Springtime, especially here in Maine, is an exciting time. After a long and cold winter, spring
means we get to start shedding layers and enjoying more sunshine and it means warmer
weather is on its way. Our weather in Maine can still be unpredictable, so taking advantage of
warm days is a must. One of the best parts about where we live is truly experiencing four
seasons. While it's not quite time for our favorite swimming and boating season, there is still so much fun to be had. We love making a spring bucket/to-do list - here are ten activities to add to
your family's bucket list this spring!

Temperatures have been in the 50's here (which pretty much feels tropical)! Over the weekend we stopped at Aroma Joe's for refreshing frozen drinks. The boys each got a frozen lemonade, and I had a strawberry smoothie and they were so yummy! I'm a big fan of Aroma Joe's because their drive-through makes it easy for busy moms, and while my boys feel like they're having a special treat, I feel better knowing that their new line of lemonade is made with real lemons, no artificial colors or flavors and is non-GMO. Stop by (or drive-through) your local Aroma Joe’s to sample the new tasty lemonade products, available in still, sparkling and frozen or customize with flavors such as lavender (ONLY AFTER MAY 1), blueberry or raspberry.

My boys are so excited to get out and fly a kite. Such a fun, simple and fairly inexpensive activity
for the family. Find an open field and get a colorful kite (preferably with streamers) and you are
set!

I've been a baseball fan since I was a kid, and there's something special about taking in a ball
game; the hot dogs even taste better at the ball fields. We are lucky enough to have a minor
league team just down the road.

We tend to make simple milk jug feeders, but if you look on Pinterest you will find tons of DIY
bird feeder ideas for any age. Pinecones, milk cartons, soda bottles, apples, and paper towel
holders are all great options for a feeder base.

We are fortunate to live on the coast of Maine. We are spoiled by our opportunities and access
to the ocean. While summer may be the most popular time to hit the beach, a warm spring day
can be ideal for exploring new areas. My boys always spend hours running the beach and
studying sea-life.

Throw some snacks in a backpack and hit the trails. Mud season here in Maine requires boots
but it's a great time for a hike. Whether you hit a local mountain (for us Bradbury Mountain is a
go-to spot) or you explore nature preserves, enjoying a spring hike is therapeutic. You also won't
overheat (at least in Maine) and you won't have to deal with bugs; win-win.

Jumping in mud puddles is a rite of passage of childhood. With three boys, thinking about the
laundry pile makes me cringe, but seeing the smiles on their faces makes it all worth it. With all
the melting snow we have no shortage of puddles here in Maine and my boys have been taking
full advantage.

We aren't particularly artistic in this house, but the great thing about sidewalk chalk is that
anyone can do it, and anything goes. We've had an icy driveway for months, and the idea of
having one that is colorful, filled with names and doodles and tic-tac-toe games is exciting.

Pulling the bikes out is a true sign of spring. Whether you’re headed to school, the store, the
library, or to grab a snack, swapping out a bike ride for a car ride is a great way to get some
exercise, fresh air and adventure. For my oldest, biking to school is also a perfect way to ensure
he's got his wiggles out before he sits in his chair.

We've been doing garden boxes with veggies and flowerbeds for the last few years and the boys
love the whole process. While we don't start everything from seeds, it's definitely their favorite part. I also love the ownership and responsibility they take with watering the seeds and checking on the progress.

​What are your favorite springtime activities? Leave a comment with all your fun ideas and don’t
forget to swing by Aroma Joe’s to satisfy ALL your drink desires!

Big thank you to all free clear for sponsoring this post and encouraging us to be #freetobe a kid this summer!  

School is almost out in our neck of the woods, and I couldn't be more excited!  We've waited so long for this glorious summer season here in Maine, and we plan to embrace every minute of it!  While I like our routine during the school year, summer will be a nice change of pace and a great time for my guys to be #freetobe a kid with lots of unstructured play and time outdoors before my oldest heads off to full-day kindergarten in the fall.  While we have a blast exploring our great state, some days it's nice just to have fun at home.  Here is our list of fun  things to do at home summer:

1.  Build a garden or even do a few potted plants and let the kids water and tend to them everyday 

2. Do a car wash

3. Collect items in nature i.e. sticks, leaves, pine cones, and create fairy houses

4. Set up an at home water park with a kiddie pool, a sprinkler, and maybe a slip and slide!

5. Make shift water tables and sand box with plastic bins 

6. Make your own popsicles and eat them often 

7. Buy a treat from the ice cream truck when it comes around the neighborhood 

8. Sidewalk chalk fun

9. Set up your own golf course in the yard

10. Make your own bubbles with 1 cup of distilled water, 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap and 1 tablespoon of glycerin

11. Set up a lemonade stand

12. Nature rubbings 

13. Set up a bike obstacle course in the driveway or a traditional obstacle course is in the yard

14. Camp "out" in the yard 

15. Have a camp fire and set up a s'more bar with creative fillings

16. Invite friends over

17. Dig in the dirt

18. Street hockey game in the driveway

19. Do a bubble paint project

20. Spray bottle chalk paint

21. Water balloons

22. Create a scavenger hunt for the kids

23. Have a picnic

and on rainy days......

24. Make an at home movie theatre

25. Play card games like go fish or board games like candyland

26. Sensory bins

27. Build a fort with sheets blankets and other items around the house

28. Bake or cook something with the fruit & veggies from your garden- we love to make this zucchini bread (note we add dark chocolate chips)

29. Make your own play dough and play with it

30. Make milk carton bird feeders

The end of a fun and messy day requires a bath, and usually several loads of laundry! The NEW  all Free Clear works wonders on all of our grass, chalk, lemonade, paint and others stains of the day.  The great part is that it is safe for sensitive skin (like my little Calvin), it's free of perfumes & dyes, it's cheaper than other leading brands, and its super versatile (use it on your upholstery, carpet, patio furtniture, and anything else that takes an extra beating with the kids home this summer :-) 

If you want to put all free clear to the test with your summer stains, be sure to print this $1 off coupon!