Summer Lovin'

The calendar says that summer comprises the 3-month period from June 21st-September 21st. But, for me, summer includes the 6-weeks that I am off from work. I know I am lucky. Most people don't get 6 weeks of vacation throughout the year. I get 6 weeks plus holidays, a week at spring break, and another week or so in the winter around Christmas time. That is a great amount of time away from work and, yes, I am grateful. But, when you have a vibrant 2-year old at home who is a ton of fun and is just discovering the world around her, you want to spend every minute possible with her. So, on June 26th when I walked out of the office, I made a commitment that this summer (unlike the last 7 years!) I was not going in to work until the day I was officially due back. That day is tomorrow.We have loved this summer and have squeezed every sunny, warm, relaxing minute out of it. We had lazy mornings where neither of us got dressed until after naptime. We have gotten up early to look at the mist on the lake and take Daisy for a walk on the trail. We have done craft projects, have looked at bugs in the yard, and have splashed in the puddles on the deck after a summer rainshower. We have stayed up late - much too late for a toddler - looking at the moon, watching fireworks, or listening to a local band at the park. We have cooked dinner on the grill and, this summer, Grace discovered how wonderful tilappia, corn-on-the-cob, and grilled pineapple taste. We have gone through multiple tubes of sunscreen and two pairs of sunglasses. Grace has worn out the bottom of one bathing suit from jumping and falling on her butt in the pool. We have explored the world of potty training and have started doing so many other "big girl" things like brushing her teeth, putting on her shoes, and imitating mommy (that last one has me a little worried!).So, for a recap, in 6 weeks we:

• have gone to the pool too many times to count
• had our first "sleepover" with Dawson
• went to the Akron and Cleveland zoos multiple times
• visited New York City where Grace rode a horse and carriage, taxi, and bus for the first time
• have tested the potty training "waters"
  
• visited with family and Grace met Uncle John, Aunt Debbie, and Connor and Ryan
  
• went to the lake with Kellie's family
• have gotten sand in places where sand should not be (because Grace does things like she is doing in the photo below)
• experienced a one-ring circus where Grace rode a pony
  
• held rabbits, chickens, and ducks at the county fair
• tumbled and swung from the bars in gymnastics class
• rode the carousel so many times that Grace calls the panda, "my bear"
  
• danced to music at outdoor concerts
• bought fresh fruit and vegetables at the farmers' market
• used the new wagon at an outdoor showing of Madagascar 2 (and a bunch of other places)
  
• took Daisy to the dog park and on morning walks on the trail
  
• played on the jungle gym at the park and at the inflatable play area in the mall
• went on the kayak in the lake (yes, even I did it!)
  
• learned to hold on tight on the "big kid" swings
• reunited with old friends from Guatemala
• watched three different fireworks displays to celebrate 4th of July
  
• went to the Indians game and met Slider
• showed our courage at the kiddie amusement park
• met Mayna and Abbie and their terrific moms
• applied for a United States passport
• baked muffins, brownies, and cookies from scratch

To most people 6 weeks is a really long time but to me it seems like the days passed by too quickly. Now I can't wait for the weekend when we can wake up when we want and we get to jump and play all day. Or just do nothing...
I do wonder, though, what I did with my time BG (Before Grace). I certainly have never been THIS busy any other summer.

PS - Grace wore this bathing suit for the first time in Guatemala when she was 9 1/2 months old. These photos were taken 5 days ago on August 4th. It was the last time for this swimsuit. A good purchase...it lasted a long time! But she has definitely outgrown it! You can see Grace last year in this and some other swimsuits by clicking here.