Summer Treasures

As I sit surrounded by homeschooling books and curriculum, I realize that summer is coming to an end even faster than I thought. Boys play outside in the dappled sunlight, their calls and laughter carried on the breeze through open windows. Swinging . . . sliding . . . the simple pleasures of summer.

One of my desires for this year is to live a seasonal life--to embrace each season as it comes, to delve deep into the treasure chest of nature. Perhaps this longing stems from youth spent in the Iowa countryside, seeing the seasons drift over the landscape. There is something beautifully rhythmic about the change of seasons. I want to capture that rhythm and dance along with it this year.

Here is a look at a few of our summer treasures . . .

Summer Treasure 1: Swimming

Both boys took lessons to improve their strokes, and with the added confidence, we couldn't get them out of the water! From water parks to neighborhood pools, they had a blast in the water this summer. (Hopefully, we'll make a few more trips to the pool before summer ends.)

Summer Treasure 2: Slip 'n' Slides (and other backyard fun)

With the combined space of Grandpa and Aunt Kelley's yards, the boys organized all sorts of activities--trampolining, soccer games, sprinklers, and slip 'n' slides. They even turned the regular playground slide into a "water slide." Micah and Kaden were inseparable for much of the summer--taking turns (more or less) with the cool John Deere riding toy.

Summer Treasure 3: Parks

What could be more fun than playing at the park with your cousins?

Summer Treasure 4: Sno Cones

With flavors that include pickle juice, lime and chili, and just about every other combination you can imagine, sno cones are a particular treat on hot Texas afternoons. My personal favorite: raspberries and cream.

Summer Treat 5: Car Washes with Great Uncle Mark

I'm not sure how this tradition got started, but for many years now, Ethan (joined later by Micah) has "helped" my Uncle Mark wash the car in the summer. The boys look forward to washing the car with great anticipation. Car washing usually morphs into getting extremely wet, running through the puddles that collect, and searching the storm drains for giant squids. Uncle Mark has other specialties as well like blanket rides and musical highlights (special viewings of rather strange clips from mostly obscure films). They love the car washes and blanket rides; we endure the musical highlights.

Summertime and the livin' is easy . . .

Note: First photo taken in my dad's yard--another summer treasure.