You spend months counting down to summer, (or if you’re like my kids, the countdown begins after Winter Break!). Then, suddenly, it’s here!
The morning alarms stop. No more packing lunches. The calendar is less packed. For a brief moment, the house feels different.
But for my family (with two teens), our summers aren’t quite as slow and carefree as they used to be.
They’re old enough to have their own plans but still young enough to need rides, reminders, and occasionally a nudge out of bed before noon.
My “Little” Man is looking forward to football camps, practices and independence. He’s even starting his first job next week! My Little Ladybug is playing softball, finding her own interests and growing up faster than I’d like to admit.
As for me…summer becomes a season of balancing:
- Giving them freedom while still setting boundaries.
- Letting them sleep in while encouraging responsibility.
- Making memories without forcing family time.
- Watching them grow while wishing time would slow down just a little. (I’m especially feeling this one!)
Since I feel the clock ticking and realizing we only have a limited amount of summers together as a family before they go off to college, I’m really trying to be present for the ordinary moments:
- Random ice cream runs.
- One on one conversations in the car.
- Family movie nights when everyone actually agrees on a movie.
- Watching them become the people they’re meant to be.
Because one day these summers will look very different.
So this summer, I’m choosing to embrace the in-between. To enjoy the somewhat slower days, and all the ordinary moments that make this season special. Because while I can’t slow time down, I can be present for it.
And maybe that’s what this season is really about—not creating a perfect summer, but appreciating the one we’re living right now.
With Love and Aloha,
Lacy
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