Summer's Last Hurrah

When the calendar turns to September, summer comes to a close. At least around here it does. Not long ago when my days were not marked by a school year, it really just meant another turning of the page.

With two school age children in our household, it's a new season. Bringing on September means gearing up for hitting the books. In ways it brings uneasiness of the daunting task of covering all that we need to for another school year, but on the other hand brings relief in the rhythm and routine of our days.

As the page turns, the final sands of the summer hourglass come to pass. It's in these final days that we bask in their glory and fill them to overflowing.

On Friday I took the kids to visit friends and their new baby boy. We also hit a local hot spot only open in the summer. I hadn't had the stomach or gumption to drive over there all summer, but now that I had both it was a top priority! Hot dog, burgers and fries fresh off the grill enjoyed outdoors at the counter with the swivel stools. We enjoyed it so much that I neglected the camera and reveled in the moment.

With shakes (Cherry-marshmallow for the boy and Banana for the girl) and Smores Cyclone (aka Blizzard knock-off) for mommy in hand, we headed to the park. Serenity and beauty awaited us as we had the place to ourselves. I couldn't help but snap a few photos of the fun. The only thing missing was daddy who was slaving away at work.









Sunday brought a crisp autumn-like day and we took advantage of the chance to meet up with my parents and grandma. We headed down the road and drove an hour to capture the fleeting beautiful blooms at the gardens, one of my favorite places. We wandered the grounds and with camera in hand I snapped away.

















Though there was an intermittent rain shower or two, we still had several hours of quality family time and that was what mattered most. We finished up at the playground and feasted on perhaps our last picnic of the season.

Today whizzed by as the whole summer has, but we made time to squeeze in all that we could. Reed took the kids fishing this morning since he had promised he would one more time this weekend. A bit nippy, but they still caught a couple and as always, enjoyed their time with daddy.

We hit the bike trail this afternoon for a family ride. Gianna tried out my BIL's bike trailer for the first time and enjoyed it most of the ride. It was ideal weather to enjoy the sunshine, the breeze and the scenery just the five of us.





Tomorrow will bring a new season, a new school season. As tired as I am right now, I'm not sure this teacher is ready to begin homeschooling year #4. By the morning (and after some coffee) I think I'll feel differently.

Good luck to all of you tomorrow as you begin your new year, whether at home or sending your children out the door. Either way, I'm sure each of us will have stories to tell and pictures to post.