I have my kids’ school supply lists saved on my phone, but I’m ignoring them. But knowing they’re there has me wanting to cram more summer into the next three weeks.
Yep, three weeks from today my kids begin fifth and second grades. (Let’s not even ponder how this is even possible. Weren’t they just babies?)
Even in a swimsuit, summer is comfortable to me.
Comfort is homemade mac and cheese, long conversations with those who know you best, songs that bring back the best memories, popsicles on summer days, and books with redemption. It’s a T-shirt, slow mornings, snacks on a road trip, and traditions.
Comfort can come through any of the senses, sometimes when least expected. It interrupts the hustle of normal life and calms a weary soul.
This summer has been particularly sweet when it comes to reminiscing. I’ve had my 20th high school reunion, a small college reunion with some friends who gathered at a friend’s 40th birthday party, a dear friend and her four kids who used to be part of our everyday life when they lived here come visit for a few days, and a host of other summertime memories that weave themselves into our days as I make new memories with my kids.
(And I know one day they will be glad I made these friends hold hands and jump into the pool together because, really, isn’t that pretty much a metaphor for life?)
We’re going to Sam’s this afternoon to stock up on paper plates and popsicles for these next three weeks and probably some afternoons when the temperatures still indicate summer even after my kids have to get back to school.
Of course, there are still things we want to do. Maybe visit a nearby water park. Try the still-new-to-us Bahama Bucks. And maybe drink another a milkshake.
Then give me my current fiction read with some more time beside the pool for the next three weeks. Let my calendar be filled with friends and the freezer with enough popsicles to go around.
Oh, and don’t worry, I will let the kids get their school supplies before Aug. 9 arrives.
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In case you missed it, I shared about knowing & trusting God deeply enough to dream alongside Him at God-sized Dreams earlier this week.
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How can it be? 3?
We’ve been out since mid-May, and I’m just thankful they don’t go back “until” Aug. 9 because my friend teaches at a school that starts a week earlier than that! Good thing we’ll still have the pool for after school so summer really isn’t over!
Wow, you guys start school early! I’ve got to start ordering homeschool curriculum, but am really in denial.
I love that you are so committed to the joy of summer.
I’m so glad you’ve had such a wonderful summer, Kristin. I’m dreading the end. It will send my daughter back to college. They really do grow up way too fast. It’s great to see you this morning :).
My 10-year-old likes to tell me when my youngest (who is almost 2) is her age, she’ll be 18. Thanks, kid. Like I needed that reminder. 🙂 Glad you’re here, Candace, and I hope you’re enjoying your summer with your girl!
I love the last line. I am saying this too LOL!!
We’ve got to stick together!
I want to do summers at your house, Kristin. 🙂 What wonderful memories you are creating for your family!
Come on over, Lisa! 🙂
Great picture! Enjoy the last part of summer. Thank you for the link-up.
Thank you for being here, Maree!
You paint such a vivid picture about what’s special about the lazy days of summer. That photo of the kids, jumping in the pool holding hands — priceless. In addition to sleeping in and popsicles and milkshakes and water parks and days at the pool with a book, I would add snacking on frozen green grapes, afternoon (cheap) matinees at air conditioned movie theaters, blowing bubbles in the backyard, reading books about summer, and blending up some watermelon-y slushy drinks and pulling out the straws. School and all those schedules come too soon.
I love summer, obviously! I’m glad you can relate. Thanks for being here, Lynn!