I love fall. In my book, September 1 marks its beginning. It is the harbinger of all things cozy, smelly, and yummy. The scented candles come out, baking begins, and I start wondering when it will be cold enough for a fire.
But his year has been different. I blinked and summer past. I never even made my “Summer Bucket List” much less checked it off.
I haven’t felt ready to move on.
I think what I missed was just having a long week of nothing. With a houseful, life doesn’t slow to the pace of nothing much anymore. On the other hand, we certainly had lots of somethings.
This summer held plenty of fun and memories.
So today, in an effort to loosen my grip on summer and open wide my heart to fall, I’m chronicling and giving thanks for a few of these “summer somethings”.
98. our Beach House weekend. It’s our favorite place, and the kids have grown up there. Something magical happens to us when we’re there . .
. . love abounds
. . laughter too
. . and a little bit of nothing
99. two weddings . .
. . and seventeen cousins reunited
100. beaches and beauties immortalized
101. beautiful places and friends
102. fairytales come to life
103. celebrating Daniel’s 18th . .
. . who will always be forever young
104. Saturday morning donuts
Okay, I think I might be ready now . .
goodbye, summer
it’s been fun
fall is here
your turn is done
105. fall’s first gift . . cool nights and marshmallow happiness
(thanks, Em, for all the great pics XO)
Donuts are my favorite these look sooo good!
With donut picture 2 being the proof lol.
Your sons 18th birthday cake how special and the hat is great. 🙂
The crab feed looks like you all had great fun.
Enjoyed all your pics, what a fun summer and what a great intro into autumn with family times around the fire roasting marshmallows.
Thank you so much, Rachel. It really was a full, fun summer, and after going through all my daughter's pics, I realized there's soooo much to give thanks for!
I join you in thinking summer went by in a heartbeat. So good to stop and take note of the things you want to remember, to store up in your heart. When my kids were young, I used to write on our whiteboard, "Summer Memories" and have them fill in their favorites, graffiti style. Love the pic of the young men on the roof–priceless!
Thanks, Nancy. It really was good to take the time and reflect on the summer. Rather than feeling sad at its ending, now I feel grateful for all its bounty. The graffiti board is a great idea!
I feel exactly like you do about summer gone in a blink. Your photos are so beautiful. I love them – the candlelit cake with the sprinkle heart is so pretty.
I love your list! And I agree with Jodi. The photos are terrific and that cake is adorable.
But if you need a bit more summer, you can always make your way down to my neck of the woods. Florida's summer is still going strong, and I am longing for a taste of fall!
I told my husband toward the end of August…"I'm ready to plan summer now!!!" Haha! Such is my life…best of intentions and then rush to get it all done before it ends…
i miss summer, but glad to have the turning of the season.
much love to your sister friend! those pictures were all so beautiful. life is indeed beautiful.
Jodi, Leslie, & Melissa – Thank you for your comments. They make this activity so much fun! I wish I could take the credit for the photos and the cake, but they were BOTH created by my sweet girl. She inspires me.
And yes, Melissa, life IS beautiful!