The first few days of a new school year have passed, but according to the calendar — and thermometer, summer days linger. While celebrating a fresh year of school, don’t forget to continue making summer memories, like another trip to the ocean, one more watermelon, or sprinkler fun on a hot day. In addition to those warm-weather activities, try some of these holiday suggestions or create family ones of your own.  
    Wiggle Your Toes Day — Stretch this holiday to last the entire month and find lots of ways to wiggle your toes together. Wiggle them in the sand at the beach, in the soil when planting a bed of flowers, in the grass just before mowing, or in the bathtub. For extra fun, turn on a family movie and let each family member soak his or her weary feet in a pan of warm, sudsy water. 
    National Trail Mix Day — Pick a day for a family hike, locally or at a nearby park. The night before the hike, work together to create resealable bags of trail mix for each walker. Line the counter with bowls of nuts, pretzel sticks, dried fruit pieces, raisins, bite-sized crackers, miniature chocolate chips, marshmallows, peanut butter chips, and white chocolate chips. Spoon small amounts of each ingredient into the bags; seal and save for the hike. The next morning, grab water bottles and trail mix bags and head out for a hiking adventure.
    National Napping Month — Check out Google or the public library for cute children’s books about napping. Gather a few bedtime stories, spread blankets on the den floor, have a read-a-thon of books, then take an afternoon nap. 
    Blame Someone Else Day — Reminisce past family memories with a fun game around the dinner table. Take turns telling a story about a family member, but give the main character someone else’s name in the family. Other family members blurt out the real culprit of the action as soon as they know the answer. Try sharing stories of other family members or friends, too. Then talk about the value of telling the truth and encourage each family member to have an integrity-filled school year.
    National Waffle Day — Buy frozen waffles and fresh fruit to celebrate this yummy holiday one morning for a breakfast treat. Cut fruit into very small pieces. With clean hands, a partner, and a thawed waffle, take turns placing fruit pieces in the waffle indentions. The object of the game is to be the first person to have four of the same fruit pieces in a row, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. The winner can sprinkle powdered sugar on the fruit-filled waffle and enjoy a breakfast treat. Keep playing until each person gets to enjoy their own waffle for breakfast.
    Just because the roads are littered with yellow buses in the mornings and afternoons, don’t give up quite yet on summertime fun. Find time to make lots of warm memories with those you love to treasure into the fall, and plan now to make this the best school year ever!
   
    Statesboro native Julie Bland Lavender is married to David Lavender and enjoys celebrating with children Jeremy, Jenifer, Jeb Daniel, and Jessica.