Summertime

Here we are in the thick of fall, but I wanted to step back and enjoy summertime for a moment.  In general, fall has always been my favorite time of the year.  Especially here in Iowa, we have great Falls (in Minnesota, fall is like 3 days).  I love sweater weather, eating soups, tailgating, the beauty of the leaves changing colors, and pumpkin spice everything. However, as the kids have gotten older, I can’t get enough of summertime!!!  I LOVE IT, even the really hot days.  I love the long days, even though we eat almost every meal in the driveway and stay outside way too late almost every night.  I love neighborhood get-togethers and nights around the fire.  I love swimming and riding bikes with the kids.  I still hate bubbles, but glad the kids are still little enough to enjoy playing with them. I love a good summer landscaping project – at least when it’s complete.  I enjoy a little less stress without having to worry about the kids’ homework.  I love taking the kids to Adventureland and to the Iowa State Fair.  I love parades and small town festivities and block parties!  I love taking the kids boating, playing at the beach and having BBQs.  I love watching the kids on the slip and slide – even though they aren’t as excited about at as they once were, which makes me a little bit sad.  I love watching the kids swim and am happy they enjoy it as much as I did when I was a kid!  I love having way too many root beer floats, bomb pops and flavor ices with all the neighborhood kids!  Most of all, I’m glad my kids are still just small enough that they aren’t allowed to leave the street without me!  This won’t last long. 

So here’s to great summer memories and a beautiful fall!  I’ll have to keep all these fun memories top-of-mind to power through winter.  Which is great through December.   Then you have January, February and March to deal with! 

took the kids mini golfing for the first time this summer.  SUCCESS! 

I had a trade show in Indianapolis this summer, really pretty city!   

This summer will likely be known as the summer of the "ban"- that's what Olivia calls it.  Keith will remember it more as the summer without A/C. 

So we did a slip-and-slide kick ball party this summer.  Super fun, everyone brought their A game and things escalated.  No onsite injuries, but a broken rib was reported back and Keith possibly injured his shoulder.  He went to the doctor - no long-term concerns.  It may be back next summer.   

We did a little movie outside too - and the rain came pouring down about 10 minutes after the movie ended.  So fun!  Can you see why I love, love, love summertime.   

This is how she ends most parties... hot mess!!!! 

We love a visit to Ames and the kids love these cy statues.  

This girl loves wearing my shoes.   

Love having lots of girls in the neighborhood. 

I hope all of you had a great summer!!!