Bats!
I am completely fascinated by these amazing creatures. We have several different species of bats here in Ohio and I think the ones we have zooming around our neighborhood at night are big browns. At dusk, right as the light fades from the sky and the street lights start to come on, I head out to listen and watch for the bats to take over the skies.
The most I’ve seen at any one time is 15, which is pretty amazing. The big browns (at least I think they are big browns) make this slight ticking/clicking noise as they swoop around. IT is so relaxing to watch and listen.
Each summer the kids and I plan a huge list of things we want to do and then make up a idea board. Here is a picture of last year’s board. 
I like drawing each thing and having them willy-nilly on the board. My friend does something similar with her kids but she keeps everything perfectly aligned.
So if you do this, do what works for you. There is no right or wrong way to be creative.
The kids liked recording the dates but as you can see lost track of noting the dates on everything and I didn’t go crazy trying to make sure everything we did got recorded.
It is an idea board, a launching pad, a doorway into all the things you think about and would like to do but forget with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Also, on days we didn’t have anything planned, we would flip a coin, see where it landed on the board, and do that thing. This is very exciting when you are seven years old.
This year, I’m adding build a bat house to the board.
It will teach the kids carpentry skills and conservation. Granted that might also mean a trip to the doctor for stitches.
I don’t know if we will get any bats but it’d be nice to at least hang a welcome sign out for the bats that entertain and delight us each evening.