Summer, translated into motherhood, means mornings aren't filled with the rush of getting everyone ready and out the door for school. It means we can sit around the breakfast table a bit longer, eating homemade pancakes instead of quick bowls of cereal. It means we don't have to think about lunch until lunchtime actually arrives, and if we want to skip baths or even bed times - we can.

Although we love our lazy and peaceful summers, we also love a summer day that's not filled with sleeping (too) late or loaded with lots of television watching and video game playing. Many of us form home-camps or run our own home schools, and some of us love to create a schedule of summertime activities. Here are seven projects that should be included on your summer bucket list.

Kid's Car Wash Sprinkler
With some PVC piping and a handful of dollar store pool noodles, you can create summer fun that will last throughout the summer. From Lowe's to Pinterest to Design Mom, it's easy to find instructions. Just imagine your children running or riding their tricycles through a sprinkler you made yourselves!

Nature Weaving
This is an activity you can complete in a short burst or do on a large scale throughout the summer. Creating a frame with sticks and yarn, all the weaving treasures come from nature and your own backyard. The end product is a beautiful display to show off in your window or front yard.

Organize a Block Party
Remember the good ole' days when neighbors knew each other and hung out in the neighborhood streets? Well, with a proper city permit and some easy planning - you can create a party filled with activities and good food. Pick a date, assign neighbors to food or craft, and get ready. From bicycle decorating to pool hopping and hotdogs to grilled veggies - there will be something for everyone!

Play Tourist in Your Town
Many of us neglect to take advantage of all our hometown has to offer. Visit the tourist center online or in person and create a list of 'things to do' from their suggestions. You might discover a new park, a family-friendly restaurant, or free concerts for kids during those summer weeks.

Arrange for an ice cream truck to visit your neighborhood.
There is nothing more exciting than hearing the jangle of an ice cream truck driving down your street. Kids - and adults - come running to select their favorite frozen treat. In many towns, ice cream trucks are no longer permitted to drive around randomly, but you can arrange for one to visit your neighborhood. You might even want to invite it to your block party.

Make your own bubble soap and huge bubble blowing wands
With a wire hanger, distilled water (6 cups), Dawn dish soap (1/2 cup), cornstarch (1/2 cup), baking powder (1 Tablespoon), and glycerine (1 Tablespoon) - you can make the best bubble blowing kit ever!

Create a camp based in your child's favorite book series.
The best part about creating your own camp is that you can use items you already have at home. A little decorating, a few activities, special snacks, and some outdoor play. It’s easy to make The Magic Treehouse, Harry Potter, or Erin Hunter’s Warriors series come alive. A visit to the dollar store will help your creativity unfold.

My favorite part about summer is the unleashing of creative minds. Engaged children are happy children, and summer projects are not difficult to bring to reality.