summer send-off

The sunflowers are all heavy with bloom.  The sky is darkening much earlier.  Our flip-flops have logged a lot of miles.  We've had our fill of corn on the cob.  And now I concede, our summer vacation is over.

It is with such bittersweetness that we move forward into the fall.  This summer was one of the best yet.  Not being pregnant, nursing or caring for a tiny infant for the first time in about 7 years really freed us up to experience so much of what summer had to offer. 

Some of our favorite highlights can be seen here.

The girls put their toes in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, we set up our pool (major project), did lots of afternoon swimming, spent countless hours at the "secret beach", took a few day trips to the lake, grew our own veggies, and ate lots and lots of ice cream.  Life was unhurried, uncomplicated, and I wish we could live it over and over again. 

We took an evening walk talking and remembering fondly the days that we have spent.

  Alas, the sun has gone down on our summer vacation. Farewell... for now.

Not Plastic

A few weeks ago my Grandparents came for a visit.  Usually they bring gifts for the girls, but this time I was the one on the receiving end. In they walked with this perfect wooden contraption.

They bought it at a garage sale from an older gentleman who lives across the street from them.  His wife had just moved into a nursing home- and this was her sewing basket.

When you open it up there are layers upon layers waiting to be filled with trinkets..

I suppose it should be used for notions or embroidery accessories.  I don't have much of either (maybe an excuse to buy more?).  Not quite big enough for my yarn stash, it still sits empty.  Well, that is not entirely true.

Laurel has made good use of it.  Any other ideas about what I could fill it with?

I just love wooden things, they last so much longer and stay so much nicer. We are not really into electronic, flashing, buzzing, beeping toys here ("gee dear I am not sure where that dollar store cell phone went, it must be lost- sorry").  Plus, being a bit crunchy, there is that whole plastic/toxic thing.

   

It seems like the toys that are wooden require more imagination. I'll admit we have some purging to do. That is a project that will be done more thoroughly when the girls are away at school.  Funny how they don't even seem to miss what has gone missing.  Not plastic (in the words of Martha) "its a good thing."

preparations

This morning I woke up at 7:24am. School starts on Wednesday.  Seven-Thirty is precisely the time that we will need to leave the house.  Hmm...showers, uniforms, hair, teeth, breakfast, backpacks, carpool--all before 8:00am.  Chaotic.

In effort to brace ourselves for these early morning adventures my little friend and I did some organizing. Don't you hate mixing dry ingredients?  For me, that is the most dreaded part of any recipe. 

Laurel helped me put together some pre-made mixes for our favorite muffins and pancakes. She was the raisin girl. 

Now, on those busy school mornings, all I have to do is add the milk, eggs and oil. This will hopefully leave more time for coffee. And err, getting the girls ready in a more orderly manner. (maybe the two go hand in hand)

So, the uniforms are dusted off.

The lunch bags are ready to be filled. The car is washed, vacuumed, and awaiting little passengers.  Everything is prepared...except our hearts- which for the next 2 days, will be bidding farewell to summer.