Summer is just around the corner and every year our family makes a list of activities we want to complete before going back to school. They range from the very simple - a picnic at the beach; to the very daring - water skiing. A list of local weekend getaways helps us explore our surroundings as a family while keeping us focused on what we have yet to accomplish together.

We only have eight summers left with our third grader before he goes off to college. Our list is the golden ticket to make sure we cross off all our summer dreams.

So as the weather heats up, we are looking ahead and planning our summer. There will be no extravagant European vacation this year but there will be a handful of day trips. However even those local getaways add up for a family of five. This year we are going through our closets and selling off last year's summer clothes on eBay in hopes of putting some extra cash in our pockets for.... a family water rafting trip in Ohio. Why are my kiddos so adventurous? The last time I went water rafting, my sister was thrown off the boat! That was back in 1993.

SELLING IDEAS.

When I was at eBay earlier this year, I learned that selling gently used children's clothing was best done in "lots". With the right title even a "lot" of summer pajamas could sell well. Use titles like "SUMMER TODDLER PAJAMAS 4T GIRLS BABY GAP LOT" and two gently worn pjs could sell for $10 - the price of a ticket to the zoo. The last time I checked a listing for "HUGE TODDLER GIRLS 4T 5T SUMMER CLOTHES LOT" for some capris, dresses, shirts, tanks and shorts was up to $50 with two days and twenty-three hours left on the auction. That's how much two water skiing lessons cost us last summer and the listing wasn't even close to ending. Consider listing your "lots" with free shipping - they tend to drive up the price as buyers feel they are getting a better deal.

GIVEAWAY.

One commenter will win a $100 eBay gift card. Anyone with an eBay ID can enter. The more the merrier. Answer one of the following questions in the comments below: "What have you recently sold on eBay?" or "Where would you go with the extra cash made on eBay?" Your comment must include your eBay ID. Giveaway ends on May 31st at midnight and one commenter will be chosen by random.org.

"I am an eBay Parent Panel Partner. This post is sponsored by eBay. Opinion and experience are my own."

We hike a lot as a family because:

1.  It's free.

2.  The Cleveland Metropark is in our 'hood.

3.  Our children rarely ever bicker on hikes.

The third reason is why, when we have a free moment, we head for the forest. It's the one place on this great green earth that my children get along famously.

On Saturday we spent six hours hiking. Six hours. We hiked up east on the Sulphur Springs river trail and discovered a new-to-us waterfall. (Right under the Miles Road bridge on Chagrin River road). The kiddos were crazy happy to discover an area that was un-touched by humans, for some time. In their eyes.

The only argument that was heard was, "Why do we have to go home?"

There are times in motherhood when you give in and listen to your children. "We don't have to go home." And all of the sudden you find yourself dinning al fresco with a cooler filled with left-overs, per your middle child's request.

"Hot dogs on a stick? This is the best day ever!" the kiddos carved their own sticks and roasted their own dogs. The hungry hikers couldn't believe we actually allowed them to use the fire pit we have passed by so many times before.

It's the little things. No? That makes one simple day, an extraordinary one.

It's hard to believe that a year ago Grandma was with us to help celebrate Jay's First Communion.

A year later, on the same day, her presence was greatly missed. A candle was lit in her honor.

Lola was the first to remind us that Grandma did see her dress. "Remember when I twirled around for her, when we got it?" How fortunate it was that Grandma did see Lola in her First Communion dress after we found it marked down fourteen times at Nordstrom Rack back in July, but fell in love with the layers and simplicity and purchased it on impulse. (Note to self: impulse bargain shopping, Grandma's style, pays off.) Lola looked like an angel.

Since her passing we've tried to reach out to Grandma's side of the family. Luckily for us they were as giving as Grandma and dropped all their plans to roadtrip to Cleveland for the special occasion. The kiddos left off where they started last and reconnected immediately. Although distant cousins twice or three times removed, we decided that "cousins" and "aunt" and "uncle" were the most loving titles for our relationship.

With family relationships solidified we took it out on the field for an intense game of kickball. (Note to self: label Facebook photos because someone might mistaken a congratulatory post-game line as a folk dance.)

Our entire family from Chicago had plans to leave immediately following Lola's party but stuck around for an extra day to read all the love notes left in her photo booth album and reminisce about the past. And the future. "Feenie can totally borrow my dress for her First Communion so that Grandma knows what dress we both wore."

Deal.

Grandma loved a good deal but more importantly she loved family. I hope Lola's First Communion dress is passed down for generations to come in one fashion or another just like the baptismal gown Grandma gave us that was worn by her, her brother, my husband and all three of my children. Family and memories. Is there anything more important?