“Sweet Summertime” is a common phrase during this special season. It is easy to see why summer is loved by many. There is plenty of sunshine, warmth, family time, vacations, a break from the hustle of school (and occasionally work for some of us adults!), fun holidays, swimming pools, cookouts, sleeping in, and longer days for more fun in the sun. The list could go on and on. Summer is a time to switch up the routine and live in the moment. Many of us have things we look forward to in the summer that maybe we have been daydreaming about for months prior, or even years! We think about our summer plans and let them fill our hearts and minds with hope and excitement for the future. To be completely honest, summer often is the time we look forward to when life starts getting a little too heavy. Embracing the chaos that is the “pause” in our normal rigorous schedules, Summer is sweet simply because it allows us to be a little more present. As adults playtime can be hard since we feel the weight of all our to-doʼs and responsibilities, but something about summer allows us to let out the child within ourselves a little easier. It could be that we are required to entertain our youngsters since they are home for summer and therefore, we have had time to mentally prepare ourselves for this endeavor, or maybe it is because summertime activities are more enjoyable for people of all ages. One of our favorite summer activities is spending the day at the pool. Something about being able to soak in the sunshine and feel the Vitamin D feeding my soul allows me to play a little more freely. Sunshine truly is the best medicine.

Summertime brings some of our favorite sounds, smells, and tastes transforming into core memories that last forever. The sounds of splashes, fireworks, giggles, and squeals, all make me think of times with friends and family in the summer. The smell of barbecues, sunscreen, salty sea air, sweet fruit in season, or tropical notes fills the air. Sweet watermelon hydrates our bodies and leaves a refreshing taste on our tongues. Popsicles on the pavement or at the pool, burgers and hot dogs with ketchup and Lays potato chips on the 4th of July, or crisp corn on the cob all embody the tastes of summer that we look forward to each year. One of the faster seasons, in my opinion, Summer comes and goes in a flash. It shows up just in time to break up the monotony we have felt for the three previous seasons and leaves as we tire of the heat. When tans are strong and sunburns are less frequent from the time spent outside, we know Summer is coming to a close and Fall is approaching. We see back-to-school sections start popping up in stores and begin to get excited for new backpacks and school supplies. We shop for our first-day outfits and can’t wait to find out who our teacher will be for the upcoming grade. We start to yearn for the cooler weather and all the fun that comes with the season ahead, and we know it is time for Summer to say goodbye. Back to normal routines and “fall” into a balance that helps our family get back in sync. Summer sure was sweet while it lasted! See you for our final season of the year as we look for all the sweetness in the Fall!

Many Blessings,

Lauren