18 Summers

It is officially summer and I am so excited! We already have lots of fun plans to look forward to, and I am so ready to see the excitement on my kid’s face when we got to the aquarium, spend the day at the river, eat ice cream together on the deck, and maybe even stay up a little too late. There are only 18 summers after all…

18 summers to go explore the world and see new places.

18 summers to make homemade lemonade and have backyard BBQ’s.

18 summers to dip your toes in the sand and build sand castles together.

18 summers together as a family to go on a vacation to a spot the whole family has never been before.

18 summers to enjoy lazy days at home running through the sprinklers and coming inside giggling after a water fight.

18 summers to go camping and visit local destinations to create hometown memories.

Only 18 summers until they grow up and move out on into the world to create a life of their own.

18 summers to have picnics at the park and grab a treat before heading home sticky and sweaty.

18 summers of s’mores, mosquito bites, sunscreen, hiking adventures, and popsicles.

18 summers of plane rides, boat adventures, random road trips.

18 summers of late night talks under the stars staying up past bedtime.

There are only 18 summers from the time you your child is born until they become an adult and begin to venture out into the world on their own. Although at times summer may seem like the longest two months of the year having all the kids home, 18 summers will go by faster than you can blink an eye.

I remember so many people telling me that as a parent, your children’s childhood will go by fast and there is nothing you can do to slow time. Boy, were they right! My oldest is now 5 and will be starting kindergarten in the fall. My youngest is 3 and not far behind him starting TK next year. Each year we have made an effort to ensure that our children have a summer that they will remember. I would hate to look back on the years past when my children are grown up and regret something I didn’t have.

I know time is inevitable, but since I can’t hit the pause button, I will make the most of the time I have. I will enjoy and be present in the time I have with them. I will cherish the days and nights I have during these short 18 summers…

Xoxo

Christian