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Just the other day it was windy and cold...where did the time go? Summer arrived in a blaze of glory, and you have not planned for it at all. You know that if you don't take some type of action, Summer will pass you and your family by and let Winter take over.

In just a few hours, you can have a fun, full Summer season set out for you and your family. First, take a look at your calendar. You probably have time set aside for a vacation from work. Use that time that is already approved and ready to go to plan for your longer trips, such as camping, hiking or traveling. Even if you cannot afford to take a long trip, you can plan for day trips that will be fairly inexpensive for you and your family, but provide for the quality time that you feel your family should have during the summer.

Quality time isn't measured in how much money you spend or how many trips you take. An hour of playing touch football or throwing passes with your kids is time well spent. Each evening after dinner, let the dishes sit. Go outside with your kids, sit on the porch and read the newspaper. Talk about the things they did that day, what they would like to do this weekend and give them some options. Take a walk through the neighborhood together with the dog and chat. Then go back inside and worry about the dishes. Even this time can be quality time if Mom and one of the kids do them tonight, and another pair takes dish detail the next day. Don't forget to take a night and do the dishes together without the kids! This will give you quality time with your partner.

Weekends can be a blessing in disguise. Plan a trip to the beach, complete with a cooler packed with drinks and food. Dollar stores are quite handy for these types of trips as you can find inexpensive snacks and drinks that won't break the bank. If a rainy day interferes with your plans, have a movie day, craft day or fix up the house day. Remember how much fun it can be to go outside and play tag in the rain.

Another weekend or several weekends can be set aside to have cookouts with friends and family members. Supply the hot dogs and burgers and ask everyone to bring something. This is an inexpensive way to enjoy your summer time with the people you love the most.

Summer, just as any other season, will only be as good as we make it. Money may make the world go round, but your attention is what makes your family and every season successful.

Learn more about this author, Melanie Winters.
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