Summer's gonna miss me

I can confidently say summer owes me nothing. Even though it felt like it lasted 5 minutes, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The kids had a great summer filled with camp, vacations, and cookouts. I am really loving this current age group I live with (6, 9, and 12). They're pretty self-sufficient - almost to their detriment, but we're all learning. Oh, and aside from their newly formed little attitudes - that's a post in itself.

Backyard pool fun

I really wanted to take time out this summer to reset, figure out a plan, and try to restructure our life. It's now October and there's no set plan in sight, but I do feel a sense of energy and urge to keep at it.

While my kids did go to camp, I kept them home a couple weeks and let them relax - more importantly I didn't have to make lunches for that week. Our annual family vacation to Aruba was a hit - please let me know when you're ready for me to share all things Aruba in post (I'll be ready).

Horseback riding in Aruba

I love going out in the city, walking around, window shopping, and taking in the scenery. This summer I actually enjoyed doing this with my kids! Like I said, the age group is to die for, for right now. I don't have to change anyone's diaper, no one is demanding boob milk - we are having a great time.

We love the Universal Soul Circus!

Frederick Fair

The Soul Circus is another obligatory family activity we do each summer. You would think the kids would get sick of it, but I think the dancers with the rainbow afros keep them coming back every time.

Getting to my favorite part - I was selfish this summer. I took time to myself away from kids and work. I created my own space in my home - even though the kids venture down there to bug me every once in awhile - it's still a "her cave." I sent my kids on family vacation without me for a couple of days!

Sidenote: The staggering of Aruba departures with my family was a good idea. My kids traveled with my parents a few days before I did. So, my kids got to do whatever they wanted with their grands and aunts/uncle, while I took a few days to act like a lazy adult with no kids - it was wonderful. I originally set out to clean my house and blah blah blah and I just didn't. Here's the kicker - I didn't even feel bad about.

Yes, you heard right. Mom-guilt subsides eventually or maybe it morphs in to mom-don't-give-a-fudge-itis?

Either way, it's a sweet spot that I hope every mother that experiences guilt gets to enjoy.

Fluffy mimosas over any other mimosa on earth

Crab season was successful - the 6 & 9 year old have joined the crab picking gang.

I traveled, hung out with friends, ignored my kids (sometimes), and did absolutely nothing.

I Beyonced (yes, her name should also be a verb at this point)!

Baltimore open air market

I don't know if I'll ever get to a point in parenthood where I don't feel like I'm always behind the 8-ball with something - since three little humans can be a lot to raise, but I do have hope!

I think what made this summer most enjoyable for me than past summers, is the need to fill up my summer calendar.

I was in no rush. I didn't want to. The more bare sqaures on our family calendar - the more relaxed I was. When we did plan an activity or trip - I made sure we did everything they wanted.

Prioritizing the quality or type of summer activity or trip over how many activities or how many vacations made it so much more enjoyable!

I can't wait for the next lazy summer.