One second we are moaning about how long the summer holidays are, the next we are buying new school bags and wondering where the time went.
They say that with children, the days are long but the years are short - and we completely agree!
That's why we are all about embracing as many adventures and experiences as possible as a family. We recently reported on a study which revealed that doing fun things together are essential for creating happy memories for your child.
The great thing is that you don't have to break the bank to find things that spark your child's happiness.
We have compiled a list of fun activities for you (and your family) to tick off throughout the summer that everyone will adore.
Many are free, and all are pretty much guaranteed to awaken your children's natural curious streak and to ensure they build on their zest for adventure, which should last a lifetime.
Just think of all those memories you are creating!
1. Water Balloon Fight
Yes, it is very messy and well, wet...but your children will NEVER forget how funny it was when mum got drenched by that rogue balloon. It's not so different to that night, last week when two out of your three children peed on you in their sleep.
2. Camp in the garden
I remember doing this as a child and it was equally amazing and terrifying at the same time. My mum brought us out hot chocolate and we were always grateful that my parents never, ever reminded us how we crept into their bed at about midnight after an 'incident' with a spider. Whip up a fun, kid-friendly meal like chicken tacos for added zest and watch them munch happily in their own little base camp.
3. Fly a kite
This is old-school fun. It is easy to pick up a kite and it won't cost you the earth. Next, head to a good open space when there is a decent breeze. We love going to Dollymount strand when the tide is out. Then, whoosh, let that beauty soar. Stretch your face to the sky and remember how good life can be.
4. Bowling
Ok, this isn't the WILDEST day out, but my children beg us to go bowling each week. It isn't cheap, but the fun to finance ratio is totally worth it for the odd treat. Laughing at my husband in his bowling shoes is an added bonus.
5. Make a Scavenger Hunt
This is so easy, and again, will cost you barely anything. Last weekend I gave my two scamps a sheet of paper with a list of things to find. They ticked them off as they found them. We had great fun rushing around the garden and then through our neighbourhood to find everything from grey stones to red leaves.
6. Build a fairy house
This is SERIOUS fun (for mums too) We got carried away with these magical ones found on Pinterest. Once you have stones in your garden and you can fashion twigs and moss into all sorts of amazing shapes, you can be pretty sure that the children will be fascinated. You can leave little notes or flowers at the door for the fairies and they usually write back (at 10 pm when you remember with a jolt as you snooze on the couch)
7. Mini Golf
We are big fans of crazy golf in our family. We LOVE doing it when we are on holidays but there are plenty of little courses around the country where you can tee off with your clan. It usually goes hand in hand with an ice-cream afterwards. Just saying.
8. Beach picnic
Do you have memories of racing up and down dunes as a child and having your banana and sand sandwiches?
Even if the weather is cool enough you can wrap up and hit the beach. Skim stones on the sea, collect shells and build sand castles. Pack some delicious but fun meals and sprawl out on the blanket while the kids play frisbee with dad and the baby eats sand. A truly fantastic Irish day out.
You can adjust your family bucket list as it suits your gang's passions and hobbies.
I have started a grown-up one with my partner and have seeing the Northern Lights and mastering Snowboarding on it already - but it doesn't only have to be holiday-related activities - just things you enjoy doing together.
It's a work in progress, but I am determined to nurture my zest for life and to embrace every adventure that comes my way.
