Savoring Summer

In trying to keep our life pace moving nice and slow, I have purposed to put the camera down and be present even more than usual.  We have been savoring summer.

:: making easy dinners ::

Popcorn one night, veggies and dip for another, then maybe just cereal or sandwiches, and once we even had ice cream.  Because we eat well all day long, I never have to feel bad about this.

:: playing outside as a family ::

Or if Todd is working, at least me and the kids.  This involves putting aside the excuses and just getting out there together playing chase at the playground or grabbing a ball to kick and catch or setting up horse arenas in the yard and running and racing till we all drop. Bryce and Chris like to surprise us and join these frolicking times too (which Evan especially savors!).

:: keeping bedtime peaceful and relaxed ::

Laying on a blanket in the grass and staring at the night sky, not worrying about if it's 7:15pm or 8:15pm as long as everyone is happy, building with legos all over the floor until we can't see anymore, reading fantastic books while everyone yawns and yawns and finally drops into bed exhausted.

:: taking the Jeep instead of my car :: 

The kids can climb in and out entirely without help now and they love the freedom of minimal seat restraints.  (Chloe in a booster with no high-back anymore and Evan with no booster at all now that he's 8!)  So far it seems impossible to fight or bother each other when the whole world is flying by your legs and arms and a warm wind surrounds you while the sun is shining overhead ... It is pure freedom that you can't help but savor every moment of.

:: doing lots of artsy stuff ::

Mostly laying on the floor coloring while sharing a rainbow pile of pencils, but also watching the kids create things with pinking-edge scissors or hole punches or glue sticks -- it's wonderfully messy.  Jars of paint and piles of paintbrushes have taken up residence on my kitchen table with piles of artwork waiting for display. 

:: baking yummy things ::

Cooking with the kids always forces me to slow me down so I can be more present with them rather than just being focused on getting something in the oven.  The goal is fun.  We have made bread, all kinds of muffins, chocolaty treats and no-bakes and pudding.

:: watching my kids grow right before my eyes ::

Maybe it's because of their birthdays or that fact that they only wear shorts with no shirts for months on end, but I am always more aware of their growth in the summertime.  I love this.  I love being aware of it happening.  It really slows things down as I savor it all.