The hot summer weather generally bring to mind thoughts of travel, beaches, vacations, ice cream cones, and watermelon. Though we have had some watermelon, and though we could set our watch to the ice cream truck’s daily drive through our neighborhood, this summer has been markedly different for us. Becoming parents was, of course, the catalyst. But everything has been different.
We have celebrated the passage of summer by thinking, “Not this year!” No 4th of July fireworks, no crowded summer festivals, no weekend trips to hike or visit friends, no attending weddings, no summer league ultimate frisbee, no Alabama or Minnesota. Never have I stayed so close to home for an entire summer.
And yet, this summer has been just as fun and full as those consumed by travel and adventure. The slower pace has allowed us many ordinary pleasures. Besides, of course, Simona’s birth, we have been able to enjoy neighborhood barbeques; long afternoons of playing card games and chatting with friends; cheering on the Nationals; taking evening walks; and hosting our family members. The “dog-days of summer” have taken on a literal meaning as we have spent hours with Simona, marveling at the dogs on her crib bumper and in her mobile. I’m glad we’ve had the time for that.
Though we do look forward to the church’s fall retreat, the new ultimate season, trips to visit family, and the Holiday season that follows closely on autumn’s tail, for now– at least for the last few weeks of summer– we’ll be here, at home. Feel free to stop on by for some watermelon, or maybe some ice cream.
