We are officially two weeks into summer break, and somehow it already feels like we’ve packed a lot into those fourteen days.
The biggest event so far has been theater camp. Zuzu just wrapped up another summer session with a camp she absolutely loves and looks forward to every year. This year was especially exciting because she landed the role she really wanted: the Genie in Aladdin Jr.
Anyone who knows Zuzu knows she has a silly side, and the Genie gave her plenty of opportunities to let that personality shine. Watching her perform reminded me how much confidence she gains from being on stage. Theater has become such an important part of her life, and I love seeing her find a place where she feels completely herself.
Summer camp season is far from over. She still has a few more theater camps on the calendar, along with a sports camp and an adventure camp. My goal this summer is simple: keep her busy, active, and spending less time glued to a screen.
A few weeks ago, we also had the chance to see Bruno Mars in concert, and it was so much fun. Taylor, Zuzu, and I all love his music.
For Zuzu, it was her first really big concert experience. Last year she attended Mariah Carey’s Christmas show with me, but that felt much more relaxed and tame compared to the energy of a packed Bruno Mars concert. She was shocked by how loud it was and a little overwhelmed by the number of people.
To be honest, large crowds aren’t exactly my favorite thing either. I did my best not to let my own anxiety show, but I suspect she may have picked up on it anyway. We never really settled in fully but we stuck it out until the last song and everything turned out fine. There were some moments that we thought about leaving early but I’m so glad we didn’t. Sometimes, I think staying the course to see a positive outcome is the key to not perpetuating anxious feelings.
Another new experience for Zuzu this summer has been volunteering at the library. She helps log reading minutes for the summer reading challenge and assists with various small tasks around the building. I love that she’s getting a chance to contribute to her community while also seeing a little bit of what responsibility looks like outside of school and home.
We’re also counting down to a major family milestone: Griffin’s wedding on the Fourth of July. The big day is just around the corner, and we’re all looking forward to celebrating. Wedding anticipation and preparations have a way of making time move even faster, and it’s hard to believe we’re already this close.
So that’s life lately: theater camp, wedding countdowns, concerts, library volunteering, and trying to figure out how to balance freedom with responsibility.
It’s only been two weeks, but summer is off to a pretty good start.