Buckets of Summer Fun

In the small shade of my porch I've invested in a beautiful rocking bench.
I topped it with a thick seat cushion. I've planted a pretty mix of annuals and cross my fingers they'll survive.

I've done what I can to make it inviting.

Yesterday, after a summer rain the temperature was tolerable so I went out to watch the kids play.

Every stick was a sword and I answered, "can I ride the go kart?" no less than 10 times.

That all ended when they realized the outside toy bucket collected a notable amount of rainwater cascading from the roof.

Suddenly they were jumping in boots and all. Then stripping down to nothing or next to nothing.

Thank God for country living!

Honestly, when it started I wanted to stop it.
But I stopped myself from stopping it.
I don't want to be the mom that always says "no."

Shoes will dry. The clothes were going to need washing anyway.  Dirty water isn't the worst thing they've gotten into lately.


I want to be the mom that can roll with impromptu fun even if it's messy. They're smiles were so bright and contagious. With a clearance bucket from Target and a little freedom they had at least an hour of harmless summer fun.

There's more fun I want to fit into our summer break but I will remind myself to leave a little blank space for it too.

Local Summer Movie Specials

I can appreciate the nice park days and pool days of traditional summer fun. I'm a bit indoorsy though. And this heat! We all need a break from it from time to time.

Beat the summer heat with the help of your local movie theaters. There's a variety of family friendly movies showing June through August.

Personally, I jot down - the movies I'd be able to sit through - in my planner, on the weeks they're showing to remind myself of the affordable, air-conditioned, activity that can occupy my crew for a couple hours.

Check the calendar links to see what movies they're offering for each week.

Studio Movie Grill, Tyler

Tickets are just $1 - Showings are weekdays at 10am

SMG Calendar

Times Square Cinema, Tyler 

Tickets are just $1 and kids combos available for $3 - Showings Monday-Saturday at 9:30am

Times Square Calendar

AMC Classic, Tyler & Longview

Tickets are $4 and include a Kidspack - Showings are Wednesdays at 10am

AMC Calendar

Jackson Cinema, Jacksonville

Admission is free, seating on a first come first served basis - Showings are on Wednesdays at 10am; doors open at 9:30am

Jackson Cinema Calendar


If you know of any other area theaters offering summer movie specials please let me know and I will get them added to the list.

June - No Words Wednesday