Today was officially the first day of summer break, and I’m feeling so proud of the little humans in this house.

At their end-of-year blessing ceremonies, Jack and Ellie were each given a character word chosen by their teachers. Something that reflects who they are deep down.

Jack’s word was “Friendly”—and if you know Jack, that’s just… him. He’s always the first to say hi. The first to invite someone in. The one who makes sure no one’s left out.

Ellie’s teacher chose “Determination” and “Creativity,” and shared that the biblical character who came to mind was Queen Esther—because Ellie is so determined to do what’s right. That got me. And Pudge (yep, that’s what we call her) took it all in with the sweetest smile.

 

Young student in a dress shirt and tie poses confidently on garden path surrounded by rocks and greenery.
A child in a plaid school uniform dress and red flower hair accessory stands on a stone-lined garden path.
Young student in plaid school uniform dress and navy cardigan standing outdoors by decorative garden rocks in fall.
Student in plaid uniform jumper and white shirt with pink flower hair accessory stands in garden setting.
Jackson 1st day of 2nd grade

August 2024

Jackson last day of 2nd grade

May 2025

Ellie 1st day of Kindergarten

August 2024

Ellie last day of Kindergarten

May 2025

 

It’s Monday, it’s June, and we’re officially entering that stretch of summer where the days are long, the fridge is always open, and the “what are we doing today?” questions start before 8am.

Running my own photography business means summer doesn’t exactly slow down. Between editing, emails, prepping client galleries, and shooting associate weddings for Rachael, I needed a rhythm at home that would keep the kids engaged and grounded—while still letting them be kids.

So this year, we’re doing something new—and I honestly love it and can't wait to share it with you!


The Summer Checklist + Mystery Mission System

Each kid has their own laminated daily checklist, displayed in the kitchen and ready to go each morning. They use a dry erase marker to check off tasks as they go. It’s simple, repeatable, and keeps them focused without me hovering.

Here’s how it works:

  • They must complete every task, in order
  • No screen time—none—until the full checklist is finished
  • Once it’s done:
  • TV time becomes unlimited
  • Phone/tablet time is capped at 2 hours per day
  • (They use our old phones—no SIM, just WiFi)

The very last item on their checklist is the Mystery Mission. And it’s not optional.... and oh so FUN!


The Mystery Mission Jar

This might be my favorite part.

We have a big jar filled with 84 laminated cards—72 pre-written Mystery Missions, plus 12 blank cards the kids got to fill out themselves (letting them decide on the last 12 was so much fun! I love how creative they got with choosing their missions).

Some missions are silly. Some are helpful. Some are surprisingly thoughtful. Not every card is “fun,” and that’s kind of the point.

They draw one card a day—no peeking, no trades, no do-overs. Whatever you get, you complete.

It brings in just the right amount of surprise, purpose, and independence… and gives me time to breathe (and edit).

 

A summer bucket list checklist displayed on a white sheet with blue watercolor designs and checkboxes.
A glass jar labeled 'Mystery' sits on a wooden table with a chalkboard visible in the background.
Handwritten motivational notes scattered around a glass jar on a textured burlap surface.

 

Our Summer Calendars

Even though work doesn’t stop, it’s still summer—and I want to be intentional about doing things with the kids when I can. So I designed customizable summer calendars for June, July, and August to help us plan little outings and things to look forward to.

I laminated the calendar pages, cut out the activity tiles, and used sticky tac so we can move things around. If plans change, no stress—we just adjust.

It’s not about locking in every detail. It’s about creating space for good stuff.

 

A June calendar page with watercolor decorations and an orange clip holder displaying summer-themed illustrations and dates.
A calendar with 'Summer' text and a plastic bag labeled 'Summer Calendar' clipped to a dark surface with a red binder clip.

 

Want to try it?

After putting all this together for our family, I realized it might be something other families could use too—so I’m sharing it to you for FREE

Here’s what’s included in the FREE printable:

  • Daily checklists
  • 84 Mystery Missions (including 12 blanks)
  • Customizable summer calendars (June, July, August)
  • Printable calendar tiles
  • Plus a peek at how we’re using everything in real life


You can download and print the full pack here:

Summer Missions Printable – Google Drive Download


This isn’t about getting it perfect. Some days we’ll skip a mission. Some days will be screen-heavy. But I love having a plan that gives our days purpose—and gives the kids something to own and look forward to.

Let me know if you use it! I’d love to see how it works in your home too.

Thanks for reading and HAPPY SUMMER BREAK!

 

Stylish teal text design showing 'XOXO' with 'Cassie' written in a cursive font below.