MOMS TALK: What's on Your Summer Bucket List?

Every summer seems to go faster and faster, so the best defense is to be a better planner. The kids are really out of school less than 2 and a half months, so if you want to make sure you get in all those things you keep saying you'll do this summer, come up with your list early.

If you're short on ideas, here are some starters for easy on-the-rock adventures.

Visit Local Parks:

1. Crawl through the Dragon at the Island Crest Park: In the woods behind (Baseball fields), find the suspension bridge and jump up and down on it (and check out what neighborhoods you end up in if you follow those trails 
2. Explore the trail that goes down to the ravine in the NE quadrant of : Take the bike path from the I-90 Bridge end of the to the East Channel Bridge, or even Enatai in Bellevue
3. Pack up a picnic or bar-b-que and your swim gear and check out each of our great waterfront parks — , , and

Need something a little more challenging?

1. Walk or bike to Seattle and back on the I-90 bridge (wear ear plugs if you don't like traffic noise!)
2. Bike the 13-mile "circle" around the Island on West Mercer Way, to East Mercer Way, and North Mercer Way (this will make you more patient with those sunny day bikers next time)
3. Play tennis at or (or on the courts)

Traditional Must Do's, events you can't miss

1. , July 14 and 15 this year. There is something for everyone--fireworks, boatrides around the island, a youth 3-on 3 basketball tournament, car show, street fair, MIVAL art show, kiddie rides, and more. See here for more details.
2. SeaFair — While there are events all summer long related to SeaFair, the event Islanders look forward to most is the . We can see them from many places right here on the Island such as the Lid Park, the I-90 bridge, and Groveland Beach Park. The Blue Angels perform August 3 and 4 this year. If you have a boat, make up buckets of water balloons and prepare for battle with fellow boaters on the lake as you watch the angels. Note of warning--the driver of the boat usually has their hands full just avoiding collisions, and doesnt' really get to enjoy the Blue Angel's show. 
3. The — Most Sundays you can finda huge variety of fresh produce, and other edibles like cheeses, breads, pizza and ice cream. Food vendors makei it a great lunch stop, and you'll run into lots of friends. 

These jump-start ideas are relaxing, close to home, and cheap. Summer here we come!