This summer was one for the books — and by “books,” I mean the kind where every page is packed with kids running, laughing, and leaving me wondering where on earth they get all their energy (and if they can share some).
Maddox spent his days on the baseball diamond with his Diamond Club team — and I mean all the baseball. These boys grew a ton, both figuratively and literally. They had a blast, though I’m not entirely sure the parents didn’t have more fun.
Liesel? Horses, horses, and more horses. I’m pretty sure if you gave her a sleeping bag and a granola bar, she’d happily move into the barn. She’s got that rider’s glow — and maybe just a little hay in her hair. I know very little about horses and showing them, but I do know she’s a beautiful rider, and nothing makes her happier than spending time with Casey. As she says, she loves the “fat redheads” (see photo below of Casey, her Quarter Horse, in all his chestnut glory).
Milo took to the golf course this summer, working on his swing — which is impressive considering he seemed to grow half an inch every week. It’s hard enough to perfect your shot without your limbs changing length like Stretch Armstrong. He also found time to sharpen his hockey edges at the ice rink. And since Happy Gilmore 2 came out this summer, I’m not sure if that inspired the golf/hockey combo, but somehow, he manages to thrive in both worlds — even if they live on opposite ends of the etiquette spectrum.
No summer is complete without family time, and we made sure to soak it in. We spent lake days in Wisconsin with Scott’s family on Janet’s side — swimming, boating, and soaking up that perfect Midwest sunshine. Then there was a lovely gathering with the Thompson crew at Miranda’s house. All the cousins together, laughing, playing, and making memories that will last long after the epic hide a go seek game ended. It just isn’t summer unless we see the people we love and miss.
And because the summer wasn’t quite dramatic enough, I decided to wrap it up with a bang… or more accurately, a snap. Jump roping. Yes, jump roping. At 43, I can still jump rope with the best of them — provided I’m wearing tennis shoes, paying attention, and not enjoying a glass of wine beforehand. This time, I skipped the checklist. The rope won.
Now we’re just a couple of weeks from school starting, and for the first (and only!) time, all three kids will be in three different schools. Maddox is heading into his last year of elementary school, Liesel continues her middle school adventure, and Milo — somehow — is starting high school. How did we get here? Somebody slow down time. Here’s to a summer well spent and a fall full of new beginnings.
