Goodbye to One of the 18 Summers

We’ve all read how our children only get 18 summers, so we need to make every one count. Of course they’ll have a summer every year, but after childhood it just won’t be the same. 

And we’ve also read how you never know when it’s “the last time.” The last time for what? For everything. Your child will get older and just stop doing some things he’s always done, and you won’t realize it until he stops. So, you really need to savor every moment with your children while you have them.

So my latest “last time” story is that it’s time for Aidyn to get braces. We’ve done all the preliminary visits and he just had his last three baby teeth pulled so that they can put the braces on. What does that mean? A few weeks ago, he just had his last visit from the Tooth Fairy. Now, at age 12 (almost 13), he doesn’t subscribe to this sort of magic anymore (it is more for show on behalf of his younger brother). But it is the last time, and it is a big deal. My baby is growing up.

And if that wasn't enough of a wake up call, little brother Jaxon just had a birthday - he turned 10! So, I really don't have any single digit kiddos anymore.

They are both nearly as tall as me! The times are a-changin' in our household, that's for sure!

The boys head back to school next week, so you’d better believe we are going to eek out as much summer fun as we can during the short amount of time we have left.

And in the spirit of savoring time with your children and the 18 carefree summers that they are allotted, this is an open letter to childhood summers:

Dearest Summertime of Childhood,

It pains me to say that you’ll be leaving us soon. Although we know you’ll return around the same time next year, we’ll have to agree to part ways for now. And that means for the time being, we must bid a fond farewell to:

Pool Time

• Perfecting our diving into the pool
• Adjusting a new pair of swim goggles so that they fit just right

All Other Manners of Getting and Staying Wet to Cool Off in the Heat

• Playful romps in the sprinkler
• Waiting for our turn at the Slip-N-Slide
• Water gun fights
• Wading in the creek

Enjoying the Delicious Foods of Summer

• The sticky sweetness of melting Popsicles and ice cream sandwiches running down our chins and fingers
• Picking fresh produce from the garden or from the local Farmers Market
• Smoothies, sundaes, and milkshakes
• Juicy tomato sandwiches with just the right amount of salt and pepper
• Relaxing on the deck or in the hammock while dinner cooks on the grill
• Fresh watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries
• Visiting local ice cream shops to taste test their best homemade flavors 

Beach Time

• Gathering seashells, sand dollars, and rocks along the beach just after sunrise
• Riding the ocean waves on rafts
• The smell of sunscreen as you reapply it to sun-warmed skin
• A smattering of freckles across our noses and cheeks

Summertime Fun

• Sleepovers and adventures with cousins and good friends
• Catching lightning bugs (or fireflies if you live north of the Mason-Dixon line)
• Sparklers, pop-its, and fireworks
• Playing basketball barefoot in the rain
• Playing trivia games during road trips to parts unknown
• Staying up late playing video games and sleeping late the next day to make up for it
• Freedom from homework, school projects, and other kid responsibilities

Summer, we have had so much fun with you, and as always we are so sad to see you go. Please remember to visit again the same time next year. We will be waiting with open arms and more energy than you can imagine! 

Until we meet again –