The End of Summer

This was supposed to be the summer of many things. Just like every other previous summer, I started concocting some pretty grand plans for summer 2017 with my kids.

I’d planned to work a little bit each day teaching my rising 3rd grader her times tables, using a fun program I used when I was a public school teacher. Instead, I randomly quizzed her verbally.

I’d planned to work with my rising kindergartner on learning to tie his shoes, since shoes with laces are mandatory for him. That didn’t happen at all.

I’d planned to try out all the cool awesome places around Atlanta I keep hearing about (and -um- some of which I’ve featured here), but we didn’t.

Instead, we spent the month of June first doing nothing, then doing a last-minute, but sorely needed bathroom renovation.

I spent two weeks in June training to be an Orton-Gillingham instructor, which meant the kids spent the days at Camp Grandmama, and a week at VBS.

I taught summer camp for the last full week in June. Those two and three year olds never fail to both keep me on my toes and fill my heart.

We managed to get away for a week, visiting the in-laws in Florida. We also squeezed in a quick trip to Daytona beach, where I got to savor the feeling of sand between my toes.

Ahh, I can still feel the waves lapping softly against my shins. Thanks for the memories #daytonabeach2017

A post shared by Barbara Burns (@atlantasfrugalmom) on Jul 12, 2017 at 6:53am PDT

We even got to go to Six Flags not once, but twice! An evening was spent at Stone Mountain enjoying some of the attractions, followed by terrace seating for the Laser Show.

Many mornings, afternoons, and evenings were spent at the pool.  My son finally conquered his fear of the slide at the pool.  As always, he is my greatest lesson in doing things on his own timeline.

My daughter learned much more than just how to lace up a sneaker.

My husband and I spent many late evenings front porch swinging, watching the kids play in the front lawn.

Although on the surface, we didn’t “do” much this summer, I feel confident the kids built some nice memories to commemorate the season.     I mean, we even managed to snag Mayfield banana pudding ice cream, for heaven’s sake!

So perhaps while this wasn’t the most action-packed summer, with multiple checks off a big summer bucket list, we will all look back fondly at our time spent from May to August.  It’s not about doing-it-all, but enjoying all the big and little moments together.

And after all, there’s always next summer, right?

P.S.  We have an amazing trip to Myrtle Beach coming up Columbus Day weekend, too!