Magical let-down

Some days I find it hard to get through the long, meandering days of summer. I want to spend every moment of it engaged in play and exploration with the boys, but the reality of it is I end up spending most of my time cleaning, cooking, doing laundry, or simply vegging online to get some much-needed mental space. I have these great visions of exciting times, of making the most of the days of summer, and then what happens?

Today I had great intentions, as always. After knocking out some weekend projects, I took the boys outside. L and I gathered up some pots and pans from the play kitchen and we ventured out to make dirt and mud cakes and pies. After a few minutes, L declared that it wasn't working, got frustrated with the consistency of the mud, and gave up. So we got out the hose and tackled play equipment, which was covered in spider webs. Then the mosquitoes starting biting with a vengeance, and so we headed back inside, defeated. I know this is the reality for most moms, but lately I'm feeling pretty inadaquate in the "creating magical moments" category.