We’ve all heard of Christmas in July, but I say bring on Summer in February! I must admit that in Colorado we are very lucky to see the sun during many winter days; however, if your house is like mine you’re still getting requests like, “Please can we go ride our bikes” when the thermometer reads 20 degrees!

So if your crew is getting sick of waking up in the dark and lugging around the heavy winter coats (if you can actually get them to put them on), may I suggest some Summer in February?

I highly recommend venturing outside, shoveling off the grill and then bringing in the food for your very own indoor picnic complete with hot dogs and watermelon. I know the watermelon can be tough to find, but it is out there.

Turn on all the lights, the fireplace and crank up the heat, so you can all romp around in shorts. Even grab the yard stick and get some limbo going. If you want to be really authentic you can grab some sand from the covered up box out back and track it through the house. Then you’ll have a genuine summer feel!

We also enjoy a good summer film festival in February. I guarantee there are some blockbusters we all missed last year, so rent/download them and mix up the fun, fruity umbrella drinks! The Judy Moody movie played at our house last weekend and we all started brainstorming what crazy adventures we could have when school’s out.

Finally, never underestimate the mood-lifting effects of ice cream in the winter. Yes, we are that crazy family who goes to the frozen yogurt shop on snow days. Why not? You’re already cold and it’s not crowded!

Now I know all you moms out there are far more creative than I am, so let’s hear your family’s favorite wintertime blues buster. Here’s to Summer in February!