This summer was truly one of our very best, for many reasons.
1. The weather was amazing! Calgary has been long overdue for the wonderful weather we had the past two months. I hope it continues to stretch into the Fall.
2. We didn't have any major projects on the go. For the first time in the seven years we have been in our house, this was the first summer we didn't have any major yard projects on the go! Typically our summers have involved a lot of heavy labor.
3. The kids became best friends. Really. With lots of time to play and only each other to count on, Neela and Ashton really bonded this summer. We regularly remark how awesome it is to see them together these days....they really depend on one another for fun and entertainment. I am a wee worried about how the shock of school restarting will effect this bond - I think Ashton will have a tough time without his sister around on a regular basis.
4. Our backyard is our own little oasis, finally. This summer the kids (and us) made great use of the backyard. We got a swing, a sandbox, a water table and lots of other outdoor toys for the kids to play with. Many afternoons and early evenings were spent outside in the yard watching the kids run through the sprinkler, jump in their bouncy house, and soak up the sun.
5. I got a lot of things done on my 'to do' list. I started running again, something I have wanted to do for months. Although I won't be able to maintain a regular running routine this Fall (I am already having to cut back due to my schedule) I hope to fit it in as much as possible.
6. Finally, even though Nigel and I didn't take any vacation away from our jobs (minus a day or two) we managed to do a lot of things with the kids and made the most of our 'staycation' here at home. I can not remember ever doing so much with the kids - we went to the zoo, to the science center, to Calaway Park, to the Calgary Tower, to the fireworks, to splash parks and playgrounds all over the city, we took the kids bike riding and walking regularly...and we had a lot of fun!
Today marks the end of August - and really, for us - the end of Summer. School starts next week and a whole new routine will need to be established. At the start of the summer I thought I would be overjoyed to see the kids return to classes, but I am actually feeling a big sad about it. A few things I am really going to miss:
1. Eating outside on the deck. With the awesome weather we really made great use of our new patio set and eating outside. The kids love it. Man, so do I!
2. Being lazy. Yup, it is true....I let myself get a bit lazy with not kicking things into high gear the second I got out of bed. I enjoyed not getting us all dressed and out the door by 830am and not having to act as chauffeur each day.
3. Soaking up the sun. Need I say more? I loved the heat and the abundance of sunshine this summer. The early morning sun put a spring in my step at the start of each day.
4. Being with my kids. Surprisingly I thrived on the heavy dose of kid time this summer. I will miss them...especially my Neela, who will be in school all day starting next week.
5. Being stress free, for the most part. This has already faded fast as our work schedules continue to be very demanding and the logistics of life are about to get intense.
Bye-bye summer....
