Summer Adventures Missed, Milestones Reached

I have stayed in denial as long as I possibly could. Sigh. My baby starts Kindergarten on Thursday, and my daughter starts...eeek.....Junior High. Double Sigh. I try to comfort myself with the knowledge that my two year old (yes, I say TWO, not Two and a Half, or almost Three...JUST TWO!) will still be home with me. But where the He** has the time gone? How can we be at these milestones already?

If I could flashback in time, I would go back to early summer days when time seems like it will meander along, not fly past like a freight train on a mission. And I would take all the family on a wonderful summer adventure. One where memories are made and treasured. Forget about a new washer, I would happily spend the money for such a dream vacation soaking up precious time with my kids and hubby.

Thanks to Mom Central, I became familiar with www.epicsummer.com and Vail Resorts, and as I read more about the summer adventures they offer, I envisioned my family right there.....enjoying the sun, the water, the fun and the carefree spirit that would undoubtedly envelop us all. No stress, no worries, no deadlines, no 'milestones' waiting to bring tears to my eyes and tugs on my heart. Just pure simple fun and togetherness. I reflected on how many family trips we have put off for work reasons, or simply did not have "time or enough money" to plan. Missed memories. Missed time with my kids. Sigh.

Yes, I have decided, as these precious days I take for granted go through another metamorphosis, that I don't do a good job at prioritizing. In fact, I think I suck at it. Nothing can stop my little guy from heading through the classroom doors come Thursday, with a backpack that is too big, and a nervous smile as he waves goodbye to me...his mommy that will be wearing very dark sunglasses and a watery smile on her face. And my daughter will eagerly albeit nervously, join her friends and proudly enter Junior High on Thursday...not realizing as I do, that she is pulling farther away from me all the time.....and that everyday I become less of a little girl's hero. These things I cannot change.

But there are things I can and will change.

We will spend more time together as a family. We will hike up glorious mountain trails together enjoying nature, we will go horseback riding and go to a real cowboy campfire dinner (omg...my boys would have smiles that would forever last in my mind ....no camera even needed!). I will prioritize better and plan family vacations and adventures. When a little annoying voice in my head tells me that I should save the money for a new washing machine, I will now tell that little voice exactly where it can go. A new appliance can't hug my heart, but memories of wonderful family vacations together can. Will I lay down at night in bed, regretful, knowing I have let precious family time slip out of my hands? Nope. Not again.

On Thursday, I will be sad. No doubt. I will be excited and happy and proud of my kids too. But sadness will rule. But I will remember my new resolve. I will be making the most of each and every day with my children, and planning memories that a family adventure will be bringing us, soon.


I wrote this review while participating in a blog and giveaway campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Epic Summer and Vail Resorts. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Squirrels, Dogs, and Birds

Sitting in our backyard can be quite the cool experience. That is because we have a couple of huge trees in our backyard which seem to intrigue squirrels. Behind the yard is some land that is pretty much wilderness still and that seems to be a draw for birds of all types as well. So relaxing back there while listening to chattering squirrels and chirping birds is pretty awesome. And to watch the faces of our dogs as they get scolded by some nagging squirrels is really funny.
The kids love to watch the different birds that check out our backyard on their way to who knows where. There have been some very unique birds stop by, making me think I should take up birding as a hobby. If only I had time for a hobby. Anyway, the kids have made the makeshift milk carton bird feeders a few times, but the squirrels usually make quick work of them., leaving nothing for the birds. So I'm thinking we really should be more hospitable to our winged friends, and put up a squirrel-proof bird feeder like the one pictured here. Hmmm...maybe the squirrels deserve their own feeder. After all, I wouldn't want them to feel offended.