A sampling of the many signs of summer this weekend. And this is just the beginning! With that, here is the start of my summer to-do list:
It's inevitable. Every year, I get to a point when I'm just ready for Summer (or an unseasonably warm Spring). I've hit that point way too early this year. To fight the rainy, gray weather blues, I reminisce of tropical vacations. Hands down, my favorite tropical vacation was Hawaii with Stephers back in 2009. Aww, the beaches. The cocktails. The warm sun. The snorkeling. The relaxation. The surfing. The naked baby. (Our daily beach visit was always at the same time as an adorable little family with the cutest little baby - and she mostly ran around in her diaper or just butt naked. Adorbs.) You guys, it was magical.
I like boats. So when I got a last minute email from Autumn to meet her down the street to take out Ryan's company boat a few weeks ago, I was all smiles. We slowly motored around, from South Lake Union to Ballard, enjoying the late Summer sun, wine, grapes, cheetos (keeping it classy... and healthy) and eventually docked up at Fisherman's Terminal for dinner. I'm a big fan of unexpected adventures, especially when they involve soaking up the verrrry last bit of summer, so this fun, little outing was a delight. Eventually I'll accept that we've reached Fall, but looking through these pictures again make me want to go back in time! Summer 2012, I'm expecting big things. Fall 2011, I'm ready, let's do this.
I've told you time and time again, how much I love me some picnics! So when there was talk about a Friday evening picnic last week, I was all over that. Bring on the grilling, sun, fun people and Straube's amazing peach cobbler shortbread bars! Of course, we also had a special guest appearance from Zeke, who could not get enough of the local wildlife (read: squirrels). It was a delightful picnic that lasted until dark because we didn't want it to end. Let's do this more often, kapish?
Last night marked the first picnic of the summer season. It is one of my favorite summer activities - good food, good people watching, warm sun and most of all, good company. Last night we threw in some soccer with our newly purchased soccer ball, but sometimes Frisbee is fun and other times Yahtzee is the activity of choice. There is no doubt there will be more to follow because picnics are high on my summer to-do list (which I plan to post soon!). Also, Holden and Stephanie have both told me they are working on their Yahtzee dance - a public display of celebration when you roll a Yahtzee. Needless to say, we get a few looks after our dances.
A couple weekends ago, we went snowshoeing at Snoqualmie Pass, probably for the last time this season. At the time, I was a little disappointed that the snowflakes were damp (not fluffy) and the temperature wasn't near as cold as it's been on past snowshoeing adventures. But then I got to thinking, this means that Spring is closer. I am happy to give up winter and all the snowy adventures it brings, to be able to wear fun sun dresses, retire my winter coat and actually leave work when it's light out.
As I look outside my office window, I can't help but get excited for summer and all of the fun it brings! The sun is out in full force today and there are several sailboats floating aimlessly on the lake. What I would give to be laying out on one of them right now...Anything special on your summer to-do list? Or any idea of things I should add?!
Doesn't this picture seem summery?
