June 21 is the day of the summer solstice this year.  I love to follow the solar and lunar calendars.  Being reminded of our little blue marble of a planet floating in the universe somehow makes the issue of who left the marbles laying on the playroom floor seem a wee bit less urgent.

School is almost out, and I’m in the mood to relax the rules and loosen our routine. 

Here are some ways to celebrate the longest day of the year.

Make popsicles–there’s nothing like a frozen treat on the longest day of the year.  I’m going to try to make mojito popsicles with fresh mint and lime.  Mmmmm. 

Eat outside–grab a blanket and keep it simple.  Finger food.  Fruit, veggies, cheese and bread.

Take bathtime outside–move the bedtime routine outdoors and wash off the sunscreen in a splash pool. 

Sleep outside–put a tent up in the back yard, read a stack of books with a flashlight and sleep under the stars.

Go to bed super late–one of our advent calendar gifts for the kids was a gift certificate that entitles the bearer to one super late night.  This is the time to use it.

Night walk–get out the flashlights and take a night walk through the neighbourhood.  Use all your senses to take in your world at night: smell the flowers, listen for the owls and raccoons, touch the dew on the grass, let your eyes get used to the dim light and taste night air.