Dog days of summer

Summer is finally here, ushering in the few precious months when it is warmer outside the house than inside. It is the time of year so many of us dream of and long for during the bitterly cold winter months.

I truly do enjoy spending time outside, whether it is working in my garden, pushing the kids on the swing set or going for a walk. The kids like going outside, too — well, most of the time. On days that push 90 degrees, the kids are not as thrilled to stay outside. So, they like going outside, but not staying outside.

There was one day last week in particular that was very hot and humid, so we had spent much of the day inside. By mid-afternoon, I decided that, since I look forward to summer all winter long, I was going to go outside for at least a little while. This meant the kids came too. It was comfortable in the shade, but with three young kids, we were not going to sit on a blanket and relax all afternoon.

We went back and forth, from riding bikes to swinging to visiting the cats in the barn for about an hour. Then the kids were tired of the heat, so we ventured back into the house. A couple of hours later, we repeated a similar routine, but it lasted longer this time, as much of the yard was then shaded by the sheds and trees.

Growing up, we did not have air conditioning, so I have become that parent who frequently tells my children, “We did not have this when I was growing up, so you better appreciate it.” One thing is for sure: I will forever appreciate air conditioning.

Regardless of the temperature, one thing I looked forward to and still look forward to in the summer is town festivals. The kids are old enough to understand and get excited about going to a parade and taking rides at the carnival. Jason and I discussed when and which events to attend and reveled in the fact that this should be the last summer we will have to bring a stroller and diaper bag.

Each year, I make a family photo book online of all the things we did the previous year. The kids absolutely love looking at them, asking when we can go there or do that event again. Many of the highlights are the town festivals and fairs in the area. Now, when the kids ask, “When can we go there again?” I can say soon or in a couple of days. Seeing their faces light up with excitement is definitely a highlight as a parent. We may not be taking a 2-week vacation to Hawaii or Florida, but we are still making lots of memories as a family.

I am a very traditional person, and seeing our kids attend and get excited for the same events I got excited for as a kid is rewarding.