10 Signs It's Summer Vacation

It's June 10 -- exactly two weeks into summer vacation. After that tiring transition phase where the kids have that dreadful mix of enough energy to rival the Energizer Bunny and not knowing what to do with themselves, we're gradually settling into our summer routine.

And in our household, there are always those tell-tale signs that it's summer vacation. You know, things like:

1. By the end of the day, Zach and Allie have been in our pool twice, the community pool for swim lessons and play time ... and the neighbors' pool.
2. We don't go anywhere without Zach's swim googles.
3. You go through a can of sunscreen every 4-5 days.
   
4. The sound of silence or background music during the day has been replaced with XBox shooting games.
   
5. You're glad you don't have to make the kids' lunches for school ... but then find yourself thinking that's easier than having them tell you they don't like this and that when you make their lunch at home.
6. You help Blake plan his summer soccer venture. The past two years it was a week-long camp in Flagstaff; this year it's a bit farther away -- Belgrade.
   
7. Allie spending most days coloring, pasting, crafting her little heart away ... then walking up to me and saying, "I don't know what to do now."
8. 9 p.m. seems really early.
9. Blake napping on the couch during the day -- soccer and sleepovers taking their toll on the poor 13-year-old.
10. I've had to move the treadmill back into the house from the garage. Too hot to run outside.