Until it's Dark Outside

When school ended for the year, I had no idea that this Summer would be filled with nights of staying up until dark.  We didn't plan to forgo bedtime, but the need for a strict routine has forgone us and that feels pretty darn monumental!  Of course, we haven't thrown all caution to the wind around here. There are still charts of activities and chores that need checked off and reading logs to be kept, but there is a fluidity in these Summer Days and we love it:

We've spent many mornings at the playground with our SECPTA friends 

 

We completed necessary tasks like Safety Town

There have been birthday parties to attend

 and ducks to feed

 We've made good use of our pool pass

 

and spent quality time with family

 We've also become increasingly aware that Mate and his dad are basically twins

 There was a successful morning of picking strawberries and cherries 

and becoming the proud owners of three hand-painted bird houses thanks to Michael's Craft Camp

With the addition of 3 bird houses, came saying good-bye to my childhood home and the place we lived while building our current house.  These girls LOVED picking berries here with their grandpa and I am so thankful for all the memories made.  I don't get attached to stuff, but I sure will miss driving down that curvy, tree lined street.

Of course, we are collecting plenty of memories in our own house- like these two loosing teeth on the exact same day in true twin fashion.

Since it can't be all fun and games . . .

. . . there have been chores

 There may not be much time saved when they help, but it is certainly more enjoyable to clean the house with them than around them.  

 

Don't worry . . . it's mostly fun and games around here

 and thumbs up to movies in the park that don't end until 11:00 p.m.  

For 7 1/2 years, bedtime was such a welcomed part of the day.

Change is good.