And so it’s begun. Halloween costumes are out, all my friends are raving about their pumpkin spice scented candles, and I’ve already seen a woman at Walmart wearing leggings and boots even though it’s still above 80 degrees when you step outside. That’s right, it’s September, and everyone has fall fever. They’re eager to mark summer off the calendar, and move on to hayrides and hoodies. Sigh.
You guessed it. Bah, humbug. I’m a summer kind of girl. I love the heat, and I like it hot. Bring on the humidity, that’s what I say. As long as there’s a swimming pool nearby that is. But after spending six months living on the equator, even this fun in the sun gal saw the purpose of four seasons, and boy was I excited to step off that plane into the brisk February air.
So although summer is my absolute fave, I do realize that all good things must come to an end. And even I will be the first to admit that by the end of August, even though I am a bit melancholy at the thought, I’m tired of a lot of things about the heat. There’s things I absolutely love about summer, but then there’s the other stuff that’s “not so much.” These are the pesky things about the season that I’m just fine with bidding ado.
Love: being able to walk outside in shorts and a tank, enjoying the warm weather, and opening a window or a screen door if I so choose.
Not so much: the spawn of Satan, adult, flying maggots that camp outside my door with a rucksack over their back just waiting to come inside. I seriously spend most summer evenings swatting hordes of these evil creatures in my kitchen.
Love: letting the kids out! The great fix for winter-time cabin fever is putting the kids out like the cat. Let them run, and wear themselves out. Brilliant!
Not so much: the ten pounds of sand they bring back in with them five minutes later when they come knocking for potty, juice, or to relay some crazy observation like, “Mom, my pink shovel is gone” or “help! There’s a bug on the slide!”
I always question myself, why did I buy more sand for that darn sandbox?! But alas, in a moment of mommy dementia I forgot that it all ends up in my floor, and I spend the majority of summer swiffering to keep away the ensuing tick under my left eye when I crunch tiny particles under my bare feet.
There’s always hope for next summer, right?
Love: going for a refreshing dip in the pool. I love to swim, and nothing feels better than cool water on a hot day. The sun on my face, baking the water off my skin. Perfection.
Not so much: dressing little people in tiny, tight suits and swim diapers. Coating their bodies with SPF 5,000 sunscreen, and nearing passing out from all the blowing up of floaties. After 30 minutes of preparation, and fifteen minutes of swimming, they will crawl their freezing, wet bodies onto your warm, dry lap and beg to go inside to watch SpongeBob.
Love: all the fun summer activities. The water parks, the beach, and other great, outdoor happenings.
Not so much: the preparation. With young kids the amount of packing and planning that goes into an outing is insane. Insane! Usually by the time copious cups of water, changes of clothing, snacks, and such are gathered up and packed into the van I am at my breaking point. But then I have to load up squirming, excited children into their respective seats after forcing them to first go pee, and tracking down at least one missing shoe.
Love: the long days. Sure a day still has 24 hours, but something about more sunlight makes it seems like there’s more time. You can play all day long!
Not so much: the long days, and how a small child reacts to playing all day long. By 7pm they’re reduced to a blubbering mess, exhausted, cranky, and outside their minds. And it’s really too late for a nap by then, isn’t it? You just try to maintain until bedtime without hurting anybody.
Love: that my kids don’t get as bored with so many adventures awaiting them outside.
Not so much: baths every day. Now don’t tell me that you don’t skip bath time if your kid just sat on the couch all day. In summer, if they go outside they’re going to get sweaty and dirty. A bath is a must.
As a side note, summer can mean bath by sprinkler or kiddie pool, and no ring around the tub. I’m not saying I bathe my children in the yard, but I’m not saying I don’t.
Love: being able to take my kids to the park.
Not so much: my kids’ expectation that we must go to the park everyday. Momma needs a break from the park. Know what I’m saying?!
Today I don’t want to go to the park. I just want to sit in the air-conditioning! But I know that come January I’ll be begging for a park day, and so will the kiddos. I guess it’s pros and cons, but my preference doesn’t matter. Fall is fast approaching regardless.
So here’s to snuggling up in front of the fire. With runny noses. Here’s to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Then the bummer after they all pass. Here’s to leggings and skinny jeans. That are a bit too snug after holiday binging. Here’s to being sick of summer! Until you’re tired of the snow.