Let's start summer...

(sneaking quietly back in...hoping you won't notice how long I've been away...)

It's officially summer.  In all the ways that count, we've made it. We survived a parade, school camping trip, promotion (for my eighth graders), graduation (for my very own kindergartener), saying goodbye to friends and teachers, shoving off of early morning rushing, and are now settling into our new routine.  I moved classrooms, and cleaned out the garage. We've had the necessary yard sale and spread almost 7.5 cubic yards of bark dust.  The first sweet peas are appearing in the garden, the kale is huge, and we will get to taste our first homegrown strawberries this afternoon.

That's an awful lot for a mama who likes things simple.

So some things had to be let go along the way - things that are important to me, but weren't viewed as absolutely necessary. I didn't make gifts for the boys' teachers - I used groupons and store-bought cards instead.  We've eaten out more than usual.  And at night I've crashed on the couch, too tired to even pull out the knitting bag.

But now it's time for the fresh start.  The boys and I are following (loosely) a weekly schedule to help us balance the work and the play.  We're lining up play dates and dinner guests and I'm pulling out the favorite summer salad recipes and looking for strawberry desserts. It feels good.

And being back in this space?  It's just what I need.

So, today I'll leave you with a few of my favorite pictures from the last few weeks. After all, all that running around must be good for something, right?

Kindergarten Graduation

Lemonade Stand at our Yard sale

Ready to march in a parade

Parade Preparations (although he sat in the wagon hiding under an umbrella once the parade began)

Playing in the river on our school camping trip

Self Portrait for kindergarten graduation

Max and his amazing guide, Katie

Luke and his wonderful guide, Alicia