Every month, we pose a thoughtful question to local schoolchildren to spark their wonderful imaginations. Here’s what we asked for August: What is the best thing you’ve ever done over the summer?

“When I went to Minnesota, it was the most extraordinary experience of my life! I ate breakfast with my grandpa, caught butterflies in the backyard, did plays with my cousin, went tubing with my uncle … and made homemade bread with cinnamon on top with my mom and grandma.” Madison, 10

“The water in the San Francisco Bay was sparkling; I felt good and cool. We sadly passed a graveyard for soldiers who had died because of war. We drove across the Golden Gate. It was amazing and so historical. Then at the other side, we got out and took pictures and would always have that memory – way better than a toy.” Taylor, 10

“We were riding (our bikes) up a hill in Yosemite and stopped for a water break. I looked down at a dry river. I stared at a large boulder … then all of a sudden, a massive black bear emerged from it with an adorable, little cub. I smiled, overfilled with joy. It was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life!” Angella, 9

“I was so excited the day we went to Las Vegas. The Venetian Hotel is my most favorite hotel in the world. The check-in room was as fancy as heaven. As we saw the elevator open, it was filled with marble up to your knee and then glass. The ceiling had a beautiful chandelier – and it was only the elevator!” Victoria, 10

“I was so excited for my first day of surf camp! The waves crashed against my face as I paddled out. We were all dipping and diving under and over the waves. One washed me right off my board. When I got on again, my instructor told me to turn around and start paddling. I popped up, one leg at a time, and stood up! On my very first wave! I knew that this was a great accomplishment.” Kali, 10

“When we got to Oahu, this officer said, ‘Be careful. Jellyfish are coming to shore. A few people got stung.’ But people were in the water. We went in and it was fun! It was one of my favorite, but scariest, trips.” Briana, 9

“Last summer, I went to Germany. I was also going to New York on the way. We woke up at 4:00 a.m. and in about an hour and a half, we were on the plane. They served drinks and food. I had Sprite and chicken.” Cooper, 10

“I’ll never forget that one week my family went on a Disney ship. My parents and I shared a room, and all four of my sisters shared a room. The first night, I could not go to bed. When we woke up, we went swimming on the biggest slide!” Amanda, 9

> SUMMER FUN FROM:
School: Chaparral Elementary School in Ladera Ranch
Principal: Kevin Rafferty
Grades: Fourth and Fifth

Compiled by Natasha Thakkar, a summer intern for OC Family magazine.