Welcome Fall

August was fast and often furious. My children left wreckage in my house and yard and some in my parenting soul. Truthfully, there was fighting. And yelling. And tears and mean words. And I'd be lying if I said it was just the kids. The end of summer brought my temper to a rolling boil after weeks of simmering over sassy mouths and quick fists. I am OVER vacation. I bought an alarm clock and a new vacuum and I am ready for Fall. But lest I throw our proverbial baby out with its bathwater, August had it's happy, happy too...

It was hotdogs in the back yard.

Baseball with Nana and Papa

with fireworks for dessert.

It was the county fair with Grandma and Grandpa.

It was making new friends

and chilling with ones established.

And some just hanging around.

Now the pool is down and evening comes a little quicker. The weather, after a horribly sticky last hurrah, has turned suddenly cool and dreary. I am another year older according to the weekend's calendar, though I have to stop and think to say how old that is. The boys start school tomorrow. I alternate between making lists, breathing deeply and giddy excitement over us all getting some much needed space. I'm glad it's cool. I'm glad for new sneakers and jeans. For new routine and new focus.

Hello Autumn, good to see you.