Things I learned this summer...

My cousin did this on her blog and it felt apropos that I should do the same. (Feel free to join me!)

Sunscreen and children (often mixed with sand) BITE the big one!

Pirate savviness is a positive thing and continues to do us all good.

Farmer's Markets are a little piece of heaven on earth.

Planting tomatoes and having them to eat fresh every day is totally and utterly rewarding.

Beach parking passes are the way to go- amen to Crystal Cove Beach.

Trying to change a part of yourself when no one else around you is doing the same thing is nearly impossible.

Little ones surprise you every day by their constant ability to learn and grow.

You can go through a whole toy room and play with almost everything in under 20 minutes.

Baking soda and vinegar volcanoes are still just as cool as they were when we were kids.

Sirius satellite radio can save your life every so often.

Remembering what reading a really good book was like again. Who knew- Vampire Trilogies would rock the summer.

Planning fun activities for the little one's for every Friday of the summer (ahead of time) is pure genius. (Thank you Amy and company)

Vacations with my boys go by way too fast and are too far in between.

If you threaten putting your child in the ocean when they are throwing a fit- they might just stop- as long as you follow through with the threat.

Putting your child into the ocean as a threat to their fit makes them spend time in the ocean water. Thus learning that it is good and fun- then making the rest of the summer not just beach time but beach and ocean time!

The more you tell your child that something (sand) isn't that bad and is totally fun- the more it becomes that to you too.

Taking a little time out for yourself makes you a better mom and wife.

Spending almost every Saturday at the beach with your family can become a new family tradition to look forward to.

No matter where or what you do for vacation it doesn't matter as long as you are having fun and are together.

Summer nights with my boys are something to look forward to the rest of the year.



This summer has really been one of the best I have ever had- some really good moments and really special memories. Actually- it makes me look forward to next summer. I have never really been a lover of summer until now.

However...I am totally excited to welcome Autumn and Winter- they are my favorite seasons. The cool crisp air, the holidays, family, sweaters---I could go on and on....