On Dreading August and Enjoying What is Left of Summer

There isn't much July left, guys.  Who even knows where summer went?  And yes, technically there is still the month of August, but August and I don't get along too well.  August is a tease.  August is summer but brings panicky thoughts of back to school, the end of care-free days, the end of life without a schedule.  August is hot and feels like summer but life begins to get busy again, and who can even enjoy it?  Not this girl.  My Henry begins school for the first time in a couple of weeks and to say that I am dreading it would be the understatement of the year.  I don't care for you, August.  Not one little bit.

However, despite this downer of an introduction, we really have been having a wonderful summer.  We have been enjoying our fair city and love living in Milwaukee!  We made a list of things we wanted to do this summer and have had fun checking them off the list, slowly but surely.  One of those things was visiting a local brewery and taking a tour there.  The brewery holds a Friday night fish fry that we tried after our tour.  Local polka bands play and everyone sits together at long tables that span the room.  This was our second time going and each time Jason and I say we would like to bring our parents there someday.  Hear that, Mom?

We bought a canoe for our anniversary and took up camping.  Having never really envisioned myself as a camper, I am enjoying it.  How can I not when my three boys love it so?  Also, there really is nothing like being on the water in our canoe.  One of our most favorite dates early in our relationship was when we went canoeing down the Mecan River.  We've wanted one ever since!

Our garden is coming along nicely.  We've been enjoying tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, green peppers, onions, cucumbers, and carrots as well as our herbs.   

The boys have been enjoying the Olympics and have been having fun trying to participate in as many events as they can in our backyard.  I'm quite thankful we don't have cable and can't view any boxing or we would be in trouble.  They've memorized the Olympics songs and hum them constantly.  Go USA!

Finally, my Mom, sisters, and I have been busy prepping and planning for a baby shower for our youngest sister Amelia.  She is expecting a baby boy in October.  We're so excited and continue to pray for a healthy mama and baby boy.

I'm debating joining in on the fun for Fat Mum Slim's Photo A Day Challenge for the month of August.  Have any of you participated in that?  I am wondering if it is exciting at first but becomes a hassle after awhile?  I'd probably start off strong but end up failing miserably like most things in life (ahem- piano, card making, running...).  I'll let you know what I decide!

Thanks for sticking with me despite my lack of presence here lately.  Honestly, you're the best readers.  I'll be back soon.  In the meantime, fill me in on what you've been doing lately.  I'd love to hear!