A Simple Labor Day with My Family

Restaurant - With a Great Meal on Labor Day

Labor Day always sneaks up on me. One moment it feels like we’re in the middle of summer, and the next thing I know, school is back in session, the kids are talking about basketball practice, and I’m trying to organize the week ahead so we don’t fall behind on everything. That’s why I love Labor Day—it feels like a much-needed pause button in the middle of all the back-to-school chaos.

This year, it’s not about cookouts, long trips, or packing too much into the day. My husband, the kids, and I just wanted to enjoy the fact that we’re all off at the same time. No school, no work, no rushing around. Just a day to exhale and do the simple things that make us happy.

Lunch at Avalon

We decided that instead of spending half the day cooking and cleaning up, we’d head over to Avalon for lunch. Avalon is one of those spots where you really can’t go wrong—it’s got great energy, especially on a holiday like today. Everyone’s walking around with family, shopping bags in hand, and kids running across the plaza.

For us, the restaurant of choice is Rumi’s Kitchen. The food there always hits—fresh, flavorful, and just different enough to feel special without being too fancy for the kids. I already know I’ll probably end up with their lamb kabobs and some saffron rice, while the kids go for something simple like chicken skewers. My husband loves their appetizers, so I’m sure we’ll have a table full of small plates to share. The best part is that it feels like a treat without being over the top.

A Family Movie Break

After lunch, we’re planning to catch a movie. Movies are one of those simple traditions we try to keep as a family. Everyone piles into the theater, we argue about popcorn toppings, and for a couple of hours, no one is on their phones. Today, the movie on our list is Freakier Friday.

Now, I’ll admit this isn’t not our typical pick, but it’s quirky and fun, and we’re in the mood for something different. Sometimes the best part of seeing a movie together isn’t the movie itself—it’s the commentary afterward. I can already picture my kids quoting the funniest lines all week long or my husband laughing about how ridiculous some of the scenes were. It’s those inside jokes that last way past the credits.

Ice Cream at Halcyon

No holiday is complete without something sweet, and for us, that means ice cream. After the movie, we’re heading over to Halcyon. If Avalon is perfect for meals, Halcyon is perfect for dessert. It’s got that walk-around, family-friendly vibe where you can let the kids explore a bit while you enjoy a cone.

We’ll probably end up at Kilwins, because who can resist their ice cream? I’m torn between their classic toasted coconut and something seasonal, while the kids will most likely go all out with sprinkles, waffle cones, and maybe even caramel drizzles. My husband always plays it safe with butter pecan, which I secretly appreciate because I can sneak a bite.

We’ll walk around, eat our ice cream, and let the kids burn off a little energy before the week picks up again.

Resetting for the Week Ahead

What I love most about this Labor Day is that it’s not just about where we go or what we eat—it’s about the fact that we’re together. With school, basketball practices, work deadlines, and everything else, it feels like we’re always running in different directions. Today is our reminder to slow down and actually spend time with one another.

The kids may not realize it now, but these are the days they’ll remember when they’re older. Not the fancy vacations or the big events, but the regular afternoons where we laughed over kabobs at lunch, cracked jokes in a movie theater, and ended the day with sticky hands from melting ice cream.

As we get ready for the week ahead—basketball schedules, homework, meetings—I know today gave us exactly what we needed. A reset. A reminder that in between all the busy, there are still chances to connect and enjoy each other.

Why Days Like This Matter

Sometimes I feel like there’s pressure to make every holiday a big deal—grills fired up, parties planned, every minute scheduled. But the truth is, what makes a holiday special isn’t the number of people around or how much money you spend. It’s the ability to just stop and be present.

Labor Day was created to celebrate the hard work people put in day after day. And while I appreciate the bigger meaning behind the holiday, for me it’s also about appreciating the work we put in as a family. Work isn’t just about jobs—it’s also about showing up for each other, making time when schedules are crazy, and building memories even in small ways.

Today reminded me that I don’t always need to plan something elaborate to make it count. A good restaurant, a movie, some ice cream, and my family by my side—that’s more than enough.

Looking Ahead

As we wind down this Labor Day evening, I’m grateful for the chance to spend it with the people who matter most. Tomorrow will bring its usual hustle: school drop-offs, basketball practices, dinner to cook, and emails to answer. But at least for today, we pressed pause.

I think that’s what Labor Day should always be about. Not just a day off, but a day on—with family, laughter, and the kind of memories that make the hard work of every other day worth it.