spray parks and various playgrounds. We’ve tried out local ice cream joints, mini golf, hung out in the backyards of friends, frequented the Farmer’s Market and its fun park, and the list goes on!

My son enjoyed all these activities, which surprised me because they all seemed so simple. Before having him, I would do most of these activities on my own or with my spouse, but it was nowhere near as fun as with our son. Through the eyes of a toddler, everything seems new and exciting. It made me realize that I have taken for granted the simple pleasures that can be frequently enjoyed in our own city. Who knew that the Farmer’s Market could be so much fun?

Flipping back on the last few months’ worth of photos on my phone are proof that adventures can be had almost anywhere. Which is great, because we didn’t have any big plans that would take us too far from home this summer.

There are so many things to be thankful for with the summer. I think the best thing about the season is not having to put on socks or runners, or sweaters or jackets. Just simplicity in exiting the house- no extra calculated time is needed for the bundling up of a toddler (although, keeping extra minutes handy in case of an impending temper tantrum is always a good idea…)

The only bad part about summer is that it comes to an end at every season- and fairly quickly, it seems. Suddenly you look at a calendar and realise it’s late August, and the best of the season is behind you. I find it disheartening to watch the leaves suddenly turn orange and fall from the trees. I cringe when I start to notice the chill in the air. But by the start of September, my motivation is still high, and so I begin to review my list of fun indoor activities to kick off our fall schedule.

All in all, there are awesome things about the summer in general, no matter what your plans are. Happy end of Summer everyone!