As I sit and write these words, Mark is busily getting last minute tasks completed as he prepares to teach middle school science for the 15th year. Mary who will enter her senior year at Falmouth Academy is hurrying to finish her summer reading "1984". Elizabeth my 5th grader at Morse Pond is watching "She's the man", with her friend and neighbor Nick.
This summer passed by in a blink of an eye. I always feel a little sad as I see the lazier days of summer go. For me they were far from lazy, since I recently started a new job and had no vacation time, but for the kids, it was nice for them to take a much needed break form their busy schedules. Our days were filled with beach trips, jumping off the dock at Megansett Beach, Barnstable County Fair, sailing on the Tyrone, a family reunion trip to Hershey Pa., sleeping in, watching movies. going for runs on the trails, walking down town Falmouth and a trip to NYC. Oh and all of the house guests. Since June, Mark and I figured that there were only 10 days all summer where we didn't have house guests. We cooked for a lot of people this summer. We enjoyed a special visit from Ana Barona, a lovely girl from Valencia Spain. She stayed with us for almost one month and was joined by the rest of her family for the last week of her stay. It was a wonderful cultural experience for all of us. lWe celebrated my Dad's 70th birthday and we were able to pull off a great surprise. Mark started his CAGS program in Educational Leadership. Mary was able to attend BYU's EFY, toured the campus and fell in love with it.
For Mary the summer was bitter-sweet. She had to say goodbye to one of her best friends as he left to serve a mission for 2 years. Goodbyes are never easy. For our family, we have had our fair share. Mark and I sometimes feel like we are always the ones left behind. We have seen so many family and friends come and go and it is never easy. We will be saying goodbye to my favorite Aunt Nancy as she moves to Florida on October 1. I never remember a time when she wasn't there. It is a good move for her though. She will retire and enjoy the warm winters and of course, we are only a phone call away.
Now to get ready for the crisp days of fall with fires, yummy apple desserts, jeans and beautiful colors. I won't mention what comes after fall. It is too depressing to think about for me. I have a very hard time with lack of sun light. But let's pretend that it will be a sunny and warm winter for now. One can be hopeful. So farewell to summer and hello to the school days of fall with my big 5th grader and my senior in high school.
Photo of Mary(senior) and Elizabeth (5th grader) on their first day of school September 2013
