Summer is my favorite season, by far! Anyone with me? The world seems to slow down, the kids run around outside, the days are long, and the fireflies light up the night. We have late nights at the neighborhood pool, family movie nights, and more free time to spend with dear friends. It’s nothing short of magical.

Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. For those few months, you’re not required to be who everyone thinks you are, and that cut-grass smell in the air and the chance to dive into the deep end of a pool give you a courage you don’t have the rest of the year. You can be grateful and easy, with no eyes on you, and no past. Summer just opens the door and lets you out.

Deb Caletti, Honey, Baby, Sweetheart

But, all too often, the season is over before I’m ready to let go. We’re buying school supplies and picking out first-day outfits, and I’m realizing I never ate a watermelon outside or had a picnic or drank a Paloma by the pool. A few years ago, after listening to Gretchen Rubin’s podcast on this subject, I decided to be more intentional about summer. Now, we set aside time right after school lets out to think about what we want to do over the summer. What food do we want to eat? What adventures sound fun? Because it’s my list, I also make a space for home projects I want to tackle over the summer. But perhaps the most important section is who we want to spent time with over the summer. Which friends and family members do we want to make sure to see?

This year I’m prioritizing tubing on the Shenandoah (my favorite), visiting a local winery, listening to live bluegrass, and eating soft serve from a local shop. I can’t wait!! What would you like to do this summer? Download the printable below and start dreaming. And please let me know what you decide to do!