Summer's End

I see the summer coming to a close. I'm almost okay with that. Almost. Tonight the air is fresh and crisp. I even had to shut the window to keep it from nipping at my bare arms. Love these summer nights! We had some family bike rides this weekend.

We went nowhere in particular; just rode around enjoying the weather, exercise and each others company. Mr. A. likes to ride way ahead of everyone deciding the route we take. He likes to be in charge. Must be an oldest child.

C wanted to ride his bike too but we talked him into the buggy so we could go at a faster pace. Later he decided that he was fully capable of pulling the buggy with his bike too. It was harder than it looked so he hooked it up to F's little 3-wheeler.

Success! F thought she was pretty special being escorted around in her carriage.

We weren't all able to ride bikes at the same time. A couple of bikes need some mechanical attention. That was fine. We rode in shifts. Something being a part of a large family teaches a person is taking turns is a reality of life.

Taking turns is a good thing. Especially when it's not your turn for dish washing! Or picking up the living room.

I think it's her turn. We were too busy playing soccer and tag. All kinds of tag; cartoon tag, geography tag (seriously! my oldest even thought of that one!), toilet tag (don't ask), freeze tag, tunnel tag and A's favorite, tackle tag. That one didn't go over too well. I used to think I was fast. I'm not. My kids would stalk me out the way a lion does a wounded wildebeest. They have no mercy.

At least this one loves her mom. She wants to be everywhere I am. I guess this little guy does too.

This is what he does EVERY time I leave and he isn't able to come. He cries and says he'll miss me so much. He has to get at least one hug and one kiss. Then he gives me the "I love you" sign until I drive away. Very sweet, huh? Actually, it is very tempting to just sneak away so I don't have to go through this 5 minute, tearful goodbye. And why don't I just take him everywhere with me you ask. Take him to the store with you one time and you will never ask that question again. I promise. I decided to sign him up for Friday school this year. We'll see how it goes......

That is him ON the desk. You can join me in praying for his teacher. School starts this Friday for the enrichment school. It starts Tuesday here at home. Yep, fall is in the air!