Another school year has come and gone. To a child, this is a momentous time of year. It heralds the coming summer, lazy days playing outside, endless swimming, melting ice cream. To most parents this is a chaotic time, end of year programs, teacher presents, and scheduling summer camps.

This week’s project is designed to inspire you to recapture the feeling of the impending summer joy.

Make a tradition to celebrate the end of school.

It can be chocolate chip pancakes, cinnamon rolls or sprinkles on your cereal. Do something that is your’s and repeat it year after year to remind yourself to stop and enjoy these small moments.

Growing up, the first and last day of school were marked by one thing. Blueberry muffins. They can only be one kind. They must be the same ones that my mother made for me twice a year, every year, even through college. They are one of my happiest memories. Simply the smell of them takes me back. To the feeling of impending freedom. The unlimited possibilities that only the last day of school can offer and to my mother and the love and devotion she showed me.

I decided that doing this project with my daughter was a great way to start the tradition. Again.

I love cooking projects with her and it gives me a chance stop and enjoy a moment.

Our finished product. Smiles all around.

As with all traditions there are some additions over time. Unlike my childhood we decided to end with a dance party! Here’s to adding that to our tradition.

Thanks for playing.