Summer

We’re ending the summer with a bang.  Lots of fun family and friend time. 

Friday the boys and I headed out early to ride bikes along the sidewalks in town.  I just love our little community!  After Jakes morning nap we packed up and headed to Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke to explore.  It’s been years since I’ve visited and was a first for all three boys.  The big boys were on bikes and had a blast being surrounded by water.  Jake was quite taken by the ducks and tried on more than one attempt to join them for a swim.  He gave me a new appreciation for the seat belts in strollers!

 

On our way home, we were surprised with a message from Mike that he would be heading home from work a bit early!  Humm… what to do with some extra time with Daddy?!?  We ordered grinders and pizza from our local deli and took our Picnic to the beach at Sunrise Park.  Although cool, it was a dreamy Friday afternoon. 

Aiden, Chris and I headed out to sleep over Grammie and Dziadzu’s Friday night with the plan to head out early Saturday to join in the Saint Francis Church Tag Sale fun.  It’s always fun bumping into familiar people that you haven’t seen in years.  The kids and I had a blast and found a few treasures.  Mike held down the fort at home with Jake.  It was their first alone Daddy - lil man time and Mike spoiled Jacob rotten.  A huge box of munchkins and a trip to the playground all before his 8 am nap!  We were home shortly after lunch time and the boys played outside until dinner with the neighbors…...built in best friends.  After dinner we headed out to explore the water along the CT River.  Little boys and water are a match made in heaven! 

It was fun day Sunday as Aiden, Chris and Mike headed out early to fish along the CT River before packing up and heading to meet our friends, the Locke’s for more fun on the CT River but this time on their boat!  Such a treat and the kids played so well.  Perfect weather, perfect company and a fantastic way to end the summer.  Arriving home mid-day, we did a few chores, ate dinner and walked to the ice cream shop.  An all American summer day indeed. 

As I washed the towels and blankets and put them away one of the last times, it made me long for the start of summer and warm days spent “putting out fires, learning parenting along the way.  The days of waking to ask what everyone wanted to do for the day.  Days spent with friends and no worries about time. Afternoons spent playing board games. We’ve had our highs and lows but I know how very blessed I am.  We’ve got good boys, good health and a hard working Daddy who’s made it possibly for me to have this opportunity.  Pretty lucky if I do say so myself!

And today, the start of our last week of summer was spent riding bikes, playing at the park and going to our local beach…. again!  These are the dog days of summer.  These are the days that memories are made of.