15 things to do with kids
I've got big plans for you, kidWhile making a bucket list may be so totally 2010, it seems that particular phrase will not die. (Pun totally intended.) Which is why one particular parenting "bucket list" caught my eye for two reasons: 1) You can't really call it a bucket list unless the qualifier is "before I die," and 2) hey, I totally want to do this too!

After all, in the middle of child-rearing chaos, you can easily lose track of the big picture. The big picture being, these kids will grow up and not want to have anything to do with you. Or they'll be bigger than you and you can no longer force them to share an ice cream sundae or even a conversation.

With that inevitability in mind, I created my own parenting list of 15 things I really want to do with my kids before they never want to be seen with me ever again.

  1. Develop an appreciation for jazz. (Both of us, as I currently do NOT appreciate jazz.)
  2. Wander aimlessly along the Great Wall of China.
  3. House-train a puppy.
  4. Spend the summer on the beach with no classes, no work, no plans.
  5. Grow a garden and eat every single thing that we harvest.
  6. Perfect our origami.
  7. Understand (even if we don't use them 100 percent of the time) all of the rules set forth by Miss Manners.
  8. Learn to speak fluent French, and show off our mad skillz in Paris.
  9. Create a four-course meal for a fabulous and fancy dinner party.
  10. Scream together through a haunted house.
  11. Swim with dolphins, also while (potentially) screaming.
  12. Learn basic plumbing skills just to show off.
  13. Ballroom dancing with full attire.
  14. Read and discuss -- ad nauseum -- The Hunger Games trilogy.
  15. Learn different instruments and form a family band to perform on holidays and special occasions.

What's on your list?