17 days

I glanced at the calendar today to see how many days of summer vacation were left and was floored when I realized that there were only 17. That means that I have but 17 days left to fit in a last few fun things to do with the kiddos. My summer has been riddled with a few problems. The entire month of July was one long headache. Not figuratively speaking. I actually had a headache that lasted for an entire month. Luckily, August is finding me not suffering with daily pain. Unfortunately, having daily pain like that is a real downer. I was finding it hard to concentrate on anything beyond the pain in my skull. So perhaps the kids suffered along with me. They did, however, say that this was the "best summer ever" at one point, so maybe that means I didn't fail altogether.

That being said, I'm hoping to amp up my awesome-mom meter and actually DO something with them. One, I want them to have a great last few weeks of vacation. But two, I want to enjoy my last few weeks of having them home with me all day. Truth be told, I've said the words, "I can't wait until school starts again" at least a few times. My guilt for this is heavier than I want it to be. But honestly, I hate it when they aren't with me all day. It's a constant reminder that they are growing up and will eventually not enjoy their days with me any more. One day, they'll be locking themselves in their bedrooms and avoiding my existence like any other normal teenager. And I will miss these days...

Friday movie nights - with stove popped popcorn. 

Fishing with my mom and the kids.

Swimming in the backyard - in the Big Blue Blob.

The 4th of July at the firework show in my home town - when the kids were in awe.

 Drive-in Movie theater. Blankets, snacks and lots of bathroom breaks - with a triple feature.

Thunderstorms with a full bed and Alex sleeping on the floor because he couldn't fit.

Shucking corn with Grandma.

 Playing outside barefoot and fancy free - and sometimes getting along.

 Popsicles after swimming.

Summer baseball - and learning that Alex is actually really good at it.

And all the times in between.