Celebrating the Summer

Military families love discovering enchanting ways to embrace the summer, creating treasured moments with their children, and weaving a tapestry of love and connection that will last a lifetime. It can be a memorable time of year, full of cherished moments. Military families nationwide have learned to create unique ways of celebrating this vibrant season. From engaging in outdoor adventures to building lasting memories, military families navigate the challenges of military life with resilience and an unwavering spirit of celebration.

Military spouse, Amy Rester, shares her insights with Family about how she celebrates summer with her children. Currently stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), Amy is an Army spouse with three children – Evan (17), Benjamin (14), and Olivia (8).

What are three ways you like to celebrate the summer with your kiddos?

Summertime brings a world of opportunities for us to create unforgettable memories. Here are three of our favorite ways to celebrate:

1. Exploring Local Splash Parks and Enjoying Pool Time:

To kick off the summer season, we love visiting the delightful splash parks in the local area. These vibrant and refreshing spaces provide endless fun for kids. In addition, we are fortunate to have a pool right in our backyard. It has become a cherished tradition for us to gather by the pool, enjoying barbecues and creating lasting memories.

2. Creating Backyard Camping Adventures:

One summer, we decided to bring the excitement of camping right to our backyard. We set up a spacious tent, transforming our outdoor space into a magical campground. Weather permitting, the kids get to experience the joy of sleeping under the stars, and we all enjoy exploring nature right at our doorstep. The backyard camping adventures have become a source of laughter, storytelling, and bonding for our family.

3. Engaging in Community Events and Festivities:

Summer is a time when our local community comes alive with events and festivities. We make it a point to attend as many of these as possible, as they offer great opportunities for our children to have fun, learn, and socialize. Whether it’s outdoor concerts, farmer’s markets, or community celebrations, these events help us connect with other military families and create lasting friendships.

If there is one piece of advice you could give a new mom when it comes to celebrating the summer, what would you say?

My advice to new moms is to take full advantage of your local splash parks in your area. These parks are not only a fantastic way to beat the summer heat but also provide an opportunity to connect with other military spouses and their families. Summer is the perfect time to forge new friendships and create a strong support network within the military community. It’s a beautiful way to share experiences, exchange tips, and form lasting bonds extending far beyond the summer season.