Summer-Where Did You Go?

Well 'summer vacation' is almost over and I feel like I haven't even had a chance to make those wonderful 'family memories' that we all hold on to long into our adult years.  We didn't visit any national parks. We didn't go camping, build a campfire, or catch any fish. We didn't race from attraction to attraction at an adventure park. We didn't travel to a family reunion where none of us know any of the people who claim to be our aunts, uncles, and cousins. We didn't rent a boat and cruise the local lake. We didn't renovate a bathroom or kitchen. We didn't clean out storage or the attic and have a garage sale. We didn't even spend one day at the pool.  WHAT KIND OF PARENT AM I?!?!   Seems like our excuse in the early years of "They are too young to remember it" has backfired on us to "They are too old to want to do that." How did I miss those middle years? 

Don't get me wrong. They have had plenty of activities to keep them busy this summer. Church camp, mission trip, football camps and workouts, track training and meets, and volleyball. And we still have some plans on the books over the next few weeks. 

I just had a different summer experience as a kid. I can remember visiting my grandparents with my cousins. Papa would take us to the farm where we learned to drive, haul trailers, ride a horse, shoot rabbits, and everything a 10 year old dreams of doing in the country.  And with Granny, we would cook, wash dishes, can fresh vegetables, and hang out the laundry - ok, to a 10 year old even that is fun!

These memories have stayed with me into my adulthood along with many others. I only hope that in years past, present, and future we can make some memories with our family and friends that will bring a smile to Samuel and Cooper when they recall the times we shared.  Hopefully our trips to the cities will provide as rich experiences as the campground. Memories of LA, NOLA, Santa Fe, Miami, Haiti,
multiple Texas cities, and many other points on the map. Ok so I'm feeling a little better just remembering our vacations as I type this.

I do look forward to many more excursions with Rick, Samuel, Cooper and whoever else is brave enough to tag along!

What are some of your favorite summer memories?

Love to ya, 

Tori