Summer's Winding Down

     So I heard on the radio the other day that we have 53 days of summer left.  Well now it's more like 47 or 48 days.  Wow, it sure is flying by isn't it?  Thanks to the stellar weather here in Ohio, there have been very few weekends that have consisted of good swimming weather.  But... I am determined to make the most of my remaining summer days.

     Because of my work schedule and the fact that we don't actually own a swimming pool, our swim time is reserved for weekends only.  That is when the hubby and I schlep 5 (or sometimes 6!) kids over to his parents house to take over lounge at their pool.  We are a sight to behold, let me just tell you.  Any parent of small children and/or a big family knows exactly when I'm talking about.  Between juggling an XL beach bag (full of necessities!), a cooler with enough food to feed a small army, grasping at all of the various pool floats, toys, and noodles, AND making sure all of the kids are accounted for, I usually leave the house without something.  My sanity.  But once we've made the 40 minute drive and arrive at the in-laws in one piece, it's a glorious feeling.  While the kids are splashing and playing, I get to relax and float in the water.  Yep, it's worth every second of the pandemonium.

     Once the sun goes down, bonfires are something we love to do on summer nights.  Our crew seems to get really pumped over a good fire.  Maybe it's the contest to see who can char the blackest marshmallow without losing it to the fire.  Or the sticking of the uncooked marshmallow to the forehead and seeing how long the stick.  Either way, it's a pretty good time.  See what I mean?

     I still have a pretty good list of things I want to do this summer but with the days dwindling fast, there may be a few that don't make the cut this year:

• Camping - looks like it won't happen until fall.  Plus we own no gear so it looks like we will be renting a cabin.  
• Farmer's Market - Made it nearly every week last year.  The work schedule just doesn't agree)
• Picnic at the park
• Zoo - Happening in Sept so at least it's planned!
• Summer Road Trip - May or may not spend a weekend at Lake Cumberland
• Fair - County Fair is this weekend.  Woohoo!
• Hiking
• Play some tennis - rackets haven't been picked up yet.  I'll work on that.
• More cookouts - I've used my grill twice this year.  Twice.  

     No matter what, I'm going to enjoy this time.  Even though  my days are spent working, I still have my evenings and weekends free.  I cherish the sunsets I get to witness while sitting on the front porch with my big girls, watching the little ones catch fireflies.  Sometimes, I even slip off my shoes and join them.

How are you spending your summer moments?

*Kel*