I don’t know one parent who isn’t totally frazzled from the change in their routine as we transition from school-year schedules to summer activity schedules. I have often said, “He has trouble with transitions” in reference to one or both of my kids, but as it turns out, the apples don’t fall far from the spazzy tree. During the school year, we get a little bit of a break by being on auto-pilot. You know, that thing where you don’t know what time the bus comes anymore but you still leave and get there around the same time each day. I totally get that this a good problem to have. Both boys love their different camps and we’ll be sad when they are over, but I keep showing up at places at the wrong time!

I know it seems early to share, but the Edmonds School District just released the 2014-2015 school calendar and there are a few pieces of good news within the calendar! School starts on Sept. 3, which is the earliest it could start with Labor Day falling on the first possible day it could. There is no rush to get there right now, I know. I’m enjoying the lack of homework maybe more than anything else summer has to offer. Also, Halloween not only falls on a Friday, BUT it happens on an early release day. Not having to get your kid out of bed and convince them candy isn’t a “Breakfast Food” on a school day is pretty great.

“How to Train Your Dragon 2” is one of the big kid summer movies and next Tuesday, July 1 at 2 p.m. kids can experience it first hand at the Edmonds Library, 650 Main St.! School agers between 6 and h11 can join their guide Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third as they “learn to identify Dragon varieties and speak Dragonese.” If you’re doing the “Explore Summer” summer reading program through the Edmonds Library, this event can get you one step closer to the drawing for a free bike. For more information, you can click HERE or call the library at 425-771-1933.

Throughout the school year, Storytime at the library is a godsend. It’s free, fun, and non-committal. While Storytime typically runs through the school, the Edmonds Library will be having Ready Readers: Preschool Storytime every Wednesday at 10:30 in July. Starting next Wednesday, July 2 kids ages 3 to 5 can check out Preschool Storytime, which will include fun books, sing-along songs, and playtime or a craft. The library is always a great resource for parents, but I have been genuinely surprised this summer at the level of events. Storytime is equivalent to most Mommy and Me type classes with no commitment or cost. I called the library at 425.771.1933 to confirm story time was every Wednesday and got thoughtful help which I do every time I call them. Definitely call if you have any questions!

The Edmonds Museum Summer Market starts this weekend starts up this weekend. While The Garden Market is just in the public safety lot at 5^th and Bell, the Summer Market covers “5th Street from Main at the fountain to Bell and east up Bell Street around Centennial Plaza.” We have gotten the kids to try a few more foods by picking them out at the Summer Market, though most of them are fruit and pastries.

– By Jennifer Marx

Jen Marx, an Edmonds Mom of two young boys, is a traffic reporter by dawn and writer and PBJ maker by day. She is always looking for a fun place to take the kids that makes them tired enough to go to bed on time. You can find her trying to make sense of begging kids to ” just eat the mac n cheese” at SnackMomSyndrome.com. If you have a kid-friendly event you’d like to share, email her at play@myedmondsnews.com.