So long summer

Summer is officially over and we are now reveling in the pleasantness of Fall. I think this is the first time in the four years we've been here that we've had such an enjoyable Autumn. The weather is crisp in the mornings and warms up nicely in the afternoons with lots of sunshine and minimal rain so far. Ahh, I am loving it, and soaking up every minute because I know winter is soon to follow.

So, before time gets too far away from me...here is a little replay of our summer....

we had lots and lots of storms... 

(which I loved. There is hardly anything better to me than a good thunderstorm. Something inside me just comes alive with excitement and sheer joy when there's a storm a brewin'. )

which led to lots of flooding.

lots of grilling out

 lots of playing in sprinklers...

and slip n' slides

and pools

Sydaleigh did a lot better with her swimming skills this summer. Thanks to her lessons year round at the 'Y' she was really able to enjoy the "big" pool at the base pool, jumping off the edge, floating on her back, swimming back and forth in the shallow end. Marvelly took a little longer to come around. Every time I'd take her to the base pool she'd grasp onto either me or Isaak for dear life. But by the end of the summer she got very brave and actually let me let go of her in the water to float with her life vest all on her own. After she realized that she wouldn't sink to the bottom she had a grand time moving her little arms and legs trying to swim and would even let me practice putting her face in the water. (I had to resort to the good ole sneak attack method of dunking her in the water to get her used to it...which she didn't likey so much.) But not now! I was so proud of the progress both girls made in swimming this summer.

and pretty much lots of water playing in general. 

 

 (an impromptu family water fight. :~) )

 

 lots of walks along our favorite walking path.

 lots of "races" where Sydaleigh and Isaak would each try to cheat and get a head start on the other.

 Lots of random fun moments

lots of Popsicle eating outside in the evenings

lots of lazy mornings

lots of Saturday nights at our favorite weekend hangout, in Aksarben Village, listening to music, playing in the water, acting like a monkey on the playground

 lots of growing up! Sydaleigh lost a second tooth in July!

 lots of cherished family time before Isaak left for Mississippi

(poor Marvi-she was squished)

It was a blessed summer. Full of lots of memories and beautiful weather.

It was a good season.

And Fall is shaping up to be pretty good too. :~)