Snapshots of summer

I am always amazed by how quickly summer passes us by.  Every year, I always think we're going to magically have all this extra time.  That we will slow down, drink it in and savor those long days.

And then, somehow, by the time the Fourth of July is upon us, I look back and realize that we've been far too busy and I haven't slowed down to record any of it.

I have taken a lot of photos this summer - more, in fact, than in previous summers - but, disclaimer: they are mostly on the same, select few days.  The few days when I had time, hands and presence of mind to actually grab the camera.

Luckily, they largely encapsulate the "flavor" of our summer.

There have been lots of popsicles and lemonade breaks.

Lots of practicing, playing, sharing and hugging.

Lots of smiling.

Lots of tickling.

This picnic blanket has had its fair share of use.  At the park, in the back yard, at the pool...

It has been a summer of water and sunscreen.

Running through the sprinklers.

Playing in the playhouse.

Splashing on the slip and slide.

Playing in the pool.

Grinning like a maniac.

And generally just enjoying our time together.

In July, Leah will again have summer camp three days a week, so even though things have been busy, it is certainly more on the slow-paced together side of things than it will be before long.

And it must be said: our yard is awesome.  Finally.  All those dirty-weedy places have been filled in (nearly, anyway) after a bit of sod, a lot of seed and tons of patience.  It is, at long last, a great place to hang out and relax.

We're incredibly happy to do it!