Summer time

Is it just me or was summer a time to relax, sleep late, spend time with your family and just take a break from the fast paced school year? I can't believe how I have to schedule our summer now that the boys have started public school. There is so much being thrown at us for them 'to do' and 'keep busy.' Funny, but when we home schooled it seemed we never had to search for something to do or send the kids off to occupy them. Now don't get me wrong, I can certainly see the advantages to some of the activities and I can see the benefits they will get from them. But, a little stubborn part of me wonders why we can't just let our kids be kids and have fun finding things at home to fill their time. Maybe I'm behind the times and a bit old fashioned in that respect. I will be spending part of my day tomorrow planning out the boys' schedules~~camp at Rock River Christian Camp (3 separate sessions--one for each boy this year--3 trips down to Polo, Il and 3 trips back), summer school (fun classes!), Camp Invention, classes at Blackhawk Tech, Caden's guitar lessons, Ty wants art lessons and Austin wants to look into Space Camp (in Alabama!!) WHEW, wondering when I can schedule time to run through the sprinkler, eat Popsicles, play with friends and take a family trip. Oh well, guess we can't do everything ;o)