So many things to love about summer . . . the longer days, no need to bundle up to go outside, all the celebrations, a general slower pace so it feels like there's more time to relax. I think what I like best is the many opportunities to get out and do things and be with people. We used to take our big family vacation in the fall, but now we do it in the summer and that is my favorite time - exploring a destination and hanging out with my whole family. I love all the little weekend trips and day trips and cookouts too, because those are all times to take a break from the daily grind and do something fun with people that are fun to spend time with.
My biggest pet peeve is bugs. Yeah, the heat and humidity can wear on me sometimes, but it's the bugs that bug me most. Checking for ticks every time we go out for a hike, swatting mosquitos pretty much every time we're outside, the flies getting inside the house, those little gnats and tiny flies that are just so annoying. Ugh. I like honeybees and butterflies, but other than that I'm not a fan of insects.
The first song that came to mind is Summer Lovin' from Grease, but that's not on my playlist, it just has the word summer in the title. Haha. There's so many songs to choose from that bring the summer vibe, but I'm going with a long-time favorite of mine, Walkin on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves. It's cheerful and energetic, and very sunshine-y!
3. What's something you remember about your childhood summers? Do you think kids today get to enjoy summer the way you did as a child? Elaborate.
I remember going to our church camps, and on family camping trips. I remember roaming the neighborhood, playing in our backyard, and riding bikes. It seems like a lot of kids today are more likely to be inside in the air conditioning than outside roaming and being active. Not all! But a lot. And I understand there are a lot of reasons for it too. In today's world it's less likely that there's a parent at home during the day, and probably less likely that there's a grandparent or aunt nearby where kids can spend the days when school is out. So in a lot of cases it's just not considered as safe to let kids "go outside and play" or roam the neighborhood like I did. But it is good for kids (and all of us!) to be outside in the sunshine and touching grass, especially during summer, so I think families should make it a priority to get their kids comfortable with being outside and without a screen to stare at so they can connect with nature and be active.
I favor dad a little in looks - my eyes mostly. My dad (and my mum) are visiting right now actually, and were with us last week at the vacation house. When we were growing up, my dad always made time to play with us kids and be silly. He loved building campfires so when we went on camping trips, that was almost the first order of business - build up a woodpile and get a good fire going. At our house in Maryland, Dad made our first firepit and my boys spent a lot of time with him chopping wood and tending the fire. Obviously my boys come by their interest in fires honestly!
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| with Mum and Dad in October 2025 |
- flip flops or sandals - I love flip flops! I don't wear them much any more because of my knee and foot problems
- beach or pool - definitely the pool. I have nothing against the beach but there's the sand in everything problem, and I'd rather not go in the ocean or lake to swim.
- watermelon or peaches - probably watermelon, because while it's not my favorite, I do actually prefer it to fresh peaches
- shorts or sundress - I don't think I even own any shorts right now. I have capris, and I do have a couple of skorts. Hmmm. In light of that, I guess I'll choose the sundress.
- iced coffee or ice cold lemonade - I love both, but it probably isn't a surprise that I'd more often choose iced coffee!
- amusement park or water park - amusement park for me!
We had so much fun last week at the Airbnb with the whole family. One day we got everyone together and went to Niagara Falls and rode on the Maid of the Mist (tour boat to the base of the falls). I was so glad that everyone went along - I wondered whether a few might not want to, but everyone went and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend if you go to Niagara Falls - it's basically the same cruise offered on the American and the Canadian side, and we've done both now.
What do you love most about summer? Leave a comment and let me know!
I host the Wednesday Quotes link-up every other Wednesday. Stop by and share a few thoughts and quotes on the current topic here: WQ - Connected to Nature. I host the Everyday Images photo link-up every other Thursday. And find the Scripture and a Snapshot link-up here every Sunday.
Oh I remember that Niagara boat ride and getting completely soaked-- it was so much fun! It's ironic that we all think it's not really safe for kids to be outside alone when all the statistics I read insisted that there is actually less crime now than when we were growing up; we just weren't as aware of it thanks to our lovely fear mongering media. Plus there were so many other people and kids around outside. I definitely raised my kids to have those old school summers and was thankful to realize that many of their friends did too.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great trip to Niagara! I had to smile at your campfire story. Men and fires go together lol. I think you would swim in our lake : ) It's crystal clear, you can see your feet. Lots of people arrive saying 'oh I don't swim in lakes' but they almost always change their mind. Have a great day! I'm hoping to get the Everyday Images posted tomorrow but we shall see how this day goes.
ReplyDeleteI love both of the songs you mentioned.
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