Summer Kickoff

Readers, I have to be honest. I was dreading summer. To some extent, I still am - we tend to do better when we have a set schedule around here, and preschool was awesome in providing that. Plus, on Tuesday mornings I had plenty of time to myself to read or write or browse Target. I wouldn't be a SAHM if I didn't go to Target and find things I don't need but suddenly realize I want.

But yesterday, we hosted a small, last-minute, Memorial Day barbecue. Our next door neighbors (Cupcake's best friend) came over along with some friends who work with my husband and with whom we've had a lot of fun. We laughed. Drank a little wine. Had sliders and hot dogs and baked beans. Made homemade ice cream. The littles got a long - there was no Mineitis until the end of the evening. Sometimes, you don't even realize how much you miss connecting with people until you do it and it's all over. You realize you've been stuck changing diapers and worrying about school drop-offs and starting potty-training and getting all those things done (which probably *ahem* okay STILL haven't gotten done) and you've neglected to maybe take a breath and just talk and laugh with friends - to recharge the relaxation battery.

This morning, after the kids actually slept well. (Someday, perhaps I'll post about the sleeping or lack thereof we've dealt with, especially with Cupcake). They were happy. We were rested. And the weather is beautiful - not too hot. A wonderful breeze. I am sitting at the table, drinking coffee and watching Fruitman (the one year old) play outside with the bubble machine and then just stop in AWE of the grounds crew mowing the lawn in our back yard common area. He is enthralled. I walk out and have him sit on my lap, and he holds my hand and just watches. Cupcake (the 3 year old) is watching Clifford and still in her jammies and peeks her head out the door to watch (but not come out, because mowers are LOUD and she is not a fan of the loud unless of course, she's the one doing it).

Soon, I'll try to pack them in the car and go to the library and Target. Summer reading starts so we'll sign up. There will be some structure for lunch and quiet time. We'll still have baths every night, because it's summer and they'll be filthy from playing outside and being covered in sunscreen and dirt and grass. And there will be days with screaming and crying and tantrums. But maybe summer won't be so bad. Maybe, despite our lack of structure we'll still have a relaxed time. I think we all need it. I'll keep you posted.