During the school year, I'm usually involved with helping my kids with their homework (if they ask, that is). Now I can spend time doing more recreational things with them. Instead of struggling with Math problems, we can take a break and rent a video. It gives my brain a rest for two months!
With the longer daylight hours, the kids are outside with their friends later in the evening. They are usually dashing in for a quick supper and that's exactly what they get. I fire up the barbecue and throw on some hot dogs or hamburgers. Quick to fix and easy to clean up. I keep a supply of pre-formed burgers in the freezer so I can pick away at them. I also buy extra buns and stash them in the freezer. My old standby is grilled cheese or toasted tuna sandwiches. I keep a bag of salad on hand as a side dish. I find our appetites dwindle in the warm weather so a lighter menu is well received.
Dryer weather and longer daylight gives us the opportunity to go for walks after supper. It's a nice change from tackling homework or after-supper clean up. As a treat, we will walk to the local convenience store for a soda pop or ice cream cone. The weather cools down somewhat in the evening and it's refreshing to just get out and exercise.
My older boys are not at daycare so they are home during the day. I buy less of the lunch box food and more of the stuff they can fix for themselves. I stock up on macaroni & cheese and canned meals they can heat up in the microwave. They are both capable of using the stove so I buy eggs for their breakfast (usually brunch by the time they get out of bed). My youngest son still goes to daycare so I can include this same type of food in his lunch. My caregiver doesn't mind cooking it up for him. I certainly notice it takes less time to put together his lunch. He also appreciates the change of menu.
I try to make extra helpings of our supper meal so the kids can heat it up the next day. In some cases, the extra helpings are used as a late-night snack. The kids just go and help themselves to the leftovers so it gives me a little more free time.
