By Joan O’Neill – Mitten Kidz

Each summer, BK (before kids), my husband and I would make a list of the top things we wanted to do, see or enjoy over the summer. Annual standbys included watching the Perseid Meteor Shower from a we-don’t-dare-disclose Lake Michigan beach; a drive-in movie at the Cherrybowl Drive-In (one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in Michigan); and a hike along the Empire Bluffs hiking trail within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Enter Kid 1 and Kid 2 and we’ve slipped some on our summertime bucket list making — but we’re back at it. This past winter we had five things on our list and managed to do all but one. Now that we’re into pre-spring/summer, it’s time now to focus on our warm weather list. What is it we want to share with our boys this summer? What do I remember, fondly, doing as a kid… and now want to pass along?

Here’s our start at this summer’s list:

Our 2012 Summer Bucket List – Family version

1. Hike Old Indian Trail @ Sleeping Bear Dunes (north of Frankfort, Michigan on M-22)
2. Body surfing and sand castles at Elberta Beach (Elberta, Michigan)
3. Camp in the backyard
4. Corn dogs and Gibby’s Fries at the National Cherry Festival (Traverse City)
5. Have at least three bonfires with the neighbors
6. To be continued…

So, what’s on your 2012 Summer Bucket List?

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Joan O’Neill is the author of the blog, MittenKidz.com, a site that is all about growing up in Michigan and the places and activities that are unique to the Great Lakes State. Mostly out-of-doors, some indoors, all of them Pure Michigan. O’Neill is a 20-year veteran of the Michigan resort business and a MittenKidz at heart, herself. A big proponent of getting out and having fun in Michigan, no matter what the season, O’Neill is now sharing her favorite pastimes with her two young sons.