I think I always build up summer in my head like a girl builds up her wedding day.
So much waiting.
So much stuff to wade through before the actual day.
So much planning and headache all so we can enjoy the one perfect summer.
But it never really delivers like we think it might. Sure, we might have an amazing wedding day but somebody in the family is grumpy they got seated in the back rather than front where they thought they should have. One bridesmaid doesn’t have the right bra, the flower-girl stepped in mud and the cake is late; very late. And the same is true with summer: all that climbing, climbing, climbing through April and May to find a June that is too cold in the morning, too hot in the afternoon and too much freedom so the off-of-school sisters can’t stop fighting the first day they are out of their classroom confines.
We’ve officially completed two (and a half) weeks of summer and it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be. At least on the surface.
I’m tired, we’re busy, the kids’ favorite pastime is not swimming but arguing and the house is a crazy mess because we’ve all been taking naps in the afternoons.
That’s on the surface.
But if I take a minute and honestly count my gratitudes for today, I see trampoline afternoons and hours on the shady grass at the park.
I see a ten-year-old girl who loves horses so much she’d rather sit out at the trailer with them than with her friends. I see a six-year-old who dances in the backseat. 
I see peacock-feather-hunts and carousels at twilight. I see s’mores and sunsets and fire-pits after the kids have gone to sleep. There are concerts outside and laughter and glasses of wine.
Nothing will ever be exactly the same fantasy that we create in our dreaming spring-fevered brains, but it might be close if we pay attention.
What are your “dreams” for this season?
Has your life turned out like you thought it might?
So true…so true…and I do LOVE summer, but as a homeschool mom (of four boys) I am also a realist and kind of go into it w/ a love/hate relationship…SO much I need to do that I cannot do during school year, and also boys have so many ideas of the perfect summer.
Way to get your perspective!!
Also I should note that in hawaii we don’t necessarily look forward to summer for the weather so it is very different. A little less stress over “enjoying every minute” outside, etc.
I get what you’re saying though in a million areas of life.
aloha
ahh! yes, that would put things in a different perspective i’m sure! have fun this summer. =)
I’m laughing at the last question – YES, life has turned out very differently than I though it might … and I’m still learning ways to to deal with that.
For me, summer means a lessening of schedules. I love that the chidlren can stay up later, we don’t have to work homework into each day, there are fewer ‘hav to do’s” and lots more “get to’s.” As a single mother, my budget is limited so we take full advantage of outdoor activities and are blessed to leave near the Smoky Mountains. There isn’t much that can top an afternoon of hiking, searching for wildlife, swimming and ice cream by the river.
Oh we have plenty of tv time and video games, sometimes too much togetherness. But the relaxed schedule is just plain hard to beat. Our summer is already half over and as I make plans for fall childcare and activities, I’m already missing the pace of summer.
oh how i would love to see the smoky mountains!! i’m sure you have so much fun. =)
I feel very similar to Missy June.
I also welcome the challenges amidst the fun because it’s part of life. I am thankful that we can work on character together!! I love these kids with everything in me and enjoy the seasons of life with them so much! 
What a neat article today! Thank you Sarah! It was so enlightening and positive!! We received a curveball this summer. My daughter ended up with chronic daily migraine headaches. Trips to the MD, many nights of massaging her back, combing her hair cause it feels good, just anything to distract her from the pain. As of today, she is out and about and feeling much better! She has responded to the medication she needed. It’s still a wonderful summer! The sun is out, we live up against a majestic mountain range, but the best part so far? It’s been seeing my daughter open up to me as I massaged her back on those painful nights. God is soooo good at taking something difficult and transforming it into something good!! What a God we have!! I am so used to giving my daughter massages, that I think I’ll continue with that, headache or not! Thanks for listening.