Oh Where Oh Where Did It Go?

I hate to even say it out loud, but where did the summer go? I know, it's not yet the end, but it's really close. Next week we leave for our last vacation before school starts, which is only a few weeks away. We haven't done all that much this summer, but have tried to make the most of the time. We've seen friends a bit more often, tried to finish some house projects while we can still keep doors and windows open to ar out paint fumes, we finally bought outdoor chairs and an umbrella and have eaten dinners al fresco as much as possible (and as often as McKenna can stand being out there with spiders and flies).

The kids have been super busy with camps - Mac has experienced Hip Hop, Karate, Geocaching, Kayaking, Jump Rope, Cheer, Song Writing and Theater; Juice has been taking swim lessons every day for 6 weeks and is doing so well - so I know they are having a blast! And they get to stay up late watching the Olympics, so that's a big bonus!

I have been sticking with my workout plan in spite of how yucky it is to wake up early and sweat in front of other people, but I still go to the gym as often as possible. Not that it's been making all that much of a difference because we eat really terribly during the summer - hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. Whatever!

Even though this summer has been going by so quickly, it has been one of the better summers in the last several. I've been lucky enough to have been given a bit more freedom at work to make a difference in getting things done at home and that's been really great. And the kids are a bit more independent and have had their own fun, not expecting me to be the entertainer 24/7. I am really sad this is coming to an end and will be waiting for next spring/summer already.

Last Days Of School

I don't know who is more excited about these last days of school - the kids or me! No other year has been more hectic, calendar busting, task list making, or busier than this without a break and I can truly say that I am so glad summer vacation is almost here. I am trying really hard to slow down and make the most of the next 10 weeks until school starts again ... but 10 weeks seems so short when spring weather hasn't even arrived yet!

Mac has 10 full weeks of summer camps - everything from Adventuring including Geocaching to Jump Rope Camp, Hip Hop Camp, Singing/Acting Camp, Karate Camp and Cheer Camp with some POM and swimming lessons sprinkled in there. Julian's summer will be at LFPM still, but he has graduated from Pre-school and is in the same class with the 5 year olds. He will have a good experience too with some time in Chelan with the grandparents and we have 2 weeks of camping vacation planned - Silverwood, ID and Cannon Beach, OR with a side trip to Ohanapecosh (Mt Rainier).

Still, I do wish that I had summer vacation too. 10 weeks of sun and fun, no responsibilities, being with friends and just goofing off sounds divine. My kids know they have it good ... Mac says all the time that she wants to stay a kid and that she doesn't want to grow up. I always wanted to grow up faster when I was young, but she knows she's lucky and that these are the good days.

And as usual, we really want to get outside more, get together with friends and just really chill out. Will this be the year we can do that? Will this be the year that I learn how to make a really mean Cosmo? Do I have it in me to keep the to do list at bay for 10 full weeks? How many laughs with friends can I get? We need to finish painting and re-doing the bedrooms on the main floor, but could that be the only project we do - and can we do it leisurely without pressure?!? We'll see I guess.

Here's to 10 weeks of trying to relax and have fun - maybe I can take a page from my kid's book, huh!