Memorable Summer Moments #2-5

Argh! It's already September 6th! How could that possibly be correct? With autumn knocking on my door, here are memorable summer moments #2-5.

#2 - Friends. We have been blessed to see the outpouring of friendship this summer. From friends who let us stay in their homes to friends who shared a fun outing...

Friends helped me laugh this summer. They helped me see the blessings. And they were a source of therapy and comfort.

Dump visit with Jess!

 Beach day with Shelley - my best friend from high school. How is it that we are in our 40s with SO MANY CHILDREN? Wasn't it yesterday we were driving to school together in the cold mornings, singing Match-Maker on the stage, and toilet-papering Brad's room?

Re-connecting with overseas friends was a reminder that friendship transcends time, oceans, and continents. How I needed this short but precious visit with Melissa!  It was a balm to my soul to connect with someone with whom I shared the Jakarta experience. And in her 6-year-old way, Charlotte's reconnection with Tate was equally, if not more, important. 

Shana and Jesca! How we love you! How we love the stories, the laughter, the meals at Exeter, the night at the fair, the ice cream at the farmer's market...

Fish and chips at Portsmouth, NH, followed by ice cream...of course!

Then there was the serendipitous meeting at the Piano Guys Concert with my dear friend, Corinne.  

Then there are the un-photographed moments: The pancake breakfast with Karen when we played hooky from the ward's 4th of July breakfast because it was just too dang early. The SYTYCD sessions in Jess's basement. The long runs with Maria where I poured my heart out as we compared mothering moments. This summer, experiences with friends reminded me what is important in life and gave me so many reasons to celebrate. 

#3 New England Escape
It has been over ten years since I've traveled back to Boston and Cape Cod. This spontaneous trip ended up being the recreational highlight of the summer. It was the first time my children had visited my old stomping grounds from my Sophomore to Senior years of high school.

We visited Faniuel Hall in Boston and dined on scallops wrapped in bacon, crab rolls, and Boston Cream pie. We saw the swan boats and walked to the Old North Church.

We spent one morning in Sandwich, walking down main street and drinking water from the spring fountain at the Dexter Grist Mill. I introduced my children to the boardwalk and Sandwich Town Beach.

This week-long escape was just that: a much needed escape. A reminder that life is good and fun.

#4 Owen's Garden

Owen broke ground on his garden a full month before we broke ground on the house. He had the electric fence up and running to keep out the deer before the foundation of the house was poured. And we've reaped the benefits of the garden all summer long. The only problem? What do we do with 30 GIGANTIC zucchinis?

#5 Morning Runs

This is where I worked out all my frustrations. This is where I shared time with my running daughters and was even joined by Truman and Amelia on occasion. This was my place solace. This was one of the few places where I felt in control of my out-of-control summer.

I was sad to say goodbye to my children as they started school this week. But honestly, I wasn't too sad to say goodbye to summer 2015. However, looking back - especially with the lens of perspective - I realize it wasn't so bad at all.