It’s summertime in Texas! And that means the heat is ramping up. My little hooligans have become sissified, though and are out-right refusing to go outside. What the heck!?!? It’s only 90 degrees… And it’s only getting hotter. I blame Colorado.

We spent all of last summer in the crisp, cool shadow of the Rocky Mountains. It was glorious. And it made my kids think that summer is a breeze, unlike the pit-of-hell we Texans are accustomed to. Oh, well. This summer we are staying put, so they better get used to it.

We have gotten creative with some cooling-down strategies for outside play. Here are some ideas we are trying this summer:

– Water guns

– Water sidewalk chalk – Wetting the patio first makes the colors more vibrant and the patio cooler.

– Sprinkler play

– Bucket o’ water – I know, it sounds stupid but they never tire of pouring, splashing and dunking their toys.

– Water balloons

– “Surprise! Mama’s got the hose!” – I like to sneak attack them when they are fussing about the heat. It cools both mind and body. And gives us a good laugh.


You got any good ideas? I’d love to hear them!