Well, we made it to summer! Although short and sweet, it’s undoubtedly the most coveted season here in the Midwest. We look forward to kissing all that snow and ice goodbye for a few months and enjoying the hot, humid temperatures, longer days and carefree lifestyle.
Recently, I discovered a reality show on the National Geographic Channel called, “Life Below Zero.” Back when I was stuck in quarantine in January, with nothing but lots of free time on my hands, I binge watched the first few seasons of the series and was hooked. It follows the life stories of completely self-sufficient people living in remote Alaska. These individuals hunt and fish their own food (not to mention skin and cook it), use little to no electricity, and all the while manage to live extremely interesting lives in 30-40 below zero temperatures for much of the year. Their summers are even shorter in Alaska, so they too relish the seasonal change and enjoy life to the fullest.
There’s just something about summer that makes it special. At home, we’re trying to make the most of the 3 months we have before kids go back to school and the non-stop demands of “life as usual” make us ever so weary once again. Summer months are filled with sleeping in late (at least for my kids), eating dinner past 7 pm on the patio because it’s still light out, campfires with s’mores, swimming at the pool and lemonade stands.
In may ways, it is a respite. Quite honestly, the school year tends to stretch me thin, so I look forward to summer too, when the kids and I can take a deep breath and just unwind. I’m still working about 4 days a week this summer, so I’m catching myself being even more intentional on the moments we do have to relax and be together.
It’s hard to believe that the 4th of July is less than 2 weeks away! I’m always a little sad when we get past that holiday, as to me it signifies that summer is already half way over, and the final stretch is ahead.
I guess I’m cursed with being a ‘glass is half empty’ type of gal, always thinking of what lies ahead. It’s sometimes hard for me to just enjoy being in the moment.
I do however, love a good 4th of July celebration! There’s so much fun and excitement surrounding it, with fireworks, parades, BBQs and family time together. As you can see, the house has been decked out in patriotic fashion. Lots of red, white and blue to showcase the summer holiday.
I was inspired by the quintessential summer picnic. And I love hydrangeas. To me, they just literally scream summertime.
But even though these pictures may look pretty, the house is rarely in this nice of condition these days. With kids home all summer long, there’s always piles of random stuff laying around, flip flops or wet beach towels on the floor, and dishes, dishes, dishes…everywhere! If I make it out of summer with only a dime left in my pocket to show for it, it’s because of feeding 3 growing adolescents! I don’t know about yours, but my kids are constantly hungry and in the kitchen looking for something to fill their bellies.
Honestly, while I do prefer a tidy house, I wouldn’t have it any other way. As my kids are getting older, especially with one entering high school, I know my time is already running fast. Before I know it, they will be all grown up and moving onto new adventures.
So, here’s to enjoying the beautiful summer ahead. Hoping we can all enjoy the much needed down time and vacations with loved ones. Enjoy a nap in the hammock, a swim day at the beach, a late night by the fire roasting marshmallows….whatever it is that fills your summer bucket well.
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