Summer's farewell

It was a good summer.

My boys are good explorers.  They love being outside (just like Mom). The TV got turned on maybe twice this whole summer- probalby when they got me so dirty playing in the sprinkler that I needed a shower.  They love eating out of the garden, swinging, poking things with sticks, finding neat rocks, picking me bouquets of weed flowers, and just playing. I was so glad to be a part of their quickly fleeting carefree days....and so thrilled that they have each other.  I think so often what a blessing they are to each other...even on their hardest days.  They are both miracles. 

It was a peaceful summer, not too eventful, yet full of moments.

Moments when I cherished the fact that it was my last summer to have them both napping (oh the joy!!)
Moments when I realized it might possibly be the last summer just me and the boys.  There might possibly, God willing, be a baby sister in the mix next summer.

Moments of joy as Aaron and I watched them be ridiculously funny or cute, etc and were overwhelmed by their existence in our lives. 

And, of course, moments of exhaustion that often set in when keeping up with them and dealing with the emotions of a preschooler and a toddler.

There was plenty of down time.  We spent countless hours in the yard.  Many hours at our favorite school play ground or the park, and many hours going for walks and exploring trails.

At a park in Central Oregon while visiting one of their great grandmas

Tag Teaming down a big slide while visiting extended family.

Unknowingly working on those fine motor skills by trimming a bush

Always a jovial explorer.

On a little hike during a camping trip.

We got to go on two short camping trips, visit Grandma and Grandpa a few times, and see extended family twice. One of my favorite summer traditions was walks to the neighborhood park nature trail after dinner. We even picked blackberries on the way.  That and Spanish story time at the library Wednesday nights.  We did summer bible school in the back yard (like VBS) and I think that will be a new tradition too. I will miss it all!

I'm trying to pump myself up for fall but, really, it's a facade right now.  I got out the rain boots.  Put away the kiddie pool. Threw mulch over the unused garden beds. And threw homemade soup in the freezer. It's kind of working.  But mostly, I just love being outside and I will really miss it!

Bring on the leaf raking and pumpkins.  Bring on having the jackets.  Bring on the extra blankets. Bring on AWANA. Bring on Mateo's first day of Spanish preschool.  I'll be ready soon enough.  For today, it's a beautiful summery afternoon outside still, and we are going to enjoy every minute that we can!

I know New Years is in January, but September seems like the New Year to me.  Many things start up again and, this year especially, brings the hope for another new beginning. A new decade for me. A new school year.  And, eventually...a new member of the family!