Sweet Summertime

As we find ourselves in September, and are full-steam ahead into school, fall sports and activities, we took a brief pause to soak up the last bits of summer and kick off our holiday weekend. We've had a blur of a summer, and every season I find myself struggling to catch up. Between tutors, swim team, tennis, softball, and a few mini weekend getaways, September crept up on us.

The transitions of seasons can be difficult for me, because I grasp so tightly to the familiar. The routines we establish. The feeling of comfort. Those sunshiney faces are just so beautiful in the carefree light of summer.

So while I do love fall - and boots and sweaters, and crunchy leaves, and pumpkin everything - I want to fully appreciate the summer for what it was to us, simply amazing.

Worlds of Fun

I have a very vivid memory of the first time I ever rode a roller coaster. It was on our annual summer trip to World's of Fun with my Mom, sisters and Aunt, and for the first time my sister Steph and I were tall enough to ride the roller coasters. We got in line for the beloved Zambezi-zinger (RIP). We both started panicking and crying. My Mom most likely laughing, would not let us anywhere near the chicken exit. I'm sure the workers that day were highly amused by the spectacle we were making. Despite our begging and pleading she dragged us on literally kicking and screaming. Now if you're familiar with the classic coaster it spirals upwards towards the top and took its sweet time. We cried the whole way up. By the time it actually started going down hill we were both laughing and having a blast. Maybe even holding our hands up throughout the ride, and then running back in line as soon as it was over. #embarrassing

Fast forward to this summer when my Aunt was in town and we took my girls on our own annual trip to World's of Fun. I spent some time beforehand checking out the height requirements for all the rides and measured both girls. Unfortunately my measuring skills were apparently a little off and the only ride they were both tall enough for was Spinning Dragons, and Gracen was barely tall enough to do Fury of the Nile.

The Grand Carousel is always a favorite. And of course the Flying Dutchman. We were pretty lucky this year that even though it was quite warm out (that's what we get for going in August!) there weren't any lines.

Except of course the Spinning Dragons. I don't know if it's because only 4 people go on it at a time, or if it's because it's the ride the most people can go on, but 45 minute line. In the baking sun. As you can imagine we only made it on once.

I'm not sure which was more fun, the roller coaster, or playing in the water waiting in line.

They were nervous/excited but overall were just kind of like oh a roller coaster? Cool. So no fun traumatic story like my own. Whatevs. I am glad I got to document it though!

Such an awesome day! I do hope that 20 years from now, they look back on these memories as fondly as I do.

But we all know I'm a sap. #Sigh

soaking it in

Every summer for as long as I can remember, growing up we went to the blueberry patch. It was more of a working trip than it was about making memories, but the memories were made anyway. 

We would literally pick for hours and come home and stock the freezer full of fresh berries. Enough to last us until the next year. 

And as a kid, those summer memories seemed to happen at such a slow pace. In the best way, despite the many activities we were all involved in.

Now as a parent, especially as my girls get older, I catch myself desperately trying to grasp at each and every single moment.

To soak it all in.

Just look at that face!

You promised me blueberries mom!

Where are those blueberries?!

Ya know the well meaning little old ladies that tell you to enjoy every moment, it goes so fast!

It does, it does go so fast.

But it's easier said than done.

So even though it took us all summer to make it out to the berry patch, we made it. It was a gorgeous Kansas (technically MO...) evening with the entire patch to ourselves. We took our time, we picked, and we sampled, and we picked. 

{"We GET IT Mom, the biggest, bluest berries..."}

And we soaked it all in.