Last days of summer

I have always dreaded the last days of summer. I love the month of August (could it be because that was when I was born?) I love the time spent with the children. I miss them during the school year. I know that is weird. That is what I loved about home school-I didn't go through that separation period that comes with school. I think I miss them more than they miss me really. We try to do lots of family stuff in the summer. Things that we just can't get to during the fall and winter months. I treasure these times. I miss my older children a lot when we go on these excursions. I know we did it with them also, but I like everyone to be together as much as possible. We have had a lot of these little trips this summer. We did not do one long vacation like last year, but had lots of things planned to fill our time. The only part about that is I never really felt unpacked from a trip because we were going on another one soon. But regardless of that small fact it seemed like summer just flew by. I personally have a hard time settling into the whole school routine. I know it is good for the children to have routine but I also think it is good to let that go for a few months. This last week that David was home we went to the zoo and to Mt. St. Helens. The weather for the zoo was perfect. The weather for Mt. St. Helens not so good. As you can tell from the photo we did not get to see the mountain. That part was a real disappointment but the whole rest of the trip was awesome. The bridge that Chloe is looking out over was amazing and scary! There are several of those kind of bridges along that highway but this was the longest one. We spent a lot of time at the first visitors center and we saw lots and lots of elk! We spent time with my dear friend Denise and her family and had a barbecue. She is a great cook and there was lots of good stuff to eat. The zoo was great! We packed a lunch and just had an amazing visit with the animals. We did not get to see the new baby elephant though because it was still getting used to her mama. The kids thought it was cool it was born on my birthday! Tomorrow we go visit Uncle Richie and his family and then really only one last lazy day left on Monday. I am making no plans for the day and we are just going to hang out with the kids and play! Then let school begin and the fall weather come - but for now I am going to have joy in the last days of summer!