Alas, those days are gone. So what do grown-ups with 9-5 jobs with no vacation (who am I kidding - Tony's job is the furthest from 9-5 you can get and I stay home), who have small children (children who have no concept of "sleeping-in") do with their summers? How do you embrace the spirit of summer when the everyday gets in the way? Well, here's how we are managing:
Trips to the Zoo:
{And if daddy is with us we get to ride the train!}
Wagon Rides
{To the iron bridge at the end of the street where we will collect sticks.}
{and throw them into the water}
{We will also collect flowers. And stick them in mommy's pocket.}
Enjoy the Flowers
{In June I planted this day lily in our backyard. I love the peach color and the ruffles along the edges of the petals.}
{Flowers on my bedside table from our local farmer's market}
Swim in the Backyard
{in a pool purchased for $7 at a neighborhood garage sale}
{fill and dump. repeat.}
{then snuggle under towels on the couch while eating a snack and watching an episode of Jake and the Neverland Pirates}
Take a Few Day Trips
{Braving the heat to see the Cahaba Lilies}
Eat Cold Treats
{Everyday. Lime Sherbet with Raspberries}
Learn to Climb Trees
{She did it all by herself. If available, I would have handed her my child-hood copy of Anne of Green Gables - perfect 'up in a tree' reading}
When Bored
{Dress the mild-mannered dog up like a princess}
Take Early Morning Walks to the Library
{Be sure to load your double stroller up with library returns, camera case, purse, and several drinks. Oh, and make sure the kiddos get in there somewhere too.}
{While out walking, take advantage of free library summer events. This day was "Hawaiian Ice and Sidewalk Chalk."}
{Do not feel limited to the pavement only. Marking on face....}
{And hands, allowed.}
{Learn to hopscotch and render your mother speechless as she pictures you a 4th grader}
{When hot, go inside and peruse the princess section}
{Then devour your selections on the ride home}
Learn to Swim
{with glee and without floaties}
{Swim underwater with your "mermaid stroke" and impress your mother}
{Wear cute goggles}
{Then jump in to one-up sister}
Delight in Company
{Paw-Paws are easily hoodwinked into reading long stories. She loves every minute of it.}
And finally, REST
{in unexpected places}
I would trade late nights and lazy mornings any day for the fun we are having this summer. In just a few weeks we will make our summer pilgramage to South Texas. No Project 21 this year as we will only be there for two weeks. Looking forwad to amazing Tex-Mex enchiladas, acres and acres of land, starry night skies, and beautiful family and friends.....
Ha
