Summer, Swimming, and S’Mores

There are so many things to love about summer.  Mostly, though, I love that our day-to-day living gets slightly more relaxed.  Dinner time is less rigid.  As is bedtime.  And there is the teensiest bit of exhaling.  Juggling summer camp and babysitter challenges notwithstanding, of course.

Because, man, that is totally not relaxing in the least.

But let’s all let out a deep breath and exhale.  While we can.

One of our Summer Bucket List items was swimming lessons for Madeline.  Over the last few years, as I’ve watched how she approaches water, it is much like her personality in general.

The last three times we went to Hershey Park, she stood on the side of the pool, at the five foot marker, and jumped in.  Without waiting to make sure someone was there to catch her.  Without looking around to see where I was.  Without hesitation.

That’s exactly how she approaches life.  Dives.right.in.

And that’s exactly why she’s in swimming lessons.  Because she’s going to give me a heart attack without them.

Her brother, Nick, and his approach to water and life, is completely different.  He’ll hang on to me until the very last second.  Look all around.  Go over the scenario in his mind.  Ask questions.  Look for reassurances.  And then slightly edge his way towards the water.

Much how he is with life in general.

Over the past few years, he has definitely spread his wings a bit more.  Diving from The Ex’s hands into the lake.  Soaring deep down to the sandy bottom to look for shells.  Holding his breath under water. (The below sequence is Nick swimming under water)

One of them is completely fearless with everything.  The other is much more cautious.

It always fascinates me how different siblings can be from each other.  Two kids, raised under the same household, same parents, same rules.  Could not be more different.  It’s the same way with my sister and I.  And I’m sure many of you.

If summer time means swimming, it also means s’mores.  Nick had a scout sleepover a few weeks ago, and s’mores at the campfire were a given.  And Madeline had her first camp sleepover too (tagging along for Nick’s outing).  I do believe she was most excited about peeing in the woods.  And if you know her in real life, you’re not surprised by this.  Talk about embracing life.

I didn’t stay for the sleepover (The Ex is the camping parent, as the kids are fond of saying), so I missed the s’mores.  Luckily for me, Nick and Madeline are fond of making them at home.  Nick has perfected his microwave technique.  You know, since we don’t have a campfire in the backyard.  It is his go-to pick-me-up when he knows I don’t feel well.  What?  S’mores are not the magic cure-all for a migraine or summer sinus infection?  I beg to differ.

The folks at Hershey’s have come up with a new campaign, HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE, inspired to get families together to create their own summer memories … of swimming, seasonal activities, fun ideas, stories, and, of course, s’mores.  You can check out their facebook page right here for fun ideas to get you motivated (and share your own summer fun ideas as well).

This post is part of my participation in the HERSHEY’S CAMP BONDFIRE campaign.  All opinions expressed are my own.  But you guys know that already.