Freshly sharpened pencils, unbroken pointed crayons and yellow busses can only mean one thing: schools are back in session and summer is coming to a close. But, hang onto the calendar a little tighter, because summer’s not over — at least, officially. The calendar boasts a few more weeks of summer, and the temperatures most certainly do. 

Be intentional to enjoy warm weekends, warm afternoons and extra-sunlit evenings with the ones you love most with fun activities and some of the wacky, but real, holiday celebrations below. 

➤ Exercise With Your Child Week — We’re halfway through year 2023. How’s your New Year’s exercise resolution going? If you’re like me, mine “went” the first week of January. Now’s the perfect chance to start or resume a healthy exercise time. Why not include the kiddos and create some great bonding moments. Take regular power walks, go for a jog, jump rope, do jumping jacks or include all of the above in a consistent plan with the family to get healthy. Remember to stay hydrated and have fun.

➤ National Motorcycle Week — Does someone in your family own a motorcycle? Celebrate with a leisurely ride in the country one afternoon. If a two-wheeled vehicle doesn’t reside in your garage, plan to read the award-winning chapter book over the next couple of weeks, entitled "The Mouse and the Motorcycle" by Beverly Cleary. While you’re reading, count motorcycles each time you head out the door and talk about motorcycle (and bicycle) safety while you’re driving about.

➤ National Chef’s Appreciation Week — Celebrate this one with an appetizing, culinary-friendly competition. Let each member of the family pick a favorite recipe or choose a new one to prepare and treat the family. Work together to make the dish, but let the “appointed chef” do most of the work to create the dish. After everyone has treated the family to a culinary delight, vote on the favorite dish and present that person with a chef’s hat. 

➤ National Bow Tie Week — Cull the closet of ties and bow ties no longer worn or purchase some new ones to donate to the church clothing closet for someone in need of a wardrobe update. Or donate to someone you know with an upcoming job interview and could use a new tie. 

To continue the celebration, purchase bowtie-shaped pasta, food coloring and vinegar for a fun butterfly craft. Place a small handful of dry pasta in a resealable bag. Add several drops of food coloring and a teaspoon of vinegar. Seal the bag and squish to spread the coloring onto each piece of pasta. Pour the pasta onto a paper towel-lined baking dish to dry completely. Make as many different colors as you’d like to use for the craft. 

Once the pasta dries completely, glue the bowtie shapes onto construction paper to represent the wings of a butterfly. Use a thin, black permanent marker to add antennae. Use a small paintbrush and washable paints to embellish the butterflies’ wings. 

➤ Cherry Popsicle Day — Enjoy a few more popsicles this month to help whisk away the summer days. Eat popsicles in the front and back yard, while swinging on the front porch, and on a blanket on the den floor. Talk about favorite summer memories while nibbling on the cool goodness and share dreams and plans for the new school year. 

Make cool memories on the remaining warm — or hot — summer days and enjoy all of August with the ones you love. Whether you’re a homeschooling family or outside-the-home school family, have a blessed and wonderful school year. Happy August!   

Statesboro native Julie Bland Lavender loves encouraging families to make memories filled with love and fun. She is the author of "365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories" and "Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime."