Summer is pretty much over, and I can't help feeling a little sad. We've had a lot of fun the last few months: Visiting Disney World and the beach, camping, playing on the slip 'n slide, making popsicles, catching fireflies, setting off fireworks, having cookouts, and staying up late as a family to snuggle on the couch and watch movies. Part of me doesn't want it to end. Our lives are a lot busier throughout the rest of the year and I'm afraid I'll miss our carefree summer.
But I also have to remind myself that I tend to over-sentimentalize things. Yes, we've had a lot of fun this summer and have made some wonderful memories. But there have also been days that have been so LONG and BORING that I would have sold my left arm to get five minutes of peace away from my little darlings.
I can already feel the pace picking up as we enter September. Our days of waking up and saying, "What do we want to do today?" are being replaced by structure and schedules and early bedtimes.
The good news is I just happen to love fall too. I love pumpkin patches and state fairs and bonfires and baking pies and watching my kids jump into piles of leaves. Yes, we're busier. Every new season and stage of life brings unique adjustments. But as long as I'm intentional about how we're spending what free time we do have, then I know we'll make lots of fresh new family memories this season too.
So, adios summer. I won't miss the mosquitoes, sunburns, yard work, and weeks on end at home with cranky kids. Change is sometimes tough for someone as nostalgic as I am, but I'm excited to see what good things God has in store for our family this coming season.
I'm feeling optimistic that it'll involve pie.
