Summer Love

Growing up I hated summertime. HATED. I had a strong dislike for bugs, being hot, sweating, feeling dirty - all of this made me dread summer. Back then my family lived in crazy-humid Dayton, Ohio which didn't help!

In the past couple of years I have found myself enjoying the outdoors more and more - I even LOVE summer and so many things about it. I look forward to warm days, the sun on my face and the breezy, cool summer Colorado nights. I'm not sure what evolved, but I look forward to the few months of warmth. Maybe because of my tendency to suffer from low iron - I STAY cold in the winter - that might be the #1 reason I can say I love summer.

There are plenty of things to dislike about summer - I know, I had a running list very recently - but there are so many wonderful things! Just knowing we're almost in July makes me sad because the summer is moving too fast! Although I must say I'm an 85-degree kind of girl...much warmer than that and I'm seeking shade!

What do you love about summer? Here are a few things I've thought of over the last few days since my daughter was finally set free from school ;) JUNE 22 no less!

- Fresh fruit/veggies that tastes best in summer months
- Going barefoot (I detest shoes if they can be avoided)
- Freedom from schedules
- Family trips
- Green grass
- Sitting in front of our house watching butterflies visit our flowers
- Sitting in front of our house with friends/family/a book or magazine
- Sitting in front of our house bright and early with a tasty cup of coffee
- Spending time in the mountains with my family
- Driving with my windows down singing a fun song while the wind blows through my hair
- Farmers Markets
- Sitting out on the deck for lunch with the kids
- Beautiful colors that make our state "Colorful Colorado"
- Our wedding anniversary...of course!
- The smell of food on the grill
- The leisurely state of mind most people seem to take on
- Playing in the sprinklers with the kids
- LEMONADE...especially if it's Strawberry Lemonade!
- Lighter eating habits
- Summer rain
- Going sleeveless, summer dresses, sandals, flip-flops
- Waking to a SUNNY morning and the later sunset

Need I go on? Yes, I most definitely love summer and try to enjoy something on this list every day. I know, for sure, the dark fall is coming soon enough. At least I can say, come October, I fully enjoyed my summer! I hope you are too!