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.