A summer day in the life of a mom of 11, from slow mornings and new hobbies to late-night laundry

• I have 11 kids ranging in age from a toddler to young adults.
• Since school isn't in session, summer is when my family focuses on recharging.
• Intentional routines remain important, but each day is less scheduled in the summer.

In the summer, my busy family of 13 embraces a more laid-back approach to daily life.

Engaging with and looking after kids in the summer can be difficult — I know that better than most. But if you're not one of the lucky ones whose schools started back up in early August, we're in the home stretch.