As grandparents, many of us have memories we wish we could show our grandchildren.

We remember the way their parent ran through the backyard in rubber boots after a summer rain, dragged a favorite blanket from room to room, performed a dance in the living room, or smiled proudly after learning to ride a bike. Sometimes, as we tell those stories, we find ourselves saying, “Oh, how I wish I had a picture of that.”

The backpacks are packed, the pencils are sharpened, and kids are heading back to school, whether they are ready or still searching for the other shoe. A new school year is the perfect time for grandparents to change up their routine too, starting with the questions we ask. This year, let’s retire “How was school?” before it earns another eye roll and replace it with questions that lead to laughter, stories, and conversations longer than one word.

“How was school?” “Fine.”

“What did you do today?” “Nothing.”

“What did you learn?” “I don’t know.”

And just like that, the conversation is over.

There is something magical about the first day of fall.

The air becomes a little crisper, the leaves begin their colorful transformation, and families naturally slow down after the busy days of summer. While autumn is known for pumpkins, football games, and apple cider, it's also the perfect season to begin traditions that your grandchildren will remember for years to come.

Summer always seems to fly by. One minute you're enjoying long, lazy days and family vacations, and the next you're shopping for school supplies and settling back into routines.

Before backpacks, homework, and busy schedules take over, why not squeeze in one last family adventure? The best memories aren't made from extravagant trips, they're created through simple moments spent together.

Every summer, I run Camp Carma for one wonderful, wild, joy-filled week with my grandkids.

And by “camp,” I do not mean cabins, counselors, and a lake with questionable canoe rules. I mean a week of backyard adventures, kitchen experiments, story time, crafts, giggles, snacks, surprises, and the occasional moment when I wonder why I thought glitter was a good idea.

But here is what I have learned: children do not need complicated activities to have unforgettable fun.

The ideas in this blog are tried and true from Camp Carma. They have been tested by real kids, real messes, real laughter, and real “Can we do that again?” requests.

In 1976, America turned 200. This year, she turns 250. And somewhere in between those two milestones… is me.

Do you remember the red, white, and blue summer of 1976, when America turned 200?

Maybe there were flags everywhere: hanging from porches, lining parade routes, printed on T-shirts, paper plates, and picnic napkins. Maybe you watched fireworks with your family, attended a hometown parade, wore something patriotic, or saved a Bicentennial keepsake without realizing it would one day become part of your own history.

What makes a summer magical for a child? Sometimes it is not the big trip or the packed calendar. Sometimes it is a backyard at dusk, a good book, a firefly in the grass, and a s’more by the fire. In this heartfelt CJ Corki blog, Carlene reflects on why simple summer moments may be the ones children remember most.