I love summer

The list of things I love about summer is long.  Very long.  So here is a short list.  Actually, I may have to do it in installments.  Today it's all about my backyard.   

That bokeh there in the fire pit?  That is on the list.  Our fire pit is on old washing machine basin and if you let your eyes relax and watch the firelight dance through the little perforations, it is really mesmerizing and quite beautiful.  Also on the list are: 

• Outdoor dining.  
• Lighter dinners.  
• A surprisingly delicious Sauvignon Blanc, but then again, Sanford can do no wrong.    
• S'mores!  
• Apricots.  Tons and tons of apricots.  
• Chloe's crazy outfits. 
• Twinkle lights. 
• Exploring at night with flashlights. 
• Watching for fruit bats; creepy and cool. 
• Neighbors over on a Monday night. Til ten!

And here's to finally feeling inspired instead of intimidated when I receive a compliment on my blog.  It's a strange thing, I know, but I usually feel stifled when someone tells me they enjoy my blog; I am unable to write for several days.  But tonight something clicked with me and I was inspired to sit down and write instead of running to hide.  Little victory.  

I'd love to hear your summer faves!  

strawberry festival

Last week was crazy with last day of school activities, making gifts for teachers, etc.  Mixed in were play dates and a new workout regimen for me. The week flew by, then I threw a barbecue to celebrate my husband's birthday to finish it off.  

This week is our one with fewer plans, before the summer schedule starts up with swim lessons, soccer and more fit camp for me.  We went to California Adventure to check out The Little Mermaid-Ariel's Undersea Adventure.   It was pretty cool.  I found it rather odd that there is zero water on the ride.  I don't know if it's not cost-effective or what the reason is, but it seems a water feature should be a given with an Undersea Adventure, no?  Chloe didn't seem to mind one bit, she actually squealed with delight.  So we are giving it two thumbs up.  Or as Chloe would say, "It's a yes for me."  We been watching a lot of So You Think You Can Dance, and she has picked up on that phrase.  For only being open a week or two, the wait wasn't bad at just under an hour.

So, I've yet to figure out what my routine will be for blogging this summer, but I want to be here.  Summer is my favorite season, so I'm sure I will have some happy times and crafts to share.

I bought a couple workbooks for Chloe at the dollar store last week, and she has already completed both of them.  I went back today and bought six more.  I have a new-found love for the dollar store, it's not good for a lot of things, like toothbrushes or things you want to last for a long time.  (smirk)  But for workbooks, party decor, or a quick reward for a four-year-old who sits nicely and cheers you on while you do a boot camp style workout for forty-five minutes?  It's kinda perfect.

Memorial Day weekend we went to the Strawberry Festival in Garden Grove; some pictures from our day.