“Summer went way too fast,” my six-year-old sighed from the back seat, looking out the window as we embarked on our 1,000-mile drive back home.
And I agreed with him. Wholeheartedly. Too fast, I echoed.
It’s like he was sensing that we were heading back to routine, structure, and – in 10 short days! – the first grade. It’s like he knew I was savoring every snapshot from the last 90 days.
I smiled. He’s always been kind of an old soul.
I had all of these dreams and plans for the Summer of 2018. I even typed up an impressive – yet realistic – summer bucket list…that I never printed out.
That kids’ cooking class may have to wait. Those five new parks may need to be crammed into the next week. (Can I count the one we found on our mountain vacation? If so, only four more to go!)
I created a whole list of screen time rules…that I never shared with my son, much less enforced. Netflix was a welcome help when he woke up early after late-night swim meets or we were worn out after a hot day of fun.
Looking back, the summer of 2017 was honestly a bummer. It was bookended by two surgeries (for me), with all kinds of sickness and changed plans in between. I struggled to make it through last summer with a weak smile and a prayer.
So while I may not have made all of our 2018 summer dreams come true – those print photos didn’t get scanned nor the funky outdoor chairs repainted (update – finished a week before school began!) – this has been a summer to remember.
All the projects and creative mommying didn’t happen (Tent Tuesdays? Nah.), but a whole lotta memories did. And for that, I’m truly thankful.
You see, life with chronic illness is unpredictable. Great summer fun isn’t a guarantee. My body much prefers cool fall evenings to the stifling heat and dripping Carolina humidity. (Or as my six-year-old informed his uncles of himself, “I heat easily.” Oh, that kid!)
I’m not against bucket lists – in fact, I love dreaming dreams and making plans. But if I savor the simple – yet imperfect – days, I will be thankful. If I don’t live in fear of what might derail my plans or fret over a bucket list left undone, then I can cherish what’s right in front of me – while building in a little rest and respite from the heat in between.
Please indulge me as I reflect on many of the wistful, sigh-inducing moments we shared. And if you’re so inclined, check out a highlight reel of photos below.
- Mountain mornings, beach days, & a lake-view vacation – oh, what a generous Creator we serve! To think of what awaits us!
- Trampoline parks, a zoo visit, a boat ride, swimming, bowling, parks, sunflower fields, strawberry picking (Oh, check – that one was on the bucket list!)
- The ability to travel without pain & sickness to see our Midwest families – sharing old stories for the umpteenth time & laughing as if it’s the first retelling of said stories
- Mini adventures during spontaneous stops to stretch, smell the wildflowers, discover covered bridges, & take in sunsets over the river
- Hiking, swimming, an escape room, going to the theatre, mini golf, learning new video games (are they still called that?!?) and memory making with cousins who live far away
- Simple moments like family bike rides & exploring Raleigh as hometown tourists
- More ice cream, s’mores, & coffee consumption than I care to admit
- Cook outs, Goodwill finds, & lazy days in PJs until well after noon
- All three of us belting out The Greatest Showman soundtrack on the thousands of miles logged on the highways
- Board games, Bible study, conversations & lunch dates with some of my favorite people
- Every single pillow making its way to the living room for near-weekly forts (this is happening in my living room this very moment as I type) & hearing Reed’s imaginative chatter as he builds them
- Nerf bullets. All of the Nerf bullets.
Ahhhhhh. These are the days.
So, how about your summer? Do you make a summer bucket list and stick to it or do you play it by ear? What are some of your favorite moments from this summer – planned or spontaneous? I’d love to hear from you – comment below!
Summer 2018 in Pictures
The Ohio River, Ashland, KY
A covered bridge in Walcott, KY (built in 1824)
Flowers in IL along the Mississippi
Steve showing Reed where he spent days boating on the Mississippi River
Reed and his grandparents' new puppy
Ice cream with cousins
Love this man - and s'mores!
Seeing Samson in Branson, MO
More s'mores!
Word games - this is my sport!
Relaxing at the lake house in Branson
Table Rock Lake, MO
Fun at home
Mango dragon fruit refresher - walk, don't run, to get one!
Raleigh tourists - the new Raleigh Union Station
Downtown Raleigh
Exploring our town
4th of July fun in the NC mountains
Love our little family
Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mtns
Our mountain view during 4th of July week
Gorgeous rest stop near Wilkesboro, NC
Wrightsville Beach
Our day trip beach spot
Strawberry picking
Yummy summer goodness
Bowling with friends
Raleigh's sunflower field
Keeping boys from stomping sunflowers is not for the faint of heart!
So thankful I could share some of these summer memories with you ❤️ I’ve never been one for lists, but I’m learning they have their place.
Aw, me too, Dawn! Love walking this stage of life together! I do love a good list – but I’m always misplacing mine – or not printing them out at all! Ha!