Summer Wrap Up

Doesn't Labor Day signal the end of summer? In Bosnia, apparently after a particular date (is it Oct. 1?), they all start wearing jackets and scarves wherever they go, regardless of the weather. I think our stores are all taking cues from them, as shorts and swim gear are long gone. I still either sweat through the afternoon or grudgingly turn on the A/C, watching the meter turn 'round and 'round in my mind. But hey, if the retailers say it's Fall, it's FALL! Thankfully we've had a very mild summer, and I am singing the glories of an August version of June Gloom. Ahhhhh....

So before I get too excited about oven-roasted vegetables and baked bread, candles in the house, NFL and sweaters, here's a quick recap of the end of summer...

Running through sprinklers at Parnell Park...

A quick weekend in Santa Barbara with friends who live there... this restaurant was right on the beach, so our girls could play in the sand while we had lunch. Ideal!
A Superhero Party! This was about the cutest idea I've ever seen. The masks and capes were made as favors by dear friend Kristen for her son's first birthday party. They were a HUGE hit! She had a friend set up a photo back-drop, and the kids all got pictures of them flying through the air... it was fantastic! I figure I can post this picture of other peoples' kids here because they are incognito!
Overheard at the party: "Super Lauren is off to save the day, but Super Colin can handle the job, too!" Somehow when a 4-year-old says that, you actually start to believe it. =)

I'll have to scan and post Lucy's picture that she took in front of the backdrop... she looks like Napoleon.
And more nectarines! They are one of nature's most wonderful fruits! No fuzzy peach skin on your teeth, not as mealy as a peach, sweet with a bit of tart for good summer measure... Big thanks to Dad for sending us THREE boxes this summer! We've been misers and shared very few of our precious nectarines. By the way, if you're anywhere that you can actually find out the variety, buy Honey Kissed (or any of the Honey varieties) in June and July, and Red Jims in August (Red Jims are named after my grandfather!).


And on one other small note, I have dearly loved catching up with old friends on Facebook this summer. Somehow Facebook softens the formality of an email, and makes casual reconnecting so much easier. I feel like I'm running into these people in the Cafe or at Starbucks or something, but getting a chance to hear just a wee bit more about how they are doing. It's been this amazing reminder that God has surrounded me with amazing people all my life.... though a bit of my life flashing before my eyes. =)

One more for the road...
The straw before the straw that broke the camel's back... or rather just sent it into muscle spasms landing him in the E.R. =)