The last day of the month is upon us... where did June go?  Independence Day is here though which is my favorite holiday of the year.  In our neighborhood we celebrate with several activities; an adult softball game, kids catch frogs in a local pond and have a frog jumping contest, a parade with oodles of bikes, pets, and even floats, followed by a community picnic that draws close to 500 people.  In the back of my head I know this is when we begin the down slide of summer.  I've been told Hallmark stores will be bringing out the Christmas ornaments soon, and I'm sure if I looked hard enough I could find Halloween costumes.  I'm not looking though.  I'm focusing on the sunshine and swimming pool.  Back to school season is first.   I'm taking these one event at a time!

Children in our area of the country are pouring out of the school house doors and looking for summer fun.  Swimming pools, sprinklers, vacations, summer camps, you name it.  As a parent of 4 children, I often start summer with trepidation in trying to find ways to keep everyone occupied, and not "plugged in" to electronics.  Come August, I will reflect on how fast it really passed and remind myself that next summer I won't feel that way (though I always do).  My goal this summer is to relax and enjoy each day. This is tougher than it sounds!  With one broken arm in the family already (swing set dismount gone bad), we are being creative in finding ways to pass the time.  In the grand scheme.... all is good!