Old Fashioned Summer

“A cool wind was blowing down over the long harvest fields from the rims of firry western hills
and whistling through the poplars. One clear star hung above the orchard and the fireflies were fitting over in Lovers’ Lane…” 
-Anne of Green Gables

 

It is July. Sweet July. So hot and carefree. Sweltering days and lovely nights. We are feeling the joys of stretched our summer days, afternoons of quiet play, splashing, loud pool times, drippy, sticky popsicles, campfires and even mornings or evenings of weeding in the vegetable garden.

We like to treat our summers with great ease, schedule less and enjoy long days at home.

The girls & I are outside all. day. long. And I am not stretching the truth. Unless it is raining or unseasonably cold, they are outside.  We eat outside, cook outside, they play outside, we read outside. They climb trees, splash in our makeshift pool, weed gardens, read books on the porch, do crafts on the patio, jump on the trampoline, play with the animals … we eat all our meals outside (again, unless it is raining or cold!) and enjoy as much outdoor time as possible.

We also sleep outside – if we are lucky! As my aunt pointed out, sleeping on the trampoline is an even better option that a tent as far as comfort goes. A trampoline is rather comfy and provides a good view of the beautiful stars in the heavens. We are enjoying cool nights sleeping on the trampoline (although I must admit, I end up inside as I am wanting to sleep in a bed with Lazarus for night time nursing).

Unlike many families, we stay home or visit friends locally. We do not go away or very far very often – especially with all the animals to care for here at home. We do go for one week to a small Christian campground every year, which provides a nice change of pace for everyone. I was talking to a friend the other day and they said every weekend of their summer is booked up with events and social engagements. That surprised me! I do not know if that is a healthy pace to have with a family- at least, it is not for us. We tend to stick close to home and have a fairly low key social life.

A night at home watching the glorious fireflies on the front porch is just as thrilling to me now as it was when I was 12 years old.

July 16, 2016 - 4:37 pm

Sherry I love this idea! We do camping during the summer, but I find that brings us closer together as a family – away from the everyday things and we spend a lot of time really talking and listening to one another.
We do try to spend time with family over the summer as well, but for the most part we are not too scheduled! I love our nightly walks and impromptu basketball games or playing Frisbee or catch. Summer is an awesome time to relax and enjoy each other 🙂 Happy Summer to you all Gauthier family 🙂

July 12, 2016 - 8:49 pm

Grandma Cardinal Xxxxxxxxx

July 12, 2016 - 1:39 pm

Heidi What a beautiful post! We enjoy the ease of the summer schedule as well and all of the sweet pleasures that come with it (we may just have to try sleeping on our trampoline!) The school year is so full and the change of pace is a refreshing break for all of us. I’m always feel so blessed to see pictures of your beautiful growing family! They are all so precious. ♥️